Houston, Texas has the unfortunate stigma that it is all business (which is, to some extent, true). But what many people don’t realize is that food is one of Houston’s biggest businesses—and to Houstonians, food is serious business. (No, I’m not alluding to Houston’s status as 9th fattest city in America, which I attribute more to the heat than the food anyway.)
There are countless nationalities represented in Houston’s smorgasbord, providing the adventurous eater with endless nights of palette pleasure. If you’re new to Houston, or just visiting, here’s a short (geographically organized) list of delightful restaurants that are sure to entice and satisfy your hunger for interesting food:
Moroccan
Saffron — Most Houstonians probably didn’t even know there was a Moroccan restaurant in the heart of the city, much less some of the best Moroccan food this side of the Atlantic. Step inside this elegant and elaborately decorated den, and prepare yourself for lamb so tender you don’t even have to chew it, a variety of delicious tagines, aromas and spices you would never expect on meats, and the best mint tea you’ve ever had. And cinnamon. Lots of cinnamon. Also, belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Indian
The Bombay Brasserie — There is a substantial Indian population in Houston, and therefore a respectable number of Indian restaurants to try. The best Indian cuisine in the city, however, is not tucked away with the majority of the Indian restaurants on Richmond Avenue; instead, you’ll find the most savory, spicy, best (and sometimes outrageously hot) Indian fare at The Bombay Brasserie in Rice Village. The naan is perfectly light and fluffy, the portions are generous, and the flavors simply cannot be beat.
Chinese
Peking Cuisine — Chinese food, as most Americans understand it, is now commonplace cuisine, a staple in any shopping mall food court or strip mall parking lot. Traditional Chinese cuisine is much more obscure, and much harder to come by. Peking Cuisine is as close to authentic Chinese food as I have ever seen in America. The menu is loaded with traditional Chinese items, such as celery dumplings, jellyfish, and assorted fungi, but the real star here is the classic northern Chinese dish Peking duck, which must be ordered at least an hour beforehand. It is well worth the additional planning, I assure you.
Japanese
Kubo’s — There are more traditional Japanese restaurants in Houston, namely Nippon on Montrose, but as far as sushi is concerned, there is no fresher, no better prepared fish, probably in all of the Gulf. Every dish is artfully presented, and is as beautiful to the eyes as it is to the tastebuds. The yellowtail and tuna are personal favorites, but try one of everything!
Pakistani
Himalaya — House in a humble shopping center just off the Southwest Freeway, Himalaya is a gem of Pakistani cuisine. Nothing about the place suggests its wonderful fare: the tables are cramped, the waiters a little moody. But when that steaming heap of lamb biryani arrives under your nose, you will immediately know what all the hype is about. You’ll also immediately know that you’ll need a to-go box, because there will be somewhere near five pounds of food in front of you.
Turkish
Pasha — Also located in Rice Village, Pasha is a white-tablecloth restaurant with blue collar prices and gold star cuisine. The pide is exactly as it should be, and there is always a small loaf of it on the table. The meats are appropriately tender and crisp when they should be, like in the Iskender kebab, which is a magical combination of lamb, pide, yogurt, and a pleasantly hot tomato sauce. Another winner is the Lahmacun, which is more or less a thin-crusted pizza with Turkish toppings (herbs and minced meat).
Thai
Nidda Thai — Anyone in Houston will tell you that there is no shortage of Thai restaurants in the city. Even the suburbs have a few. But with so many places to choose from, finding the best is like finding a needle in a haystack. In my humble opinion, one Thai restaurant stands high above the rest: Nidda Thai. Every dish is served piping hot and sautéed, roasted, stewed, or in the case of the delicious Thai tea, brewed, to perfection. Every dish on the menu is so good, you’ll actually want to try new things, instead of just sticking with what you know. I recommend the Drunken noodles to start. Stir-fried flat rice noodles with your choice of meat, carrots, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, and the best spicy basil sauce I have ever sampled.
Mexican
Hugo’s — Hugo’s is excellent not only because the food is outstanding, but because it is one of few traditional Mexican restaurants in Houston, and probably even in Texas. It’s hard to find a place in Texas that isn’t Tex-Mex, or some sad American derivative of Mexican food, but Hugo’s really delivers. You’ll find some familiar entrees, such as carnitas, but you’ll also find some fare you probably haven’t heard of, like cochinita pibil, chapulines (sautéed grasshoppers), or conejo (braised rabbit). Venture out into some unfamiliar territory here, and be ready for the taste experience of a lifetime.
Italian
Dolce Vita — Similar to Hugo’s, the appeal of Dolce Vita (in addition to its unbelievable fare) is its traditional take on Italian cuisine. Especially the pizza. Some feature the expected combination of tomatoes, authentic Italian cheeses, meats, and basil, but others are totally unexpected, such as a clam, garlic, mozzarella, and tomato pizza, or a taleggio, arugula, pear, and truffle oil pizza, which will surprise and delight your mouth again and again. And the fact that you can add an egg to any pizza should tell you just how far from Domino’s you are. You might need to bring an Italian friend with you here, though, as most of the menu is in Italian. Don’t fret if you don’t have any Italian friends; the wait staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and almost entirely fluent in Italian.
Houston has an whole world (almost literally) of different foods to try. If you visit, don’t content yourself with Chili’s or TGI Friday’s, of which there is certainly no short supply. Challenge yourself to finding some of Houston’s unique fare, and I guarantee you won’t regret it. Oh, and don’t forget to bring shorts.
By-line:
Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.