House of Tang 2 in Columbia — Dim Sum, Noodles, and Cantonese Classics

What House of Tang 2 serves and where to find it

House of Tang 2 is a Cantonese restaurant in Columbia that specializes in dim sum, hand-pulled noodles, and traditional Chinese dishes. The restaurant sits on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with street parking and nearby shops. The space is casual and bright, with tables close together in the way of busy dim sum houses — expect conversation from neighboring tables and the sound of carts rolling past during service.

The menu changes based on what's available and what the kitchen is making that day. Dim sum service runs during lunch hours, when servers push carts with small plates of dumplings, buns, and other bites. You point to what you want, and they mark your check. Dinner service shifts to a full menu of noodle soups, stir-fries, and larger plates meant for sharing.

Key Takeaways

• Dim sum service happens during lunch hours with carts rolling through the dining room — point to what you want and they mark your check.
• Hand-pulled noodles and wonton soup are made to order and arrive hot, with broth that tastes like it simmered for hours.
• The restaurant is small and fills up quickly on weekends, so arriving early or calling ahead helps you avoid a wait.
• Parking is street parking on Devine Street or in nearby lots; the Five Points location is walkable if you're staying nearby.

Dim sum carts and what to order

During dim sum service, carts roll through the dining room with bamboo steamers stacked on top. Common offerings include har gow (shrimp dumplings with translucent wheat starch skin), siu mai (open-topped pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (steamed buns filled with barbecued pork), and cheung fun (rolled rice noodles). Prices are low — most items run a few dollars per order — and you can try many things without spending much.

The kitchen also makes egg tarts, which are small custard-filled pastries with a crispy exterior, and various vegetable dumplings if you're not eating meat. Dim sum is meant to be social and exploratory; order what looks good to you, and if you don't like something, you've only lost a few dollars and can move on to the next cart.

Noodle soups and hand-pulled noodles

At dinner, the noodle soups are the draw. Wonton noodle soup arrives with thin egg noodles, wontons filled with pork and shrimp, and a broth that tastes deeply savory. The wontons are tender and the noodles have the right chew — not mushy, not too firm. Beef noodle soup and chicken noodle soup follow the same formula, with the protein simmered into the broth.

Hand-pulled noodles, called la mian, are made fresh to order. The cook stretches and folds the dough repeatedly until it becomes dozens of thin strands, then drops them into boiling water. You can order them in broth or tossed with sauce and vegetables. The texture is different from the thin egg noodles in wonton soup — thicker, with more bite, and they hold sauce better.

Stir-fries and larger plates

Beyond noodles, the menu includes stir-fried vegetables, chicken with cashews, beef with broccoli, and seafood dishes. These are cooked to order and arrive hot from the wok. Portions are generous and meant for sharing — two or three people can order a noodle soup, a stir-fry, and a vegetable dish and leave full.

Fried rice is available as a side or a light meal on its own. Egg fried rice is the simplest version; shrimp fried rice and chicken fried rice add protein. These dishes are straightforward and reliable — not adventurous, but solid.

Hours, parking, and what to expect

House of Tang 2 is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week. Dim sum service is typically available during lunch hours only. The restaurant does not take reservations, so arriving early or calling ahead to ask about wait times is smart, especially on weekends when the small space fills quickly.

Street parking on Devine Street is free but can be tight during busy times. A few paid lots sit nearby in Five Points. The neighborhood is walkable if you're staying in the area, and other restaurants and shops are within a short walk. The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards.

Why the location and style matter

Five Points is one of Columbia's oldest neighborhoods, and the mix of restaurants there reflects the city's growing food culture. House of Tang 2 fits into that landscape as a place where you can get authentic Cantonese food without pretense or high prices. The dim sum carts and hand-pulled noodles are the kind of thing you'd find in a busy restaurant in Hong Kong or a Chinatown in a larger city — the fact that it's in Columbia makes it worth seeking out.

The restaurant is not fancy. The decor is minimal, the tables are close, and the focus is on food and speed. That's the point. Dim sum houses are meant to be social, loud, and efficient — a place where you come to eat well and leave, not to linger over a long meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does dim sum service start and end?

Dim sum service runs during lunch hours, typically from late morning through early afternoon. Call ahead to confirm the exact times, as they can shift by day of the week and season. Dinner service begins after dim sum ends and runs into the evening.

Do I need to know Cantonese to order dim sum?

No. During dim sum service, you point to what you want on the carts as they pass your table, and the server marks your check. If you're ordering from the menu at dinner, the staff can explain dishes and help you choose based on what you like.

Is the restaurant good for groups?

Yes, especially for dim sum. The small plates are meant for sharing, and the casual atmosphere suits groups. Dinner works for groups too, though you'll want to order several dishes to share. Call ahead if you have a large party so the kitchen can prepare.

Can I order takeout?

Yes. Noodle soups and stir-fries travel well in containers. Dim sum is best eaten fresh, but you can order it to go during lunch service if you're in a hurry.

What's the price range?

Dim sum items run a few dollars each, so a full lunch of several plates typically costs under twenty dollars per person. Dinner entrees are similarly affordable, usually in the ten to fifteen dollar range. It's one of the better values for food in Columbia.