Houston Asia Town’s Must-Try List and Zen Transformation: Diho Square

Diho Square has long been a staple in Houston’s Asia Town—a reliable go-to for everything from casual sushi dates to hotpot nights, dessert runs, and last-minute grocery hauls. But lately, it’s been getting a serious glow-up. Most recently, they unveiled a brand-new zen garden designed by Fao in Design, and it’s transformed the vibe of the plaza.

Located just in front of Kyuramen, the space is calm and peaceful during the day, and at night, it turns into an ambient, softly lit hangout spot. The contrast between the bustling restaurants and the serene garden makes it the perfect place to reset between stops—or just sit with a bubble tea and catch your breath.

When it comes to food, Diho Square delivers. One of the most exciting new additions is Golden Time BBQ, a Chinese skewer restaurant with self-rotating grills built right into the table. Ask the staff to turn on the smoke feature while you cook—it’s a fun little surprise that adds to the experience. The flavors are strong, and the concept feels fresh for Houston.

For sushi, we always recommend Hokkaido. It’s a longtime favorite for good reason. The sashimi slices are thick, the quality is consistent, and the prices are fair. Bonus: they serve free miso soup with your meal, and their hot food menu is highly underrated.

If you’re in the mood for hotpot, head to Shabu En. The space is roomy, the meats are high quality, and the toppings bar is super fresh!

Dessert lovers should make a stop at Paris Baguette, where the cakes are light and airy, and the Sesame Tapioca Bread has become our new obsession. And don’t leave without a quick browse through Miniso—a bright, cheerful shop full of plushies, blind boxes, and snack-worthy finds. It’s a great place to grab a small gift or impulse buy something fun.

With its new garden and always-strong lineup of food and retail, Diho Square continues to grow into a spot that’s more than just a quick bite. It’s becoming a place to spend an afternoon or evening, with something for everyone and plenty of room to explore.

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