Xin Chao

A talented Houston team combined their culinary gifts to give birth to Xin Chao restaurant. MasterChef winner and owner of The Blind Goat, Christine Ha joined forces with Saigon House’s Tony J. Nguyen to create a tasty menu that offers a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

As second generation Vietnamese-Americans, Christine and Tony pay homage to their heritage, relying on family recipes infused with regional flavors that confirm their connection to Texas. A featured main dish, braised pork and crispy rice, is a childhood favorite of both Chefs Christine and Tony. And this pork belly entree was a winner for Christine during her stint on MasterChef.

Other notable items on the menu include: Nguyen-er Nguyen-er, a fried chicken dinner Vietnamese style, and One Fish Redfish, a deboned Gulf Coast redfish, dressed with soy mirin sauce. Diners can choose from a mouthwatering list of sides and starters to complement any meal, including soft-shelled crab with tamarind gastric reduction; smoked duck salad with purple cabbage, jackfruit, walnuts, and ginger; grilled oysters with roasted peanuts, lime and pork cracklings; and egg rolls made from both of their mom’s recipes with an extra dash of attitude from the two chefs. 

Xin Chao, which means “hello” in Vietnamese welcomes guests to a contemporary, redesigned space featuring an original mural by Houston-based artist Caroline Troung, plus a spacious patio for dining al fresco.

Xin Chao is located at 2310 Decatur, Houston, TX 77007 and open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8:00 p.m. brunch and dinner.