Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Shanghai Inn

    3.2 (91 reviews)
    InexpensiveChinese, Seafood, Noodles
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Shanghai Inn Takeout or Delivery

    Shanghai Inn Photos

    Business Info

    SHANGHAI INN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Shanghai Inn

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Exterior
    Fabian R.

    Nice and easy lunch stop for the day. The owner was very helpful and social. I ordered the house special rice 10.99 and bbq pork 7.99. I was expecting more pork for $8 but it is what it is. The food was hot and only took 15 min per usual somehow.

    Poultry section of menu (2018)
    Lou C.

    You know why I have not written a review after so many years? I really want to collect enough dining experience here. Yesterday, I was craving for noodle soup but don't feel like fighting the traffic to my usual restaurants 2 miles away. My coworkers always ask me about Shanghai Inn restaurant. To be honest. I don't find the food here delicious. But since it's far away from Chinatown, I have to say just okay. I'd rather go to Panda Express for Americanized Chinese food or Mambo Seafood for shrimp fried rice. I don't have a strong stomach to experiment lunch at Shanghai Inn. I've been here a couple of times when I stayed at Studio 8 next door over a decade ago. I didn't like it then. But I'm willing to try again for my coworkers. Last time I was here 4 years ago I ordered noodle dish called ja chan mien 炸酱面. I ordered a noodle soup yesterday. They had similar runny gravy. Sorry, not my style. Then, the meats had absurd taste. The only thing saved this review from being a 1 star was the eggroll. I considered it authentic to Mandarin cuisine standard that I'm accustomed to. It's a popular lunch spot for some in Northwest side of town and Highway 290. But you just come here to eat food and don't use the bathroom. That was the tiniest men's restroom I've ever seen. Urinal was right in front of a door of one toilet. Another toilet was in front of tiny sink from last century. The sink was wet. I figured there must be running water. But I can't turn on the faucet to save my life. **63rd review of 2018**

    Jake S.

    I went in it took maybe 2 minutes for me to get my order taken, though the man who took my order was patient and kind. I waited roughly 5 minutes, I'd say for my food. I ordered the Shrimp Lo mein and egg roles, and both are absolutely delicious, this is my first time in Houston and I very well will come back here again next time I am craving Chinese! (:

    General chicken

    General chicken. Taste was okay but I've had better. I couldn't eat anymore after seeing pink chicken. They also made my order wrong. I asked for an order of veggie rolls because they said they had them and I asked for steamed rice instead of fried rice. They gave me fried rice and a side of steamed rice. I don't think I can go back. Also they have remodeling going on and has a heavy cigarette smell. I should've walked out in that moment

    walnut shrimp

    Last week, my company ordered " office lunch" for us. I was so impressed. They gave us a large portion with our budget. Then this week, I want to try their " dine-in" food. We ordered the shrimp and sha cha beef dinner special with wonton soup. The walnut is crispy and sweet. The wonton is full of meat. The only thing I don't really like is the fried rice which comes with the diner special. If you want to eat yummy and fresh fried rice, you'd better order the fried rice entree, not the side order.

    A few weeks ago, me and my coworker had lunch over there. I was referred by her. I ordered the kung pao chicken. It tasted great. For the majority of the American, the taste is the authentic Chinese food, so my coworker likes it. For Asia people, the taste is kind of Chinese mixed with America. My coworker ordered the shrimp with walnut and house special fried rice. The walnut is crispy, the fried rice was tasty and large portion (for lunch special price, it is really worth the price. it comes with soup, rice and egg roll!)

    Ordered food for pickup. Taste good and big portions. The lady was very helpful and very nice! The price is $1 higher than before, but the portion is big enough for my family. For me, it worth the money. No sure why the review is only three stars, but it should be higher than that! I will definitely refer this restaurant to my friends. The curry shrimp is very tasty (better than I expect. I only ordered curry chicken before). The beef and scallops are taste good too. Shanghai inn has lots of items on the menu, except g. tso chickien, lo mein and fried rice, I always try something new and never disappointed me.

    Kung Pao chicken dinner come with rice
    Mel S.

    This place is great for Chinese on the run. All of the chicken dishes are made with chicken breast which is a huge plus. Everything is plated well & cooked fresh, served hot. The sauces have good flavor & the portions are large. Definitely enough to share for two. It's overall the best Chinese in the area.

    Mapo tofu with a side of huge roach!

    Never order from this place. There was a whole ass huge roach in my food!! Thank God I checked before I ate. Shut this place down!!!

    General Tso Chicken (Left) Orange Chicken (Right)
    Robert S.

