PHAT EATERY
Photos © Jenn Duncan
The humble beginnings…
PHAT Eatery - Katy and The Woodlands, TX
Originally opened in 2018 in Katy Asian Town (23119 Colonial Parkway) by 2022 James Beard Awards Semifinalist, the late Alex Au-Yeung, Phat Eatery has earned an enthusiastic following for its freshly prepared Malaysian street food, relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality. Influenced by Au-Yeung's upbringing in Hong Kong, his Malaysian heritage and both culture’s rich histories of borrowing from other culinary traditions,
Now also open in The Woodlands at 2290 Buckthorn Place, 77380, Phat Eatery offers interpretations of regional Southeast Asian specialties. The menu, under the direction of Chef Marvin He and Culinary Director Terry Wong, includes Chef’s award-winning beef rendang, curry laksa, nasi lemak, sizzling egg tofu and flaky roti canai in addition to stir-fried noodles, rice and vegetable dishes, house dim sum and seasonal specials. Early success and critical acclaim, including as one of Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants, led to a restaurant expansion to accommodate twice as many guests. In 2022, Au-Yeung was nominated as a James Beard Awards Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas and for “Chef of the Year” in CultureMap’s Tastemaker Awards.
The restaurant was also nominated for CultureMap’s “Restaurant of the Year,” and was named by Eater among “The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants,” and was highlighted by The New York Times as one of “America’s Next Great Restaurants” in the suburbs.
Past Videos of the Founder and Visionary Chef the late Alex Au-Yeung
Chef Marvin He - PHAT Eatery - Photo credit Jenn Duncan
Chef Marvin He - Director of Operations
Chef Marvin He is a Houston-based chef and Director of Operations at PHAT Eatery, where he plays a vital role in preserving and advancing the culinary legacy of the late chef-owner Alex Au-Yeung. With locations in both Katy Asian Town and The Woodlands, PHAT Eatery has earned national acclaim for its vibrant Malaysian street food and hospitality, a vision originally brought to life by Au-Yeung, a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas.
A versatile talent with a background in fine arts and an early interest in architecture, Chef Marvin He brings creativity, precision, and operational excellence to the kitchen and beyond. His professional journey into hospitality was unconventional—having once worked in a kitchen equipment warehouse, he gained firsthand technical knowledge that now informs his mastery of back-of-house systems and restaurant logistics.
Following the passing of Chef Au-Yeung in 2024, Marvin—along with longtime team member Kevin Lee—stepped into a leadership role to uphold the restaurant’s standard of excellence. He was instrumental in the launch of PHAT Eatery's second location in The Woodlands, a spacious, design-forward venue that celebrates Malaysian culinary heritage through immersive decor, an open kitchen modeled after bustling Hong Kong eateries, and a thoughtfully crafted menu that continues to evolve.
Deeply inspired by Au-Yeung’s vision—rooted in his Malaysian heritage and Hong Kong upbringing—Chef Marvin He continues to develop and execute dishes that honor regional Southeast Asian flavors while embracing cross-cultural innovation. Under his leadership, the team has introduced new initiatives such as a Cantonese barbecue program, seasonal chef specials, and collaborative dining experiences.
Passionate about people, food, and culture, Chef Marvin He remains a central force in Houston’s dynamic culinary scene, ensuring that PHAT Eatery not only honors its past but continually moves forward with purpose and heart.
Terry Wong – Culinary Director, PHAT Eatery
A proud native of Houston, Texas—particularly the culturally rich and diverse Alief/Southwest area—Terry Wong is a second-generation Chinese American with deep Southern roots extending through both Texas and Tennessee. An entrepreneur since his mid-20s, Terry began his professional journey in the promotional industry before transitioning into hospitality. Alongside his brother and business partner, Robin Wong, he operated one of Houston’s most popular nightlife venues for over two decades, laying the groundwork for their entry into the culinary world.
In 2013, Terry, Robin, and Pitmaster Quy Hoang co-founded Blood Bros. BBQ, a pop-up concept born out of their nightlife space. With its unique blend of global flavors, cultural heritage, and classic Texas barbecue, the restaurant quickly gained a loyal following and opened a permanent location in Bellaire, TX. Blood Bros. has since become a national sensation, featured in Top Chef, The Bachelor, Texas Monthly, The New York Times, Smithsonian, Bon Appétit, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, Wall Street Journal, and more. In November 2024, the restaurant was honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing its exceptional food and value.
Building on their culinary success, Terry and Robin also launched Luloo’s Day & Night—a creative comfort food concept also co-founded with Quy Hoang, located just steps from Blood Bros. The sister restaurants are a reflection of Terry’s love for bold flavors, innovative cooking, and community-driven dining experiences.They have recently added Chef Maria Gonzalez to the team.
In 2024, Terry was named Culinary Director of PHAT Eatery, overseeing both the Katy and The Woodlands locations. This new role marks a full-circle moment in his journey. Terry shared a deep friendship and mutual respect with the late Alex Au-Yeung, PHAT Eatery’s beloved founder and a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist. Carrying on Alex’s culinary vision while guiding PHAT Eatery into its next chapter is a responsibility Terry embraces with both reverence and passion.
A dedicated family man, Terry is a son, brother, husband, and stepfather whose work is grounded in culture, fueled by community, and inspired by the people and places that shaped him.
Terry Wong – Culinary Director, PHAT Eatery - Photo credit Jenn Duncan