Phat Eatery, a celebrated Malaysian restaurant, was founded in 2018 by the late Alex Au-Yeung. Originally opening in the Katy Asian Town community, the restaurant has since expanded to The Woodlands in June 2024, aiming to introduce its authentic Malaysian flavors to a broader audience.
Following Au-Yeung’s passing in mid-2024, Kevin Lee and Marvin He took over as co-directors of operations. They are joined by General Manager Lonnie Atchison, who plays a key role in managing the Woodlands location.
“We decided to come out this way and offer new flavors to people who haven’t had the chance to try them,” said Atchison.
A Unique Blend of Cultures
Atchison explains that Au-Yeung’s vision for Phat Eatery was influenced by his dual heritage, merging his Hong Kong upbringing with his Malaysian roots. This combination allowed Phat Eatery to offer unique interpretations of regional Southeast Asian dishes, including Indian-inspired flavors.
Since its opening, the restaurant has built a loyal customer base and received over 40 awards, recognizing its exceptional Malaysian cuisine and hospitality. The accolades include being named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in Texas, along with numerous mentions in local media outlets.
Signature dishes include the award-winning beef rendang, curry laksa, and flaky roti canai—a popular Indian flatbread served with curry dip. Phat Eatery also offers stir-fried noodles, rice, and a variety of vegetable dishes.
“We have people who’ve visited Malaysia come in and say our food is just as good, if not better, than what they’ve had there,” Atchison said. “With our state-of-the-art kitchen equipment and expertise in Malaysian cuisine, we’re able to deliver an excellent dining experience.”
High-Quality, Flavorful Dishes
Phat Eatery is known for its large portion sizes, featuring iconic Malaysian dishes. One popular option is the CK Teow, a dish made with flat noodles, chicken, shrimp, calamari, sriracha, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, eggs, and chives. The restaurant also serves sizzling tofu, which is prepared with house-made egg tofu and a choice of minced chicken, shrimp, or vegetable sauce.
To cater to a range of dietary preferences, Phat Eatery offers slow-cooked curries available in five spice levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
“I’ve worked at many restaurants, but this has been the best experience,” Atchison shared. “The team works together like a family. Everyone helps each other out, making it easy to run the restaurant. Kevin and Marvin helped create a system of training and customer service that truly stands out. We believe customer service is always the priority—food can be fixed, but customer service can’t.”
With a team dedicated to quality and a passion for Malaysian cuisine, Phat Eatery continues to be a standout in The Woodlands dining scene.
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