New Dim Sum and Noodles Spot Coming to Colfax This Fall

The restaurant and bar news on East Colfax Avenue has been bleak since the BRT construction project began. Many spots are struggling to stay afloat and some, like neighborhood watering hole Middleman, have closed.

On the heels of the announcement that the Michelin-recommended modern Chinese eatery Q House is also closing on Colfax next month, there’s finally an opening to look forward to along the struggling street.

In October, dim sum and noodle spot Ma’s Kitchen will debut in the former home of the original Tacos Tequila Whiskey at York Street and Colfax. Known by many as Pinche Tacos, the business began as a food truck before moving into the City Park neighborhood, where it operated for over a decade. But in 2024, Morrison swapped it for Rolling Pin Pizza, which had a short-lived stint. The space has sat empty since the pizza concept closed last August.

While there are plenty of other pizza options in the neighborhood, one thing the area has never had is a dim sum spot, but that will soon change. Heading up Ma’s Kitchen will be chef and co-owner Xi Nuan Zheng, along with his brother, co-owner Xi Yong Zheng, who also owns and operates Okinawa Japanese Cuisine, which is located next door to Ma’s Kitchen’s future home.

“Colfax has always been a hub of culture, food, and community,” Xi Yong says in an announcement of \the news. “We’re proud to contribute something new and authentic to the neighborhood, especially at a time when so many local businesses are working hard to overcome the challenges of the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction.”

Xi Nuan brings plenty of experience to the venture, having worked in hotels in Singapore and trained with skilled dumpling and noodle chefs in China.

Diners can expect handmade dumplings, noodles and traditional small plates from local owners who are committed to “supporting local businesses, hiring locally, and creating a warm gathering space where neighbors and visitors alike can experience the flavors of traditional Chinese dim sum right here in Denver,” the announcement notes.

Ma’s Kitchen will be located at 1514 York Street and will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily when it makes its debut in early October. For more information and updates about the opening, follow @maskitchendenver on Instagram.