Downtown Houston skyline in Texas USA at twilight
In summer 2020, the population of Houston, Texas exceeded 7.1 million, which meant it had the 3rd-largest increase in population growth in the whole nation. With so many people here, you can bet that they’re bringing their culture (and foods!) to the area.
Whether you live in the state or far away from it, it’s definitely worth visiting Houston. Not only can you experience the richness in culture, but you can also discover what draws people into this large metropolis.
If you’re visiting Houston soon, then you can’t miss out on the amazing food here. Here are 7 restaurants you should get a taste of when you’re in the area!
1. Phat Eatery
Have you ever had Malaysian food before? No matter what your answer is, you need to give Phat Eatery a try! This restaurant serves Malaysian street foods that’ll tickle your taste buds.
Their menu is full of small dishes you can share with your table to get a taste of everything. From dim sum to stir-fried noodles and rice, you’ll be able to eat to your heart’s content. You can even order party trays that serve up to 20 people!
This restaurant isn’t technically in Houston (it’s in Katy), but it’s close enough to be worth visiting.
2. Truth BBQ
The state is well-known for its BBQ dishes, so don’t visit Texas without getting a taste of some smoked meats. Truth BBQ has exactly what you’re looking for, as it’s one of the top BBQ places around!
This restaurant’s rustic menu includes whole-hog roasts, brisket, turkey, pulled pork, sausage links, and beef ribs. But that’s not all! They’ve got mouth-watering sides too, such as baked beans, Brussels sprouts, coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, and tater tot casserole.
Don’t forget about dessert either. Finish off your fulfilling meal with a slice of cake or brownie. Cakes include banana caramel, carrot, coconut cream, Italian cream, and triple chocolate.
Do be warned that the doors close once they sell out of food, so head over to Truth BBQ early if you can!
3. Da Gama Canteen
Da Gama Canteen is located in Houston Heights and serves fine-casual food. But what’s more interesting is this restaurant serves up a blend of Portuguese and Indian food! For example, you can get a taste of Piri Piri Paratha Tacos that combine the best flavors of both worlds.
This restaurant also has many plant-based options, as well as natural wines and cocktails. So if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll still have plenty of options here.
What’s best about Da Gama Canteen is you’ll dine with a great view of the MKT trail!
4. Xin Chao
Xin Chao is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that combines Vietnamese food with Texan BBQ. The co-executive chef is Christine Ha, who’s the blind contestant who won MasterChef in 2012. This restaurant only opened up in 2020, so it’s fresh on the scene!
There’s a nice starters menu filled with oysters, salmon, and soft-shell crab, as well as beef, pork, and duck dishes. As for the mains, they’re made for sharing, so come with your significant other or friend. There are delicious options such as five fungi congee, smoked beef rib flat rice noodles, and Texas BBQ fried rice.
Wash down your bites of food with the refreshing draft beers, wines, and craft cocktails at this restaurant. And end your dining experience with a sweet dessert like coconut bread pudding.
5. Ninfa’s
This Tex-Mex restaurant is iconic since they’re the ones who invented fajitas! Ninfa’s has been around since 1973 and you’ll have the ultimate Texan dining experience here! There’s just 1 restaurant, but there are 2 kitchens and 2 dining rooms to accommodate everyone.
Not only can you order fajitas at Ninfa’s, but you can also get handmade tamales, enchiladas, tacos, and a variety of platos and mixtas. This restaurant’s also got incredible margaritas, so order one (or a few) to go with your meal. If you’ve got the room, order their award-winning fajita burger, as it’s unique and out of this world!
6. Becks Prime
If you’re on the go, then you’ll want some fast food. But if you don’t want low-quality stuff like McDonald’s or Burger King, then Becks Prime is where you need to go! This restaurant has multiple locations in the Houston area, so you’re never far from one.
Their burgers are made with 100% Certified Angus Beef that’s never been frozen. And every burger is grilled to order over mesquite coals and served on a fresh-baked egg bun. As you can see, fast doesn’t have to mean not fresh!
They never freeze any of their products, nor do they have microwaves. If you’d like to eat chicken instead of beef, then rest easy knowing their chicken breasts are hormone-free. This restaurant’s even got a special diets menu (see it here) to accommodate unique dietary needs, such as paleo and keto diets.
7. Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana
Everybody loves pizza, but forget about those chain restaurants. Instead, go to Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana when your stomach’s grumbling. Pizaro’s Neapolitan pizza is authentic that they’ve received a certification of authenticity from the Vera Pizza Napoletana organization!
When you take a bite of one of their pizzas, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Napoli. They’ve also got Detroit and New York-style pizzas if that’s what you’re more into.
Complement your meal with wine or beer, and then finish off with cannoli, Nutella flatbread, or tiramisu.
Eat Well While Visiting Houston
While visiting Houston, you’ll need to rest and refuel. So why not do it by checking out the best restaurants the city has to offer? They’re sure to put a cherry on top of your Texas vacation!
So make sure you jot down these Houston restaurants and save them for your trip. Your belly will thank you for it!
If you need more ideas of what to do on your vacation to Houston, check out our other blog articles now!
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