New Maocai Hot Pot Spot Brings Build-Your-Own Sichuan Flavor to Cypress
There’s a fresh new reason for food lovers to celebrate in Cypress. Mao Cai Hot Pot Express, a fast-casual Sichuan-style hot pot restaurant, is officially hosting its grand opening celebration this Sunday, January 25, at 2 p.m. at 20510 West Road near Star Cinema Grill in Cypress — and locals are already hooked.
After kicking off their soft opening three weeks ago, the buzz has been building. The restaurant brings a modern, solo-friendly twist to traditional hot pot with its Chengdu-born maocai format: no tabletop simmering, no shared pots — just bold flavor, made fast. Diners create their own hot pot bowl by selecting from a wide array of meats, noodles, tofu, and fresh vegetables before choosing a broth and spice level. Everything is cooked to order and served ready to eat.
“It’s better than the malatang place in Katy Asia Town,” wrote one happy customer in a recent Yelp review. “They have more broth options and even more toppings for your bowls! Their meat quality is super good… I’m already craving it.”
Mao Cai Hot Pot Express uses a pay-by-weight model, offering a flexible and budget-friendly option for a satisfying lunch or quick dinner — just $14.99 per pound. And for those wondering how filling it really is? “I couldn’t finish my bowl for sure!” the reviewer shared.
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Grand Opening Festivities This Weekend
To celebrate its official debut in the Cypress dining scene, Mao Cai Hot Pot Express is pulling out all the stops on Sunday, January 25. The grand opening party begins at 2 p.m. and will include:
- A traditional Dragon Dance and live performance
- Free Tea Lattes from local favorite Chin Cha
- Free gifts and grand opening giveaways for early attendees
The event promises to be a lively celebration of culture, flavor, and community — just in time for the cooler weather that has many locals craving warm, spicy comfort food.
Why Maocai Is the Perfect Winter Meal in Cypress
With temperatures dropping, Houstonians are turning to hearty, warming dishes — and Sichuan-style hot pot checks all the boxes. Known for its bold mala (numbing and spicy) flavors, the maocai format allows each customer to personalize their meal, whether they want it fiery-hot or on the milder side.
Mao Cai Hot Pot Express is also ideally situated for northwest Houston and Cypress-area foodies who’ve previously had to drive to Katy or Bellaire for this kind of experience. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and first-timers will find the staff ready to guide them through the process — from selecting ingredients to customizing their broth.
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As one visitor put it, “The cashier was very nice, making sure we were okay with all the garnishes… I also saw her help first-time customers that never had malatang before.”
Visit Mao Cai Hot Pot Express in Cypress
- Address: 20510 West Rd #100, Cypress, TX 77433 (MAP)
- Hours: Open Daily, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Grand Opening: Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Whether you're a Sichuan food fanatic or curious to try something new, this build-your-own hot pot experience offers a welcoming, delicious adventure — and it’s right in Cypress’ backyard.
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.
