Mold Remediation in Katy, TX

KATY, TX (Covering Katy News) – A lightning strike sparked a large fire at the Grand Fountain Apartments Sunday afternoon, with smoke visible for miles as multiple fire departments responded to bring it under control.

There were no life-threatening injuries but a firefighter and a civilian required medical attention at the scene where they were treated and released.

At the height of the fire, flames were shooting out of the roof of the three-story wooden apartment building in the 23000 block of FM 1093, just west of Highway 99.

The Grand Fountain Apartments are located in unincorporated Katy, but the complex falls within the primary coverage area of the Fulshear Simonton Fire Department, which led the emergency response.

The fire required a multi-agency response due to the size and intensity of the flames. Additional crews from Harris County ESD 48, Community Volunteer, Richmond, Willowfork, and Rosenberg fire departments also responded.

"It started because of a lightning strike, and at the same time we had two other fire calls caused by lightning," said Jason Tharp of the Fulshear-Simonton Fire Department.

He also noted that at least two other departments in the Katy area responded to lightning strikes at about the same time.

Extinguishing the flames proved challenging for firefighters.

"The fire was tricky because it would appear to be out and then it get into the floorboards and pop out in another location," Tharp said.

The fire caused extensive damage to the building. Four apartments were destroyed by flames but the damage extends to all floors.

"The middle of the third floor collapsed onto the second floor, and the whole building has water damage," Tharp said.

The Red Cross is assisting residents who were unable to return to their apartments. Some lost everything.

Traffic delays occurred in the Katy area during firefighting operations.

Fire crews remained at the scene hours after the fire was out, helping with mop-up operations and ensuring that the fire did not rekindle.

Katy, formerly a quiet suburb, has evolved into a vibrant culinary destination on Houston’s western edge with homegrown barbecue joints, big-name Asian restaurant chains, even fine-dining venues. The Asian Town development provides a wealth of options, but there’s also the historic charm of old downtown Katy among plenty of other local favorites. This is a dining ecosystem where neighborhood loyalty meets fearless chef‑driven reinvention.

This guide curates 15 indispensable stops across Katy’s spectrum. Each restaurant brings a sense of place — whether it’s Brett Jackson’s Louie Mueller‑honed pitmaster skills or chef Sherman Yeung’s meditative precision at Tobiuo’s sushi bar. For many Katy residents, there’s no reason to leave their backyard when it comes to dining out.

Note: The Houston Chronicle pays full price for every meal consumed during restaurant visits.

Here are all of the Chronicle's other restaurant guides, in one handy place.

At Aunt Bill’s Soul Food, the scent of smothered oxtails and fried chicken greets you before you reach the front door. This Katy favorite doesn’t rely on gimmicks or flash; it doubles down on the kind of deeply satisfying Southern cooking that feels like a homecoming. The greens are silky, the mac and cheese is baked to a bubbling golden crust, and the cornbread walks the tightrope between sweet and savory. Portions are generous, service is warm, and while the menu rotates, staples including the turkey wings and candied yams rarely miss. The casual setting welcomes you to take your time and maybe add on an order of the peach cobbler on the way out.

Behind Katy Mills Mall just off Interstate 10, co-owners Brett Jackson and Jacqueline Herrera have replicated the neighborhood feel of the original location in this larger version of their wildly successful Central Texas-style barbecue shop. They brought their original, 40-year old pit with them, and built a bigger kitchen that cranks out a dizzying menu of specials in addition to the great brisket, pork ribs and sausage. Keep an eye on their social media for weekly and monthly specials like brisket meatball sub sandwich and brisket enchiladas. The shrimp po'boy, large enough to feed at least two, always sells out. Brett's recently launched a weekend brunch, too; it's terrific.

