It’s about time that someone took care of the Asian food situation in Austin. Wu Chow is now serving Austin’s most authentic, fresh, modern Chinese food in the heart of downtown Austin. The menu isn’t cheap by Asian restaurant standards (the entrees start at $10). You would never see my Taiwanese parents dining at Wu Chow, but it is really, really good.
SEE ALSO: Best Asian Food in Austin
Wu Chow offers dishes representative of all eight styles of Chinese cuisine as well as dim sum service on Saturdays and Sundays. Techniques are traditional and many of the dishes are classic with regional influences sourced from local purveyors and farmers. Both chefs were born, raised and trained in China and incorporate their experience into the menu. Favorites such as Shanghai Soup Dumplings, Salt & Pepper Squid, Yu Xiang Eggplant and Mapo Tofu all have a place on the menu in addition to seasonal specials. The space is clean, modern and sophisticated. Asian influences are subtle, unique and specifically tailored to a worldly palate.
What To Order: Shanghai soup dumplings, Peking duck, mapo tofu, two faced crispy noodles, and twice cooked pork belly.
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Shanghai Soup Dumplings 小籠包
Aka xiao long bao. It doesn’t get any more authentic than this! There’s even an art to consuming soup dumplings. Don’t worry if you haven’t had them before, Wu Chow’s servers are all trained in helping you eat your first one. The trick is to use your chopsticks to pinch the top of the dumpling so you don’t break the skin, as you transfer it to your spoon.
Peking Duck 北京烤鴨
Call ahead to order this off the menu item. The peking duck is served with steamed Chinese pancakes and scallions. The best in Austin.
Seafood Bird’s Nest 海鮮雀巢
Tender squid, shrimp and fish held in a crispy taro shell.
Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐
Mapo Tofu is one of the most popular Chinese dishes from the Sichuan province. Tofu is cooked in a spicy chili-and bean based sauce with minced beef. Best served with hot, steaming rice.
Dry Fried Local Green Beans 乾煸四季豆
Wu Chow sources it’s produce from Niman Ranch, Tenderbelly, Springdale Farms, Johnson’s Backyard, Farm2Table, Vital Farms for never-ever hormone free beef, organic chicken and farm fresh local vegetables.
Wu Chow
500 W 5th St #168
Austin, TX 78701
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