With lunch specials, chef’s specials and a five-page regular menu, the Spring Branch District’s Tai Kee Restaurant has something for everyone.

But, wait, there’s more! There is also a special board behind the counter. And another one on the wall. It’s going to take a minute to decide with all of these options, so be prepared.

On a recent Saturday, we decided to stop in at the restaurant at Kempwood and Campbell for some takeout. We couldn’t decide what to order so decided to walk in and peruse the menu. And, yes, it took a bit. The kind and patient lady took our order for Mì Xào Dòn Thâp Câm (crispy pan fried egg noodles with meat and seafood), the Pepper Steak combo (which comes with shrimp fried rice and a soda for just $7.75) and crab cheese puffs (found on the list of specials behind the counter).

While we waited, we decided to pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty just outside.

State of Liberty? Yup. Tai Kee is located next door to the Spring Branch District’s very own replica of Lady Liberty, located in front of Miami Garden Apartments.

Kyle Pierson, owner of The Branch in SBMD, recently said that visiting Tai Kee made him feel like he was back in Queens. But that was because of the food not the landmarks, according to his Facebook post. “They make the absolute BEST pork fried rice,” he said.

“This place is an amazing find if you’re craving cheap, quality and deliciously tasting Vietnamese-Chinese food,” said one reviewer on Yelp who said he used to eat at Tai Kee as a child. “Last week, I had a craving for stir fried noodles and was near the area so I decided to place an order for pick up. I’m so glad I did that because it was everything I remembered and then some!”

The food will bring on flashbacks for some and so will the prices. When our takeout order arrived, we received a mountain of food for a low, low price.

If you choose to eat there, Tai Kee is BYOB and provides plenty of space for social distancing.

Lunch specials are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are all either $6.50 or $6.75 for the entree, fried rice or steamed rice and an egg roll.

The Chef’s Special Combos, which — as mentioned — are only $7.75, are available every day 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Please note: Tai Kee is closed on Wednesdays.)

The pepper steak was yummy and came with loads of fried rice on the side. We could barely finish the crab cheese puffs split between the two of us as the container was filled to the brim for only $6.

So, next time you find yourself driving by the Statue of Liberty in the Spring Branch District, be sure to stop by and visit our friends at Tai Kee.

Tai Kee
9550 Kempwood Dr.
Houston, TX 77080
713.460.3549