Dim Sum Box reimagines the dim sum experience with a fast-casual lens. Helmed by Gilbert Fung, son of the legendary Fung’s Kitchen family, this Katy spot delivers familiar Cantonese flavors with some modern touches. There are no roving carts here; instead, guests can order at the counter, then settle in for a greatest hits parade of small plates. The shrimp-and-pork shumai arrive golden and crunchy, thanks to a clever panko crust. Har gow hold their chew under a whisper of steam. And the baked salted egg yolk buns? Pure molten magic. The room itself is light-filled and low-key stylish, echoing the food’s clean presentation

The warmth of a Turkish home kitchen comes alive here with a menu rooted in the kind of cooking that lingers long after the meal ends. Start with the mezze, including silky hummus, smoky baba ghanoush and a bright tabbouleh that cuts through the richness like a squeeze of lemon. The Iskender kebab is the showstopper: tender slices of lamb or beef laid over pita doused in savory tomato butter sauce and finished with a dollop of yogurt that cools and complements in equal measure. Cabbage rolls, tightly packed with spiced rice and ground meat, are both comforting and precise. For dessert? The kunefe, all crisped kataifi pastry and gooey cheese, arrives hot from the oven, syrup-soaked and irresistible. Service is unhurried, gracious, and genuinely welcoming.

Spectacle is part of the service at this buzzy anchor in Katy’s Asian Town. This internationally famed hot pot chain melds precision with showmanship. Customers choose from bubbling broths like fiery Sichuan or soothing mushroom, then tailor their spread from a dizzying list of meats, seafood and handmade noodles (yes, there’s a noodle dance, and yes, it’s worth filming). The DIY sauce bar deserves its own review with extensive selection of condiments, chiles and fresh herbs. What sets Haidilao apart isn’t just the quality — though the beef short rib and housemade fish paste speak for themselves — it’s the unrelenting hospitality. Expect hot towels, hair ties and even phone screen protectors.

Before shutting down during the pandemic, this former Bellaire favorite was known as a destination for Cantonese classics such as rice porridge, wonton noodle soups and Chinese barbecue. Johnny Cheung has taken the reins from his parents since reopening in Katy’s Asian Town last year. The dining room is spruced up and modern, the menu has been pruned, and holiday hours have been modified, but much remains the same. A serving of Peking duck arrives with crisp skin that seems to float above a juicy slice of meat. Some of the same kitchen staff prepare classics like beef chow fun, and even crowd pleasers, like sweet-and-sour chicken, from scratch. The restaurant still takes no short cuts with its popular dishes, including a tofu recipe made by hand churning the soy milk into a delicate custard-like dessert that’s a great bookend to a meal here.

Whether it’s an order of ramen made with citrus-kissed shio or rich tonkotsu, broth tells the story before the first sip. This Tokyo-born chain’s sleek outpost in Katy leans into precision: tonkotsu is simmered for hours until it turns opaque and velvety; shio and shoyu broths that hum with umami. The signature garlic tonkotsu hits like a warm embrace, rich without being heavy, while the yuzu shio offers a citrusy, clean contract. Noodles are springy and toothsome, and toppings — braised pork belly, soft-yolk eggs, marinated bamboo — are balanced, not lost among all the garnishes. Beyond ramen, the izakaya menu surprises: chicken karaage lands crisp and juicy, and the takoyaki are molten-centered, street-style perfect renditions of the octopus snack. The vibe splits the difference between casual and curated, with dark wood accents and an open kitchen that lends the space a hum of energy.

Little Italy is a more casual and affordable option to its older sister Amore in Montrose. Take a tour of Italy with a menu that packs in a variety of salads, handmade pastas, Neapolitan pizza and more. A must order is the cacio e pepe served tableside from a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel. Black truffle pasta is half the price of that at Amore. And find a meaty, decadent bolognese sauce in your choice of gnocchi, lasagna or even pizza. Take the whole family or find a seat at the quaint bar. With only a few months under its belt, this is already a neighborhood gem.

