ShanShan Su opened Mimi Garden TX in December to offer a comforting taste of home and to share the authentic art of Chinese dumpling making in The Woodlands. Rooted in his heritage, the restaurant embraces culinary creativity with handcrafted dumpling and bao dishes, he said.

“In Chinese, ‘mimi’ means secret. Our restaurant is nestled in the woods, like a hidden garden waiting to be found; a peaceful retreat where comfort, flavor, and quiet joy come together; a secret worth sharing,” Su said.
Mimi Garden serves swan-shaped durian pastry ($12). (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Mimi Garden serves swan-shaped durian pastry ($12). (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
What's special about it

Originally from China, Su said he first came to The Woodlands seeking a sense of belonging. After finding his calling as a restaurant owner, he said he is focused on applying the same principle he once applied as a factory owner in China, rooted in heart and strategy.

At Mimi Garden TX, customers are provided with a relaxed, pressure-free dining experience in a bright space with thoughtfully arranged seating designed for comfort, Su said.
Mimi Garden offers comfortable seating for dining services. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Mimi Garden offers comfortable seating for dining services. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
“It is like enjoying a meal in a peaceful garden,” manager Vicky Wan said. “Our goal is to let guests fully enjoy the food, the company and the moment.”

After establishing a steady stream of loyal guests, Wan said Mimi Garden TX has shared Chinese culture and traditions through special events teaching people how to make dumplings.


The eatery also visits local churches and senior living centers to connect with residents and share joy through food, Su said.
The Kurobuta Pork Soup Xiao Long Bao (8 Pcs) ($12) is a customer favorite at Mimi Garden. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Kurobuta Pork Soup Xiao Long Bao (8 Pcs) ($12) is a customer favorite at Mimi Garden. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
On the menu

A signature dish at Mimi Garden TX is the xiao long bao, which are delicate soup dumplings filled with savory broth and tender meat, wrapped in a thin, handmade dough.
The Crispy Beef Rolls (6Pcs) ($11) are a staple at Mimi Garden. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Crispy Beef Rolls (6Pcs) ($11) are a staple at Mimi Garden. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
“What makes our dumplings special is not just the technique, but the ingredients and care behind them,” Wan said. “We’re very intentional about the meat we select—always fresh, never frozen, with balanced fat content for the best flavor and texture. Our dough starts with high-quality flour, and every ste—from mixing the dough to shaping each dumpling—is done in-house, by hand.”

Other restaurant staples include the crispy beef rolls and the braised beef shank in szechuan noodle soup. For dessert, the eatery serves swan-shaped pastries, custard buns and pudding.

In the future, Mimi Garden owners hope to expand as a small chain with four or five locations to share their Chinese dumplings with other communities.