    I Used To Eat Here All The Time For Lunch. I've Had The Entire Lunch Menu. I Suggest The "Pressed Chicken w/ Fried Rice". The Prices Are Really Good, The Portions Are Very Large, And The Food Is Prepared Quickly. I Dined In Once, The Dine-In Experience Is Not As Good As The Takeout Experience. I Think The Good Even Taste Better Takeout. Dine-In The Food Seemed Rushed. Not To Mention They Have Cocktails On The Menu, But They Do Not Serve Cocktails. I Will Go To This Place A Thousand Times Again, But Only For Lunch.

    N4. Shanghai Inn Special Pan Fried Noodles N4. Shanghai Inn Special Pan Fried Noodles

    See all

    4 months ago

    Person at the front was rude before we even had a moment to sit down. Sarcastic and condescending. Not a way to run a business.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Max O.
    0
    45
    20

    7 months ago

    I thought the service was excellent, the place is like any old school Chinese restaurant. The food was really good. 2 thumbs up.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Their pressed chicken is fabulous! Portions are super generous. The lunch specials can't be beat. The hostess is very welcoming.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    this food was terrible I threw up 3 times so every time I took a but do not order the beef and broccoli or sweet and sour pork.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mel S.
    1256
    476
    4080

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of K D.
    0
    1
    2

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yihai W.

    Yihai W.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robert S.
    127
    74
    223

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yihai W.

    Yihai W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yihai W.

    Yihai W.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pamela P.
    47
    173
    10

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    The lunch special is delicious Great place to eat at and very nice service. I ordered chicken lo mein the noodles are good

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of P H.
    0
    14
    9

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Ordered food and it was never delivered. Attempted to reach the driver, who had called me and didn't receive a response.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yihai W.

    Yihai W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Savanna C.
    154
    19
    12

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrew G.
    16
    91
    70

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    I've been going here for over 25 years and it has been delicious and one of the most consistent places I eat at.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David N.
    3
    107
    108

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kenny P.
    109
    39
    54

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Shanghai Inn

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Chinese 27,960 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Northern Pasta 北方面食 - ig: @whatsviveating  |  oil splashed noodle with beef

    Northern Pasta 北方面食

    4.3(162 reviews)
    10.7 miChinatown, Sharpstown
    $$

    Wow!!! The noodles here are some of the best I've ever had. They are hand pulled, thick, chewy. The…read moreoil splashed noodles are incredible--not only are the noodles excellent, the flavor is rich and addictive with umami and subtle spice. We also loved the pork and leek dumplings and Chinese breakfast items (sweet soy bean milk, deep fried dough). Don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu--homey, authentic Chinese food. Self order at cash register area, self seating. Awesome prices. Limited indoor seating.

    Their advertisement pictures on the store front's glass got me drooling so I wanted to check it out…read morewith my boyfriend, also I'm a huge fan of northern chinese food because it's my mom's hometown. The got nice wall art too, depicting the popular dishes from the north so I had my expectation and hopes up. Service is ordinary, she speaks little English but can get by ordering, we order first at the counter the sit anywhere. Braised egg is 2 for $3.50, salty but expected since it's marinated. Came out steaming hot, and yolk was not overly cooked and dry, not bad. Starting with the Chinese hamburger I felt sad and know not to expect too much from the other dishes we ordered. First the meat look different than what others have posted before, and it was kinda dry and too salty to eat. There was no other spice, only the meat juice flavor. The bun they use was stale to eat. Traditional way of making this should be the flaky oily pancake, or at least make the buns softer to eat. The mutton stew was clear and very heartwarming to drink on a cold day. But the portion is super small for the price. The glass noodles were gone in literally two bites. I had none to share with my boyfriend. This dish come with the burger bun too that you can soak them in the soup so I guess this is the extra carb make up for the less noodles. Oil splash noodle is their specialty? It was good but didn't wowed me. Noodles are chewy and well cooked, came with lots of bean sprouts. The sauce is flavorful and actually not too oily which I enjoyed more. You can add the beef for an extra charge, it's the regular braised beef, was just ok. I find it funny that their all food arts on the wall look nothing like the actual way they serve it.

    Photos
    Northern Pasta 北方面食 - Inside (chairs put up at 3pm, but can bring them back down if needed)

    Inside (chairs put up at 3pm, but can bring them back down if needed)

    Northern Pasta 北方面食 - Beef noodle soup

    Beef noodle soup

    Northern Pasta 北方面食 - Lamb soup.

    See all

    Lamb soup.