The menu at this newly opened Chinese restaurant in Katy tempts you to sample all its dumpling variations. Challenge accepted. Dumplings with wonton soup, one-bite-sized “thumb buns,” boiled, pan fried, a spicy-and-sour version and of course, the classic xiaolongbao are just some of the options. So bring a group of friends and order freely because the gentle pricing won’t hold you back. You could add fried rice or fried fish filets, but you’re better off inhaling as many dumplings as possible. Still hungry? They sell frozen dumplings to take home (each cradled in a plastic box that resembles a madeline pan to preserve each delicious morsel).

This sleek Katy restaurant is just off Interstate 10, but you wouldn’t know that from the patio that faces a park with a water fountain. There’s a little something for everyone at Pearl & Vine, which gets a lot of customers in the dining room on celebratory occasions or at the bar for happy hour. Start with fan favorites such as mussels, grilled bacon wrapped quail or char grilled octopus. Surprising menu items include a light gumbo and elote caesar, which you can’t knock until you try it. Steak and fresh seafood are the heavy hitters, and you can't go wrong with pizza.

There’s a reason why the late chef Alex Au-Yeung’s Malaysian street food garnered a James Beard semifinalist nomination. The swagger and soul of Phat's menu helped build a following for Katy’s Asian Town with bold, brash flavors that don’t pull punches. The flaky, stretchy roti canai with a rich chicken curry dip is a must-order. Nasi lemak, Malaysia’s national dish, arrives as a still-life of coconut rice, sambal, crispy anchovies and fall-apart beef rendang that simmers for hours in a nasal-clearing mix of spices. From sizzling tofu to slurpable curry laksa, the kitchen refuses to cut corners. The confident service is complemented by a dining room humming with warmth as well as neon-street signs, which are also used in the decor for a newer location in The Woodlands.

The charms are plenty at the two family-run restaurants from Russell and Misty Roegels. The husband-and-wife team pour their passions into a menu known for both classic Texas barbecue traditions augmented by inventive weekly specials including Texified versions of Cuban, Reuben (constructed with house-made pastrami) and fried turkey katsu-style sandwiches. Their in-house sausage program, which includes brisket-filled boudin also distinguishes Roegels from the local barbecue pack. Misty’s sides and desserts are classics, including a bright Texas caviar salad and a boozy banana pudding. Two locations – the original on S. Voss and newer store in Katy with a full bar – make Roegels distinctive barbecue within easy reach.

The made-to-order dim sum morsels, delivered to your table the minute they’re ready, puts Katy Asian Town on the map as a dim sum destination. Much of the seafood items alone are worth a trek: sweet and juicy har gow, steamed shrimp dumplings crimped into bonnets; a version with emerald-green chives showing through the delicate wrapper; even a pearly filet of Chilean sea bass in gingered broth, one of the interesting specials that are always popping up. Getting in is easier than it was in the early days of this Michelin-lauded, Hong Kong-based chain. The only thing that hasn't changed is how good the signature baked barbecued-pork buns still taste.

The team that opened the now-closed Money Cat in Upper Kirby first made a name for themselves in Katy with the inventive Tobiuo. While it may be a sushi restaurant, the menu takes detours with dishes such as short rib mac and cheese or the ube churro dessert. But sticking with more expected dishes, whether it’s the $120 set menu for nine courses or the creative makimono section of the menu with rolls including "hamachi bruschetta," is perfectly fine. It's a family-friendly option with quick, friendly service, too.

This serene spot off the Katy Freeway offers a masterclass in precision built around the Japanese set meal known as teishoku. Each tray arrives with gleaming rice, miso soup that actually tastes like miso, seasonal sides that shift with market finds, and a star protein that anchors the experience. One day it’s a butter-soft salmon belly; another, a wagyu hamburger steak sizzling in its own juices. Chef-owner Bing Huang’s approach is exacting but never fussy. Even the so-called “taco” hand rolls, cheeky in name, are restrained in execution with crispy nori and fresh seafood that’s competitive with top sushi counters in Houston.

