Romantic and Authentic

By Jun Wang

528 Asian Bistro

Location: 709 W Parkwood Ave. Suite C, Friendswood, TX 77546
Phone: 281-992-8881
Offers:  Dine-in, Take-out, Delivery
Cuisine: Chinese Cuisine, Japanese Cuisine
Signature Dishes: General Tso’s Chicken, Black Pepper Steak on Sizzling Platters, Imperial Chicken, 528 Roll
Year of Establishment: 2008
Website: www.528-asianbistro.com

You can view 528 Asian Bistro in one of two ways: as an ordinary family-style restaurant on Parkwood Avenue or a stylish bistro that goes off the beaten path and successfully combines different flavors into one sensual presentation. For most people it is the latter.

The 3000 square foot restaurant is not overly decorated. You won’t find any fancy tableware here but you will find a restaurant that has distinguished itself from the pack. Those stepping into 528 will first notice the orange and red earthy tones of the interior and the presence of Chinese and Japanese themed pictures. The light is subdued, giving the restaurant a romantic and warm atmosphere. Accompanied by soft music, one can’t help but feel at home when dining at 528 Asian Bistro.

Jinghui Chen, owner of 528 Asian Bistro has always had a great interest in cooking. This interest matured into a passion motivating him to take a big step towards realizing his lifelong dream—running a restaurant. With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Chen has acquired a wealth of management knowledge allowing him to understand what the customers want, and also how to cater to their needs while also maintaining the restaurant’s identity.

Chen made sure to spend a lot of time planning out the specifics of his business before starting his adventure in the restaurant industry. One of the first steps was to conduct a thorough investigation in order to identify prime locations, area demographics, and the target market’s dining preferences.

Knowledge is Power
“As a Chinese idiom goes, ‘If you know yourself and your enemies, you will not be imperiled in one hundred battles,’ and that is also the rule here,” says Chen.

Chen has focused on making sure that customers know what they are ordering before they order. To do this, he has made sure to include close-up pictures of dishes on the menu board and also the table menus.

“Since discerning customers have become more demanding than ever, a single cuisine simply wouldn’t satisfy them,” says Chen. “They tend to seek something more exciting, something out of the ordinary.” Fusion cuisine came into being as a result of chefs realizing foodies wanted something new. 528 Asian Bistro is one of these restaurants that has dedicated itself to providing more Asian fusion delights, carrying on the hope of delivering a more unique experience to the its customers. A lengthy list of menu items includes an assortment of Chinese classics and also Japanese culinary items, featuring sushi, sashimi and rolls.

Traditional entrées, such as General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Chicken w. Broccoli, and Fried Rice are also available at 528 Asian Bistro. Chen admits that the presentation may be similar to what you’ll find at other restaurants, but the subtle differences in flavors will surprise those who have grown tired of the same old tastes. 528’s version of General Tso’s Chicken is a rendition of China’s profound culinary history and also the owner’s insight into current culinary trends.

Searching for Inspiration
Aside from managing his restaurant, Chen also keeps an eye on culinary news to keep abreast of what is going on in the restaurant industry. His occasional travels have also lent him a lot of inspiration which he has drawn upon to create new and exciting creations such as Imperial Chicken.

Chen mused upon this recipe for a long time, and the result is a delectable combination of fried chicken chunks, mango shreds, and pineapple which are drenched with a blend of mango sauce, chili sauce, sugar, and plum sauce that come together to serenade diners with a sweet and fruity taste.

The freezing winter drives in customers who are seeking a warm meal in a comfortable atmosphere. One of the restaurant’s more popular dishes during the cold winter months is Black Pepper Steak on Sizzling Platters. This plucky dish is a real crowd pleaser, making a grand entrance every time it is served.    
 
A spectrum of Japanese entrees, from sushi and rolls to sashimi are also available. The BMW Roll is seared with spicy tuna and cucumber tempura inside and topped with tuna, avocado and special sauce; Milner Roll is named after a customer; and the heart-shaped I Do Roll covers spicy tuna and avocado inside with toppings of super white tuna. These creative rolls are just the tip of the iceberg; you’ll want to stop in to really treat yourself to the full range of what the chef offers.

The high quality and freshness of the food is the key to making a tasty dish, and Chen places higher demands on his food suppliers, making sure they only use the best ingredients available to guarantee that the food is top notch.

“We use flank steak, jumbo shrimp and locally grown vegetables,” says Chen.

A self-taught veteran of the restaurant business, Jinghui Chen knows how to prepare dishes loaded with nutrients without sacrificing taste. Each dish is free of MSG, low in calories, and prepared using as little oil and seasonings as possible. Some of the selections are boiled or steamed.

Like Chen, 528’s chefs also believe in cooking healthy dishes. They make every efforts to ensure the dishes are healthy. The chefs are alert about what's going on in the market and show that by always bringing customers fresh, innovative, and healthy choices.

Chen isn’t only concerned about customer health; he also wants to make sure that his customers receive the best service possible. Excellent service is just as important at 528 as preparing great food. When an order is placed, the kitchen staff prepares it within five minutes and the waiters are always all smiles.

Opened in 2008, in the midst of the recession, 528 Asian Bistro still managed to establish itself as a local favorite in Friendswood. As the economy continues to recover, 528 Asian Bistro looks to further spread its wings.