Nan Xiang Express Brings Michelin-Honored Soup Dumplings to Cypress Area
A taste of Shanghai has arrived in Northwest Houston as Nan Xiang Express Soup Dumplings officially opened its doors at 13126 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W on May 12, 2025. Known for its iconic soup dumplings and roots in the Michelin-honored New York culinary scene, the fast-casual concept is now serving up its acclaimed flavors to Cypress residents.
From NYC to Cypress: A Culinary Journey
Nan Xiang Express is the fast-casual offshoot of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, the original Queens, New York restaurant that earned a spot in the Michelin Guide for nine consecutive years. Since its founding in 2006, the brand has become synonymous with quality xiao long bao, or soup dumplings — the hallmark dish of Shanghai's dim sum culture.
The “Nan Xiang” name itself pays homage to the canal-lined town near Shanghai where the beloved dumplings originated. “We want to recreate the most memorable flavors of Shanghai and share them with you,” the brand states.
Bringing Shanghai Flavors to the Neighborhood
Now with 13 locations across the U.S., Nan Xiang Express is fulfilling its mission to bring authentic Shanghainese comfort food to communities nationwide — with Cypress now on the map. The newly opened location features a robust menu centered around its signature soup dumplings, including pork, crab & pork, chicken, and mala beef varieties.
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In addition to its world-famous dumplings, Nan Xiang Express offers:
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Crispy Bottom Buns: Half-pan-fried, half-steamed buns filled with pork or crab.
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Dumpling Variety: Pork or beef pot stickers, vegetable steamed dumplings, and classic pork or chicken dumplings.
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Traditional Appetizers: Cucumber salad with garlic vinaigrette, scallion pancakes, spicy beef tendon salad, and spring rolls.
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Noodles & Rice: From Shanghai stir-fried noodles and braised beef noodle soup to crispy egg noodles and Nan Xiang fried rice.
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Beverages: Hot and cold organic soy milk, and fruit-infused green teas in flavors like pineapple, grapefruit & peach, and passionfruit & lime.
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Combo Meals: Curated pairings like dumplings with noodles and soy milk, or fried rice with hot & sour soup.
Nan Xiang Express aims to maintain “the same level of quality, craft, and dedication” that made its flagship NYC restaurant an international dumpling destination. As the company notes, “Express gives this culinary tradition a new life, by making it more modern, more convenient, and even more accessible to the many — without compromising the quality.”
A Fast-Casual Future Rooted in Tradition
Before the rise of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in New York, authentic soup dumplings were a rarity in the U.S. Today, Nan Xiang Express carries forward that legacy with an approachable, fast-casual format designed for everyday dining — and future growth. The brand is also actively seeking franchise partners, hoping to expand its footprint while maintaining the soul of Shanghai street food culture.
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For Cypress-area food lovers looking to try something new — or for longtime fans of Nan Xiang’s NYC roots — this new location offers an accessible way to enjoy handcrafted dim sum without leaving the neighborhood.
Visit Nan Xiang Express
Nan Xiang Express is located at 13126 FM 1960 Rd W, Houston, TX 77065, and is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For more information and a full menu, visit their official website at nanxiangexpress.com.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