Katy Asian Town Restaurants

The various Katy Asian Town restaurants are a vibrant hub of diverse flavors and unique dining. Savor authentic Vietnamese pho at Yummy Pho & Bo Ne, or indulge in delectable Chinese BBQ at Chung Wang BBQ. Dessert lovers will adore Sul Bing Su’s delightful Korean shaved ice.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Cheap Katy Asian Town Restaurants

Experience the intense and unforgettable flavors of Sichuan cuisine at Mala Sichuan Bistro in Katy Asian Town. Prepare for a culinary adventure with dishes showcasing the signature numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns.

Katy Asian Town’s vibrant spot for modern Malaysian street food by James Beard nominee Alex Au-Yeung. Experience bold, authentic flavors with fresh ingredients in dishes like rich beef rendang and flaky roti canai.

Slurp your way to deliciousness at Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle in Katy Asian Town! Indulge in their signature Yunnan-style rice noodles, served in a rich broth with a variety of fresh toppings.

Katy TX Asian Restaurants – Chinese

Sink your teeth into the soft, pillowy perfection of traditional Chinese steamed buns at Caobao Hot Steamy Buns in Katy Asian Town. This casual spot offers a delightful variety of fresh bao filled with savory meats and sweet custards.

Immerse yourself in a no-frills experience reminiscent of China’s vibrant food scene. From perfectly charred crispy pork belly to succulent roasted duck, this is a haven for BBQ aficionados seeking genuine flavor.

This family-friendly spot offers generous portions at affordable prices. Don’t miss their flavorful beef noodle soup and delicious stir-fried chow mein for a taste of classic Cantonese cuisine.

Vietnamese Asian Town Restaurants Katy

Craving authentic Vietnamese flavors in Katy? Corner 99 Viet Kitchen serves up a satisfying menu of fresh pho, vermicelli bowls, and banh mi. Experience the true taste of Vietnam at this local favorite.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Vietnam at Yummy Pho and Bo Ne in Katy Asian Town. Specializing in rich, aromatic pho and sizzling bo ne (Vietnamese steak served on a hot platter), this cozy spot offers a truly satisfying and dynamic dining experience.

GiAu Bar N’ Bites offers an exciting fusion of Vietnamese and Japanese flavors with creative small bites and cocktails. Experience the lively ambiance and unique menu items like their signature Avocado Bomb for a truly memorable evening.

Japanese Restaurants in Katy

Experience the rich and authentic flavors of traditional Japanese ramen at Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya in Katy. Their signature tonkotsu broth, simmered for hours to achieve a creamy perfection, makes for a truly satisfying meal.

Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while indulging in perfectly grilled meats and crispy tonkatsu. Experience a delightful blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist in every bite of their savory teriyaki or iconic donkatsu.

Specialty Katy Asian Town Restaurants

This popular, upscale chain boasts a wide array of delicious soup bases and the freshest ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for group celebrations. Keep an eye out for their unique and entertaining noodle-dancing performances that add a special flair to your dining experience!

This spot is a seafood paradise renowned for its fresh oysters, shrimp, crawfish, and popular Cajun-style boils, promising a fun and flavorful dining experience.

Create your own vibrant and healthy poké bowl with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Choose from diverse bases, proteins like tuna and salmon, and various toppings, all enhanced by flavorful dressings for a light and satisfying meal.

Yan Tea Cafe go-to in Katy Asian Town for exceptional boba tea, offering diverse milk teas, fruit teas, and smoothies. Pair your drink with delicious snacks like popcorn chicken and egg waffles for a quick and satisfying treat.

Indulge in the dream of Korean shaved ice (bing su) and other delightful sweets! Known for generous portions, creative flavors, and beautiful presentation, it’s the perfect spot to share a sweet treat with friends after a meal.

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