Emily S.
Yelp
I was so excited to try this branch because I love the Lao Sze Chuan in Bellaire. But wow, this branch was not it. It was one of the worst culinary experiences I've ever had.
I should've known when I looked at the menu and realized the items were completely different from the Bellaire location's menu. I understand that the locations target different audiences, but I expected the flavor profiles of the dishes to be modified - not the entire menu. The menu was so different that I was surprised they were affiliated under the same (national) chain.
For a chain that markets itself as "authentic Szechuan cuisine," this was definitely Americanized Chinese cuisine. And even by Americanized Chinese culinary standards, this food didn't taste good. Dishes that were supposed to be spicy were instead salted to death with no spice and no real flavor depth, and the stir fried vegetables were some of the blandest vegetables I've ever had the displeasure of eating.
To add insult to injury, this was also the most expensive Americanized Chinese cuisine I've ever had (think Panda Express).
My recommendation: in this area, if you want more authentic Chinese food, go to Wanna Bao. If you want Americanized Chinese, go to Rice Box. Otherwise, just drive to the Lao Sze Chuan in Bellaire.