Culinary Delights: Exploring Houston's Diverse Food Scene

Houston's other culinary delights range from barbecue to Vietnamese pho, among other things, making it the fourth most populous city in the United States. Houston is truly a melting pot of so many unique cultures and heritage; it reflects vibrantly in food. Furthermore, this world-renowned food city provides a great dining experience showing the pluralistic nature that both cosmopolitan cities embrace. Whether foodie or eater, certainly Houston's gastronomic scene is one to return to. Let us take a culinary walk through the best bites and sips Houston has in store.

Breakfast Bliss 

Begin your day with a great breakfast at The Breakfast Klub, Houstonians' favorite Southern comfort food. This Midtown spot is famous for wings, waffles, catfish, and grits. The fun atmosphere and friendly staff will get you pumped to hit the streets in no time. For something a little more laid-back, head to Common Bond Cafe & Bakery in Montrose. You'll never have a better pastry, and the avocado toast is to die for. Get it to go with fresh coffee and get on your way.

The Heights

The Heights is an old neighborhood turned into a food lover's paradise. Stroll along White Oak Drive and take your pick from the many options available for eating and drinking. If you want to experience some of the best local Tex-Mex treats, head over to Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe. Their fajitas and margaritas are to die for, and the casual atmosphere makes it very friendly for hanging out with friends or family. The more eclectic menus available in Field & Tides mix southern comfort food with fresh new twists. Think shrimp and grits or their take on chicken fried chicken.

Chinatown 

Chinatown in Houston is located along. You will also find Chinese dim sum and Vietnamese banh mi. Huynh Restaurant is family-owned and very authentic. The talk of the town is their dishes of pho and spring rolls. Drop by Arco Seafood Restaurant for one of those brightly colored dim sums. Their steamed buns, dumplings, and all other little bites arrive in a mouth-watering multitude. Do not miss their signature dessert: the egg tarts.

Lunchtime Delights 

Another perfection for lunch would be The Pit Room, a barbecue joint in Montrose, known for some of the finest smoked meats in town. They do great brisket, ribs, and sausages, nicely complemented by big sides of mac and cheese and coleslaw. If you've got a sandwich jones, then head over to Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen in the Galleria area. This legendary deli serves giant overstuffed sandwiches with all of the traditional favorites like pastrami, corned beef, and more. They also serve some pretty mean matzo ball soup.

Afternoon Delights: Sweets and Treats 

No epicurean journey is complete without a little indulgence. The Chocolate Bar at Rice Village: heaven for anyone with a chocolate craving. Whether you're looking to devour chocolate-covered strawberries or some rich, dense, chocolatey cakes—The Chocolate Bar has everything chocolate. They even offer something called a "frozen hot chocolate," which we would imagine must really hit the spot during Houston's balmy afternoons. 

Flo Paris: superbly authentic European pastries. Availability in the Galleria; a selection of macarons, croissants, and tarts make one believe they were chosen straight from Parisian streets. Pair your guilty pleasure with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for a scrumptious afternoon break.
 

A Dinner Extravaganza: Experiences to Relish

The fine dining Brennan's of Houston is found at Midtown. Top bites here include turtle soup, shrimp and grits, and bananas Foster. Add to that nice ambiance and great service, and you have the recipe for a good place to enjoy that special occasion. For those with too much steak on the brain, consider Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Long known for prime beef cuts as well as a fabulous wine list, Pappas Brothers is a fine choice among upscale steakhouses. They recommend their lobster bisque and dry-aged steaks.

For those in pursuit of a more relaxed, informal dinnertime—Hugo's Montrose serves a good dose of real, authentic Mexican grub in their friendly sitting room. On the menu is terrific cochinita pibil and mole poblano. The food is made even better by the live music and warm setting. That could also include The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, where the founder first dreamed up the notion of mythical fajitas and from-scratch tortillas. That classic Tex-Mex institution has been serving Houstonians since 1973 and remains one of the city's absolute favorite restaurants—just ask the patrons who come from all over town, again and again.
 

Late-Night Eats 

For that late-night craving, head to BB's Tex-Orleans for their Texas-meets-New Orleans flavors. With tons of locations all over town, they'll hit the spot when it comes to getting a late-night feast with their po'boys, boudin balls, and crawfish etouffee. For something quite a bit different but oh so brilliant in the wee hours, set a course for downtown Houston and Voodoo Doughnut. Quite famous for its outrageous and wacky doughnuts, the place is literally like magic with its sugary goodness all day long. A Bacon Maple Bar and the Voodoo Doll doughnut are two that can't be missed.

Foodie Adventures 

Taste your way around Houston with a guided tour. Dim sum, fajitas, and kolaches begin your journey as Houston Culinary Tours allows you to sink your teeth into some of the best dishes, innovative to historic, calling Houston home.

Fresh and Local Farmers Market 

If you are an enthusiast of the most recent and locally prepared foodstuffs, then Urban Harvest Farmers Market is the place to be. This market provides fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheese, and baked products, among others, every Saturday morning. It is the place to meet local farmers and artisans in pursuit of new flavors.

Cooking Classes

Learn from the Best If you've been inspired by the food scene in Houston and have just got to learn to cook some of those dishes at home, then consider taking a cooking class. At Central Market, you will learn how to make everything found across the country—from how to make sushi to baking.

Taste the Flavors of Houston Houston's culturally diverse food scene is a testament to the city's cosmopolitan demographic. From the most filling breakfasts and light, easy-on-the-wallet lunches to classy dinners, Houston is a gourmand's good friend with a whirlpool of fancy experiences for just about every foodie. Pack your bags, come hungry, and get ready for an epicurean spree in Houston. From foodie meccas at The Heights and Chinatown to pockets of fine dining and casual dining, you can sample the flavors, find new places to love, and make special memories with this city. Bon appétit!