Royal Tapioca

Update: the quality has gone down for some reason :( it doesn't taste as authentic and I definitely don't like this pate update on the dac biet banh mi.. my husband always orders the pork bbq and even that tastes more like fajita style than grilled pork on banh mi I'm used to.. I'm not craving banh mi as much these days..

Staple of spring branch. Best tapioca in all of houston, promise! I have done my research! Delicious Banh Mi sandwiches! The meatball is the best! Always fresh and fast!

I found this restaurant purely by accident. I was gonna eat at Ph Lúc Lc next door but it was closed during Lunar New Year weeks. So I walked away disappointed. Suddenly, I looked up at the sign Royal Tropical and and its banh mi menu. After reading some reviews, I decided to check it out. I brought my coworker to sample with me. It's easier to come on Sunday because traffic is a lot lighter than during weekdays. While sitting in here and looking around, I thought it was a Mexican cantina. I am always the only Asian among Hispanic customers. The pale green walls, maroon booths and decorations from the 70's gave me a nostalgic feeling. Folks behind the counter work hard to get food ready really quick. I love it. I've gotta tell you, the drinks and sandwiches were so delicious. My favorite banh mi is BBQ pork. The bun has a crispy shell that doesn't cut my mouth ceiling. All fresh ingredients satisfy my sense of smell and taste. Most of banh mi sandwiches are around $4. With a small boba tea at $3.25, that's a well balanced lunch. It's a true hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Spring Branch West neighborhood. If you are around Kempwood between Blalock and Campbell area, be sure to stop in for a treat.

I enjoyed my Oreo tapioca it wasn't the best but it was decently well tasting. However the manager, (I think he's the manager) working that day was extremely rude to his employe. She seemed to have messed up and he full on raged out on her and started to scream at her for her mistake. Personally I believe that's not the way to approach things therefore it was an unpleasant visit. That was no way to speak to anyone let alone an employee and if he doesn't in front of customers I can't imagine when none are present.

It's clean and there's ample parking. The drinks are very good. They don't have milk alternatives. They have mango slushes, which are vegan. My friend enjoyed her coffee drink with bobble. . I thought the mango slush was good. The service is counter service but prompt.

The Vietnamese Iced Coffee is yaaaaaaas! I got it with soy milk and extra sweet. Whoever you are, you need to try it!

This place is not fancy but clean. The Oolong Milk tea was good and the boba was nice and chewy. They use half and half in the milk tea - which was a little heavy for me, I would have requested skim milk if I knew that. The veggie Bahn Mi was SO good. They do not automatically cut sandwiches, you will need to ask (saw that complaint on another review) The prices are very reasonable - I think I paid $10 for 2 drinks and a sandwich!

I've been coming to this place since i was 10 years old! it's always been so delicious and the customer service has always been so good. The banh mis here are amazing, always perfectly toasted and freshly cooked meat. I got their egg pudding for the first time and it was so good. The people who work here are always in a good mood! they usually have coconut jelly that is super good as well

Writing another review because they can never get my simple order correct. Every single time, and I repeat EVERY single time they get my order wrong. I simply ask them to add sirracha to my sandwich and they NEVER add it. Also some new girl at the front with glasses ALWAYS has an attitude. Been coming here for years and it seems like they don't appreciate their regulars.

Friendly service, clean and aesthetically pleasing! 10/10 BEST Banh MI sandwiches in Houston!