Duck n Bao Opens Newest Location in Rice Village

Fashionistas and foodies, get ready to feast your eyes and your taste buds! The ever-stylish Rice Village has a sizzling new addition: Duck N Bao. This Vietnamese and Sichuan fusion gem is the third jewel in the crown of Grace and Leo Xia, the dynamic duo behind this culinary delight. Known for their impeccable Peking duck and exquisite soup dumplings, the Xias are ready to charm the West University neighborhood with their delectable dishes and sophisticated ambiance.

Located at 5215 Kelvin Drive, Duck N Bao has transformed the space into a modern sanctuary of taste and style. Grace and Leo’s journey from their roots in China to creating this elegant dining haven is a tale of passion and culinary excellence. With their new location, they’ve upped the ante with luxe upgrades, inventive cocktails, and a dining experience that promises to be both chic and welcoming.

“We look forward to meeting our new neighbors and introducing our menus to them,” Grace enthuses. “We have a bit of everything—dumplings from middle China, Sichuan dishes, our delicious roast duck that’s beloved in Beijing—so you can travel around China through the menu without leaving Houston.”

About the Owners

Leo, who moved from Sichuan to the U.S. at 18, honed his culinary skills at his family’s Cajun Cafe & Grill before opening Green Garden in Cypress. Grace, a Beijing native, fell in love with hospitality while working at a sushi and hibachi restaurant during college. Their shared passion led to the birth of Duck N Bao in Cypress in May 2020, followed by a second location near Memorial Park in October 2021. The Rice Village spot is their latest venture, promising an even more refined dining experience.

The Menu

At Duck N Bao, the menu is a delightful journey through China’s rich culinary landscape. Think crispy, triple-cooked short ribs, duck fried rice, and lobster tails prepared two ways. New dishes like black truffle soup dumplings and Sichuan-style rice-battered beef shank offer a fresh twist on classic flavors. Premium upgrades, including lobster mapo tofu and caviar-topped Peking duck, add a touch of indulgence.

Grace’s cocktail creations are not to be missed. From the smoked ‘Dragon’s Breath’ to whimsically named concoctions like Love at First Sight, these drinks are as fun as they are flavorful. Plus, the enhanced tea service featuring premium loose-leaf teas brings a touch of elegance to every meal.

Interiors

The 2600 sq. ft. dining room and 1000 sq. ft. patio are designed with a nod to modern Chinese aesthetics. Dusty blue, deep rose, and midnight blue banquettes, brass accents, and laser-cut pendant lights create a polished yet inviting atmosphere. Richly lacquered wood structures and vibrant art prints add a touch of whimsy and tradition, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The dining room seats 100 guests, with additional patio seating for 22. Guests can enjoy watching the chefs in action through the viewing window, a highlight for kids and foodies alike.

“We hope the restaurant gives off a positive energy when guests walk in,” Grace says. “Right away, they can see the magic of our cooks preparing the dumplings, which is always a big draw for kids and foodies alike. We hope that, combined with our delicious food and warm service, helps to create a memorable Bao in Rice Village is open daily, offering lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends. Street and garage parking are available, and takeaway and delivery orders can be made via DoorDash and Uber Eats.

For more information, visit ducknbao.com or follow @ducknbaohtx on Facebook and Instagram. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the best of Vietnamese and Sichuan flavors in the heart of Houston’s fashionable Rice Village.

Bon appétit!