ShanShan Su opened Mimi Garden TX in December to offer 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, flavor, and quiet joy come together; a secret worth sharing,” Su said.
What's special about it
Originally from China, Su said he first came to The Woodlands seeking a sense of belonging. After finding 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 filled 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 flavor and texture. Our dough starts with high-quality flour, and every ste—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 the future, Mimi Garden owners hope to expand as a small chain with four or five locations to share their Chinese dumplings with other communities.
Features Reporter
Jovanna joined Community Impact as a reporter in July 2023. As a features reporter, she covers the North Houston area, including Cy-Fair, Tomball, The Woodlands, Conroe, Spring-Klein and the Lake Houston area. She graduated from Sam Houston State University in December 2021 where she majored in mass communication with a focus in multiplatform journalism and a minor in creative writing, and served as a writer for the campus newspaper, The Houstonian. When she is not writing, Jovanna enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and fitness.
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