Best Quality Daughter
Restaurant · North River District ·
Asian fusion cuisine in a funky, restored house with creative dishes
Asian fusion cuisine in a funky, restored house with creative dishes
"The first thing we noticed about Best Quality Daughter is the irreverence, starting with the classical-looking Chinese art that’s actually flipping us a middle finger. Somewhere in there is a metaphor for the food: something like Asian fusion that folds in Texans’ affinity for cheese in all forms. There are corn cheese spring rolls served with frothy salsa, or mochi-wrapped cheddar hush puppies that ooze with gooey orange goodness. The crunchy-but-not-greasy fry on the salt-n-pepper shrimp reminds us of East Texas seafood diners if the Gulf catch also included thai chilis. Wash it all down with a boozy boba tea—we like the Thai tea flavor for a caffeine boost to keep the night going." - Kris Seavers
"Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin is the mastermind behind Best Quality Daughter, an Asian American hit that established her reputation prior to opening Jue Let." - ByKate Kassin
"A restaurant that fuses Chinese-American heritage with Texas upbringing to create personal, hybrid dishes reflecting immigrant narratives and regional flavors." - Regan Stephens
"Born from a series of pop-ups exploring Chinese American identity, this inventive pan‑Asian restaurant from chef‑owner Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin balances concept with playfulness, turning out dishes like Korean corn cheese egg rolls, mochi cheddar hush puppies, dan dan noodles tossed with wagyu guisada, and a drunken noodle dripping in red curry mole. Drinks are just as creative—think boozy boba and cocktails such as a Toki whisky–based concoction with lemongrass and Thai spice bitters—and the dining rooms (including a Victorian veranda and four wallpaper‑wrapped spaces) make for a bright, linger-worthy setting." - Brandon Watson
"As much of an art project as a restaurant, BQD began as a series of pop-ups exploring Chinese American identity. The food, however, never feels academic. Chef and owner Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin turns out witty pan-Asian surprises such as Korean corn cheese egg rolls and dan dan noodles tossed with wagyu guisada. The Victorian veranda has plenty of outdoor seats for lolling away sunny days, but the four Chinoiserie wallpaper-wrapped dining rooms glow brighter." - Brandon Watson