Dining
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Dumpling varieties at the restaurant include the steamed shumai dumplings.
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Among the deep-fried dishes at Mimi Garden TX are the crispy beef rolls ($11) .
Noodle dishes served at Mimi Garden TX include braised beef shank in Szechuan noodle soup ($13) .
JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
COURTESY MIMI GARDEN TX
Mimi Garden TX serves comfort with every dumpling
ShanShan Su opened Mimi Garden TX in December to o er a comforting taste of home and to share the authentic art of Chinese dumpling making in The Woodlands. Rooted in his heritage, the restaurant embraces culinary creativity with handcrafted dumpling and bao dishes, he said. “In Chinese, ‘mimi’ means secret. Our restaurant is nestled in the woods, like a hidden garden waiting to be found; a peaceful retreat where comfort, avor, and quiet joy come together; a secret worth sharing,” Su said. What’s special about it Originally from China, Su said he rst came to The Woodlands seeking a sense of belonging. After nding his calling as a restaurant owner, he said he is focused on applying the same principle he once applied as a factory owner in China, rooted in heart and strategy. At Mimi Garden TX, customers are provided with a relaxed, pressure-free dining experience in a bright space with thoughtfully arranged seating designed for comfort, Su said. “It is like enjoying a meal in a peaceful garden,” manager Vicky Wan said. “Our goal is to let guests fully enjoy the food, the company and the moment.” After establishing a steady stream of loyal guests, Wan said Mimi Garden TX has shared Chinese culture and traditions through special events teaching people how to make dumplings.
The eatery also visits local churches and senior living centers to connect with residents and share joy through food, Su said. On the menu A signature dish at Mimi Garden TX is the xiao long bao, which are delicate soup dumplings lled with savory broth and tender meat, wrapped in a thin, handmade dough. “What makes our dumplings special is not just the technique, but the ingredients and care behind them,” Wan said. “We’re very intentional about the meat we select—always fresh, never frozen, with balanced fat content for the best avor and texture. Our dough starts with high-quality our, and every step—from mixing the dough to shaping each dumpling—is done in-house, by hand.” Other restaurant staples include the crispy beef rolls and the braised beef shank in Szechuan noodle soup. For dessert, the eatery serves swan- shaped pastries, custard buns and pudding. In addition, the restaurant o ers other fare such as stir-fried noodles, fried rice, sauteed vegetables, and favorites such as General Tso chicken and Mongolian beef. Whats’ next In the future, Mimi Garden owners hope to expand as a small chain with four or ve locations to share their Chinese dumplings with other communities.
Mimi Garden serves swan-shaped durian pastry ($12) .
JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Specialties include the pan-fried kurobuta pork dumplings ($14.50) .
JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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8021 Research Forest Drive, Ste. A, The Woodlands www.mimigardentx.com
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION
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