My family and I recently tried Ginsoy, but unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations. We went in with high hopes, especially after hearing great things, but we left disappointed. Let me start by saying that we ordered our food to-go rather than dining in. We live close by, so we made sure to eat the food as soon as possible to keep it fresh.
It’s worth noting that Ginsoy doesn’t currently accept online or phone orders due to their soft opening, so we had to place our order in person. We visited on a Tuesday evening around 6 PM and, fortunately, there wasn’t a crowd. The interior of the restaurant is small but nicely designed, and the staff was very friendly and attentive.
That said, my 2-star rating is based primarily on the food and pricing. Ginsoy, in my opinion, is extremely overpriced. We ordered six family-sized dishes, and our total came to around $200. I was honestly shocked at the cost, especially since we’ve dined at other restaurants in the area and spent significantly less for the same amount of food. The value just wasn’t there.
Here’s a breakdown of what we ordered: • Hot & Sour Soup (6/10): This was way too spicy and lacked salt. It was decent, but after a few bites, the heat became overwhelming, and I couldn’t continue. • Mint Lemonade (10/10): This was the standout! Absolutely delicious. • Dynamite Shrimp (5/10): This was a major letdown. My husband had loved this dish at Ginsoy in Karachi, but this version was completely different. There was barely any sauce—the shrimp were dry! For $26 (family-sized portion), we received pieces of what essentially felt like plain tempura shrimp. It was extremely disappointing and felt like a rip-off. • Chicken Chow Mein (7/10): This was okay but nothing memorable. • Crispy Beijing Beef (9/10): One of the few highlights! The beef was tender, well-seasoned, and delicious. • Kung Pao Chicken (4/10): Another miss. It lacked salt and was overly spicy. Not enjoyable. • Vegetable Fried Rice (6/10): While the taste was fine, the portion size was underwhelming. For $25, I expected a lot more, and it wasn’t worth the price.
Additionally, it’s frustrating that white rice isn’t included with the gravy dishes—you have to purchase it separately. Most restaurants include white rice, so this felt like another unnecessary expense.
Overall, while the service and ambiance were nice, the food didn’t justify the high prices, and the portions left much to be desired. Sadly, we won’t...
Read moreLast night, my visit to Ginsoy was nothing short of a disaster. From the moment we sat down, the experience was chaotic and utterly disappointing. Here’s a breakdown of the issues we faced:
Food Served in the Wrong Order: The meal started on a confusing note. The main dishes arrived first, followed by appetizers in between. Nothing was served in the correct order, and dishes came out one by one, leaving us scrambling to figure out what to eat when. It felt like the kitchen had no sense of timing or coordination.
Rice Was Inedible: The rice served was absolutely terrible. It had a sharp, unpleasant smell and tasted like it had been sitting around for days. It was stale and completely ruined any dish we tried to pair it with.
No Sides with Gravy Dishes: This was one of the strangest things we’ve ever encountered. We ordered a gravy dish, but it came without any rice or noodles. We had to order rice separately, which was an additional cost and an unnecessary hassle. This is something we’ve never experienced in any other Chinese restaurant.
Chicken Manchurian Disaster: The Chicken Manchurian was served in a dirty-looking bowl instead of a sizzler, which was highly unappetizing. To make matters worse, the chicken was rock solid, as if it had been reheated multiple times. It was nearly impossible to chew.
Bland Dynamite Chicken and Shrimp: The Dynamite Chicken and Dynamite Shrimp were a complete letdown. They arrived without any sauce and were extremely bland. There was no flavor or spice, which is the whole point of ordering something called "dynamite."
Unseasoned Fries: The fries were served without any seasoning whatsoever. They were dry, tasteless, and felt like an afterthought.
Overall, the quality of the food and the service was shockingly poor. We left the restaurant feeling extremely disappointed and frustrated. This was not just a bad dining experience; it was a complete waste of time and money. I would give Ginsoy a negative rating if I could. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this place...
Read moreOur dining experience at Ginsoy in Houston, TX, was truly memorable. The evening was made exceptional by Sam, who took care of us with remarkable attentiveness and grace. From the moment we walked in, Sam ensured we felt welcomed and catered to, making sure every detail of our experience was perfect. The service was outstanding, setting the tone for a fantastic meal.
Ginsoy has an inspiring story that began in Karachi, Pakistan, where the brand first introduced its unique fusion of Chinese cuisine. Over time, this culinary gem has made its way to international markets, including Houston, where it continues to share its magic. The Houston branch carries the same legacy of excellence, offering a distinct interpretation of Chinese food that resonates deeply with its audience.
What sets Ginsoy apart is its ability to merge authentic Chinese flavors with the vibrant and bold Pakistani palate. Every dish reflects a masterful blend of spices, textures, and sauces that are unique to the Ginsoy experience. From the perfectly crispy appetizers to the rich and savory gravies, every bite speaks volumes about the passion and creativity behind the menu.
The restaurant doesn’t just offer food; it offers a journey. Each dish tells a story of how Chinese cuisine has been reinvented to suit diverse cultures and taste buds. The original branch in Karachi set a high standard, and the Houston location lives up to that reputation with ease, bringing the same commitment to quality and flavor to the local community.
Whether you’re enjoying their signature fried rice, flavorful stir-fries, or their delightful noodle dishes, Ginsoy delivers an exceptional dining experience that is both nostalgic for those familiar with its roots and exciting for newcomers discovering it for the first time.
Ginsoy in Houston is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural bridge, connecting its rich heritage from Karachi with the diverse food scene in Texas. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable fusion...
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