Our Story
Tradition Served with a Secret Twist
Our story begins with Mike
The story of Phánh Ký began in 2006, when Mike Bùi, a Houston native, set out to bring the authentic flavors of Vietnamese noodle dishes to the city’s vibrant Bellaire Boulevard. With help from his family, Mike opened the first Phánh Ký, specializing in Mì and Hủ Tiếu, and quickly became known for a unique house-made dry sauce crafted by his mother.
Over the years, Phánh Ký has grown to three locations, each dedicated to offering guests a warm welcome and a true taste of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. Today, Phánh Ký remains a family business, committed to quality, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality for every guest.
Our Story
Since opening in 2006, Phánh Ký has proudly shared the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine along with culinary influences from China and neighboring Southeast Asian regions. Specializing in Mì and Hủ Tiếu dishes, we have become known for our unique dry sauce, an exclusive family recipe that defines our signature Hủ Tiếu offerings.
Our story began with Mike Bùi, a young Houston native with a deep love for Mì and Hủ Tiếu. To him, these dishes were more than comfort food. They were a connection to his childhood, his family, and the traditions passed down at the dinner table. As he explored Houston’s diverse food scene, he noticed that restaurants serving truly authentic versions of these beloved dishes were few and far between. Especially in a city as rich in culinary variety as Houston, this gap stood out.
Motivated by that realization and his entrepreneurial spirit, Mike persuaded his parents to help him bring his vision to life. Together, they opened the first Phánh Ký Hủ Tiếu Mì Mỹ Tho in Great Land Square on Bellaire Boulevard. His mother crafted the restaurant’s now-famous dry sauce and led the kitchen with warmth and care. Mike focused on creating a thoughtful menu, building the brand, and connecting with the community.
What started as a single, family-run restaurant has since grown into three successful locations. Our flagship Bellaire location opened in 2006, followed by our Katy restaurant in 2018, and most recently, our Tomball location in 2022. While each restaurant serves a different neighborhood, they all reflect the same mission: to deliver authentic dishes made with intention and heartfelt hospitality.
At Phánh Ký, we believe that every detail matters. That belief carries through everything we do — from how we prepare our food to the way we treat our team and guests. By investing in our staff and creating a positive work culture, we ensure that the care we put in behind the scenes is passed forward in every dish and every interaction.
As we look toward the future, we remain committed to preserving the traditions that shaped us, while continuing to grow and evolve. Whether you’re a longtime patron or visiting us for the first time, we invite you to experience the vibrant flavors and welcoming spirit that define Phánh Ký.