Houston is right up there with New York as one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States! The Asian population is Houston’s fastest-growing ethnic group. In fact, it is the fastest growing in America – ahead of Hispanics. The small city of Sugar Land (home to Aling’s Chinese Cuisine) is even 37.5% Asian. China is the most heavily populated country in the world.
So what exactly brought the large Asian community to Houston – more specifically, the Chinese community?
The Early Immigrants from China to Houston: Residents and Business District
In 1870, 250 men from China come to Houston for construction work. 30 years later, there were only 7 Chinese residents in Houston. In the early 1900s, the very first Chinese business district opened. Some Chinese residents in Mississippi left to move down here to Houston. The Great Migration left many of them without their steady clientele of African-Americans. By the 1930s, there were less than 50 Chinese living in Houston. Many of them owned restaurants and small grocery stores while they lived directly behind their business or on the second floor.
The Impact of World War II and the Chinese Merchants’ Association
World War II slowly brought the Chinese population up to 121 because of Houston’s attractive economy. By 1950, the population still hadn’t even hit 1,000. The Chinese Merchants’ Association moved into what is now East Downtown and became a booming Chinatown by the 1970s. Today, many call it the “Old Chinatown.”
The Establishment of “New Chinatown” and Yao Ming’s Influence
By 1983, there were around 30,000 people of Chinese origin living in the Houston area. A “New Chinatown” was created, and it is the popular Chinatown most Houstonites know and love today. In the 1990s, local Asian entrepreneurs moved their businesses from old neighborhoods and the old Chinatown to this new area.
In 2002, China’s very own seven-foot-six basketball superstar Yao Ming suited up to join the Houston Rockets. Millions of people in China turned on their TVs to catch him in action and found that Houston was an international city with a booming Asian population. Before Yao Ming, many Chinese didn’t know the difference between Houston and Boston. He basically brought awareness to the city. Chinese investors and immigrants made their way over soon after.
Chinese Investors and Real Estate in Houston
Many investors left because of China’s instable economy and came here because of American real estate. In 2015, the Chinese bought the most properties and spent the most dollars out of all other foreigners in America. They became the second largest international buyer of Texas real estate, falling right below Latin American buyers. Houston has the largest Chinatown in the South – which could be the reason it has attracted so many investors. Last year, the total Asian population in Houston was up to 126,378!
Experience the rich flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine at Alings Chinese Bistro, located in the heart of Houston’s vibrant Chinatown. Indulge in a culinary journey that pays homage to the roots of Chinese gastronomy while embracing the local tastes and ingredients of Houston. Whether you’re craving traditional dim sum, savory Peking duck, or mouthwatering Sichuan specialties, our skilled chefs are dedicated to delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Join us at Alings Chinese Bistro to savor the essence of Chinese culture, right here in Houston. For reservations or any assistance, please contact us at +1 281-242-0432. Let us guide you on a gastronomic adventure from China to Houston.
