Although Houston may not be renown for its Asian culture, for visitors or residents of Houston that are interested in pursuing it, there are several notable attractions. Houston's first Chinese grocer opened downtown in 1926; since then, Asian establishments have opened all over the city, offering a variety of food, shopping, and forms of entertainment.
Less of a mall than an indoor city, sprawling Hong Kong City Mall attracts residents from the surrounding neighborhoods that are in search of ethnic food and shops. More than 50,000 tourists visit annually for vittles, treats, and to observe the games of Go in the food court. The mall supplies kitchen staples, clothes, and pop culture merchandise from Asian countries, while residents of Houston from all backgrounds come here for the bubble tea shops, hard-to-find produce and spices, and cheap, authentic food. Ocean Palace is a special draw as the city's largest server of dim sum.
Hong Kong City Mall
11201 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77072
Jade Buddha Temple serves Chinese Buddhists in southwest Houston and is an operating monastery for Buddhist monks and nuns. The temple was opened by the Texas Buddhist Association in 1989 to provide religious services, education, and cultural events to the community. The contemplative design of the property includes traditional Chinese architecture and a lotus pond. While the temple's events are mostly in Chinese, the English Dharma Group offers non-Chinese speakers opportunities to visit and participate in yoga, meditation, and discussion every Sunday morning.
Jade Buddha Temple
6969 Westbranch Drive
Houston, TX 77072
281-498-1616
jadebuddha.org (Chinese)
edge.jadebuddha.org (English)
Nestled within Hermann Park, the Japanese Garden is a meditative landscape of bridges and rolling boulders imitating the terrain of Japan. Unlike the rest of bustling Hermann Park, bridal photographers, stroller parties, and soccer balls are all prohibited. The trails of this park-within-a-park convene at a small tea house that was made in Japan.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
713-845-1000
hermannpark.org
The annual Japan Festival circles around Hermann Park's reflection pool just outside the gates to the Japanese Garden and is a celebration of the food and culture of Japan. Over 20,000 people attend the Japan Festival to witness martial arts exhibitions, tea ceremonies, and folk dancing. Hands-on entertainment is provided through demonstrations of bonsai, Japanese flower arranging, and activities for children. Chefs from Houston's bustling restaurant scene provide sushi and other popular Japanese fare. One stirring highlight of the festival is the booming of the Taiko drummers.
Japan-American Society of Houston
4801 Woodway Drive, Ste.140E
Houston, TX 77056
713) 963-0121
jashouston.org