    Hu's Cooking

    Hu's Cooking

    4.5(1.1k reviews)
    12.4 miWest University, Braeswood Place
    $$

    $20-30 We ordered the 3 shrimp egg rolls, beef and broccoli,…read moreand the walnut shrimp. Everything we had was delicious. We highly recommend giving it a try. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 Noise level Quiet, easy to talk Parking space Somewhat difficult to find parking Parking options Free parking lot

    Look no further for authenticity, flavor, and complexity in Chinese cooking near the med center!…read more Though we opted for more "simple" dishes during this experience, you can judge a place by if they can do their simple dishes well. The mapo tofu is one of the best we've had outside of Bellaire with spicy, savory, numbing, and warmth that you expect from a good mapo tofu. Crispy popcorn chicken is a classic that's spicy, lightly fried, and crisp. It has an authenticity that other places around can't replicate and makes you keep craving more. The portions are also appropriate for their price. Service is incredibly quick, and you can order as you go and receive your dish within 10-15 minutes, regardless of how busy they are. As for the ambiance, it's loud, it's hectic, and it's simple... maybe a stretch, but makes me feel like I'm eating at a mom and pop shop in the heart of China. This place is definitely a go to if I'm convincing a friend of Houston's great food scene! Rating: 4.5/5

    Photos
    Hu's Cooking - Spicy chicken, clear noodles with red pepper sauce, and stir fried green beans

    Spicy chicken, clear noodles with red pepper sauce, and stir fried green beans

    Hu's Cooking - Open til 11:00pm on Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat

    Open til 11:00pm on Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat

    Hu's Cooking

    See all

    Xing’s Kitchen

    Xing’s Kitchen

    4.3(79 reviews)
    19.1 mi
    $$

    I love Xing's Kitchen. Whenever I find myself in Sugar Land, it's my go to for Chinese, mainly…read morebecause I love the Shanxi oil noodle which is the best I've had. I swear it's just one really long hand made noodle, so it's a bit hard to share, but it's a must-get. We also tried the Claypot noodle and it was good as well but a bit of an acquired taste. The restaurant is located inside Jusgo grocery store. The seating is quite limited so I wouldn't recommend it for large parties. And it's pretty mom and pop, so if that's your jam, go for it. Chairs are mismatched, drinking water is somewhat self-service in small cafeteria-style plastic cups, and tables are small. Like I said - mom and pop, and that's not a bad thing. It's just not exactly a place where you would have a nice business meeting. Service was ok - nothing to note. You pay at the cashier which is like 2 feet from where you ate. Yes, it's a small space. Overall - I love this place and will keep coming back.

    The restaurant is quaint and you basically seat yourself. The waitress brings you water and…read moreutensils. The Shanxi oil noodle is still the best in town with perfectly chewy noodles with the most well balanced sauce. I decided to try the claypot noodle with crisp pork which arrived piping hot with excellent flavor and the same hand pulled thick noodles. The soup was very well seasoned and paired well with the noodles, but I'm not certain that I would get it again since their other dishes are so spectacular.

    Photos
    Xing’s Kitchen - Interior / ig: @joyyeats

    Interior / ig: @joyyeats

    Xing’s Kitchen - Henan lamb stewed noodle / ig: @joyyeats

    Henan lamb stewed noodle / ig: @joyyeats

    Xing’s Kitchen - Outside

    See all

    Outside

    Hi Trendy Dumpling - General Tso's Chicken

    Hi Trendy Dumpling

    4.4(430 reviews)
    9.7 miThe Heights
    $$

    Everything was great! The soup dumplings were superb. The chicken steak fried rice was tasting like…read moreback home in Chicago. The lo mein looks basic but I promise it was so tasty! The ambiance there has a calm relaxing feel to it. It might be located in a basic parking lot but don't be fooled this place was a great find for

    I recently visited this restaurant and unfortunately had a disappointing experience, mainly due to…read morethe service. When our server first came to the table, there was no greeting or welcome. She immediately asked what we wanted in a rude tone, which set an uncomfortable atmosphere from the start. There was a sign on the table advertising a "free appetizer" if you take a photo and tag the restaurant on social media. I followed the instructions exactly as stated, but when I mentioned it, the server initially refused to honor the promotion. After I pointed out the sign, she appeared upset and walked away. I saw she went to speak to another employee and cracked a smiled and looked over. She later returned and offered a small discount instead. The issue wasn't about the money or the discount, it was the principle. The promotion was clearly advertised, and I simply followed the restaurant's own policy. It was disappointing to feel like the restaurant was reluctant to honor something they were actively promoting. I hope management addresses this because customer service and consistency with advertised promotions make a big difference in the overall dining experience.

    Photos
    Hi Trendy Dumpling - Interior

    Interior

    Hi Trendy Dumpling - Biang Biang Noodle.  Ig: @absofreakinglutelyyummy

    Biang Biang Noodle. Ig: @absofreakinglutelyyummy

    Hi Trendy Dumpling - Braised chili oil fish

    See all

    Braised chili oil fish

    Shanghai Inn - chinese - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...