Molihua Opens With Dim Sum and Japanese Fare

Molihua opened in Houston on Tuesday.

Michelin-starred chefs Ho Chee Boon and Hideki Hiwatashi opened the anticipated Molihua on Tuesday, April 23. Located on the second floor of the Blossom Houston in the Medical Center. “Molihua,” which means “jasmine” in Mandarin, brings contemporary Japanese cuisine, dim sum, and sweets to the community.

“Molihua is more than what is on the plate, but a way for all of us to connect and further our understanding of one another,” chef Boon said in a press statement. “It brings me great joy to introduce Molihua to Houston’s dynamic epicurean scene, where we hope to enchant guests with a harmonious fusion of traditional Japanese and Asian flavors within a stylish ambiance.”

Chef Boon brings more than 35 years of experience in the industry, cutting his teeth at some of the world’s most celebrated Asian restaurants, including as executive international chef at Breeze in Bangkok, East Ocean Hong Kong, and Hakkasan Global, Turandot in Moscow, and at Yauatcha in the Galleria — an upscale Japanese dim sum tea house that charmed Houstonians before closing in 2020. Chef Hiwatashi brings more than 30 years of Japanese culinary training and specializes in kaiseki cuisine, the influences of which can be found on Molihua’s menu.

Chef Hideki Hiwatashi (left) and chef Ho Chee Boon (right) each bring more than 30 years of experience to Molihua.

The chefs present a contemporary approach to Japanese and Asian cuisines through an à la carte menu with a selection of small bites, sushi, and noodle dishes. Early standouts include a Japanese A5 wagyu skewer, Aburi nigiri moriawase (grilled, flame-seared sushi), the Molihua grilled duck and rice, and a selection of sweets with influences from the Asian continent. Decor inspired by the jasmine flower provides a moody, contemporary aura at the new restaurant, and various seating options — including booths, two-tops, and bar seating — enable a range of dining options for groups, dates, and solo diners. The sushi bar sits at the center of the dining area, where sushi and Japanese seafood dishes will be prepared by the esteemed team.

The chefs will present contemporary approaches to Japanese cuisine and dim sum.

Molihua will be open daily from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and lunch service will be added soon. Reservations can be made online through Molihua’s website.