Kiran A.
Yelp
I've now been to this place twice. Typically, I like to visit a restaurant three times before leaving a review. This way, I'm not just guiding folks with my words but ensuring the restaurant has been consistent--especially when recommending specific dishes. With Turan, I'll be limiting my visits to two.
I wanted to love this place. Uighur food is rare in Houston, and we used to have an outstanding spot recognized by the Houston Press. Sadly, that closed during Covid, much to my disappointment. So, I was excited to try Turan. I remembered loving the Uighur flavors I'd experienced before--savory and smoky lamb, spicy beef, and rice noodles with that perfect balance of chew and bite.
For my first visit, I made a reservation since I was going with a group of friends. Turns out, ressies weren't needed; we were seated immediately. The staff here are incredibly nice and genuinely helpful. On my second visit, it was clear they were understaffed. Our server seemed harried but still managed to be attentive, which I appreciated.
Over the course of two visits, I've tried the Fried Rice Noodles, Samsa, Uyghur Laghman, Gosh Naan, Dumplings, and Beef Fried Rice. Unfortunately, on both occasions, I noticed that all the meats and flavors were remarkably similar across dishes. There wasn't much to set them apart. The Dumplings were good--not something I'd go out of my way for. Everything else? Neither memorable nor worth ordering again.
To be fair, the dishes looked beautiful when they arrived and smelled promising, but the flavors didn't deliver. The portions are generous, but we found that one lamb dish was more than half onions with only a few bits of lamb sprinkled in. What's more, after both visits, some of my dining companions had stomach issues the next day. While I didn't have this problem, it's worth noting--especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
I want to be transparent: I love that Houston has a Uighur restaurant, and I truly hope more follow. This place is worth a try, because everyone's tastes are different, but I don't see myself returning or recommending it to others.