Austin's Chinese population was abuzz with excitement when Bamboo House decided to open here, because the original location in Houston received such high acclaim for its Peking duck, which is prepared using traditional methods and exacting standards difficult to find outside of China. When Bamboo House finally opened in October, the duck sold out for the first several weeks and lines were out the door. These days, you can walk in and order a half duck (for one or two people) or whole duck (only available for groups of three and up) most weekday afternoons with no wait, although it can get a bit busy on weekend nights and sell out, so I recommend getting there early to make sure your ducks are in a row.
My friend and I sat down at 4:30pm on a Thursday in a mostly empty restaurant and were served almost immediately upon seating. The Peking duck experience began with a soup made from duck bones with napa cabbage and tofu floating in the clear, fragrant broth, a classic precursor to the main affair, which arrived within minutes of the soup. The perfectly carved half duck was served with freshly steamed pancakes in a bamboo steamer and all the traditional accompaniments, including house-made tianmianjiang and sugar for dipping.
When all these elements come together, you get a delicious Peking duck with crispy skin, succulent meat, and a balance of flavors from the marinade and accompaniments and the Bamboo house has made it possible for a great dinner.
After four experiences here, Bamboo house is, hands down, worth the hype. The meat had a milder, more nuanced flavor than any of the other ducks and zero gaminess, with a firm-yet-tender texture. The skin was absolutely perfect – the only place on this list to get it right. Bamboo House loses half a point for not having Tsingtao beer or baijiu necessary to counteract the oiliness of the duck, but this is the holy grail of Peking duck in Austin ... for now.
Renowned for its meticulous preparation and authentic flavors, Bamboo House offers a dining experience that transcends expectations. Each succulent slice of duck boasts a perfectly crispy skin, delicately seasoned with a blend of traditional spices. Served with thin pancakes, fresh cucumber, scallions, and tangy hoisin sauce, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. With a warm and inviting ambiance, Bamboo House invites patrons to savor the essence of Chinese cuisine in an unforgettable culinary journey.
Before you try anything else on the menu at the Bamboo House, start with Peking Duck as the first experience. You won't be sorry. That's a promise.
7010 Easy Wind Dr Suite 100, Austin, TX 78752
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