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Houston is famous for many things. Food is a popular topic among people who talk about this city. The way cultures and cuisines meld within the city's borders is a sight worth watching for both locals and visitors.
Many famous dishes delight the platters, from classic Tex-Mex delicacies to Houston's creations. Any day in Houston starts with delectable tacos piled high with succulent meat and ends with brewed beer. But that’s not all; there are several other delicacies in between the meals.
When you are in Houston and want to relish the true spirit of this city, try out these famous delicacies in the most famous eateries.
7 Famous Houston Delicacies And Where To Find Them
1) Tacos - Brothers Taco House
Tacos are a huge deal in Houston. They're a favourite Tex-Mex food, made with soft flour tortillas filled with yummy stuff. At Brothers Taco House in East Downtown, they make huge breakfast tacos with things like eggs, chicharrones (that's pork skin), chorizo (a type of sausage), or picadillo con papas (ground beef with potatoes). These tacos are so tasty, especially the juicy barbacoa or the smoky al pastor. Brothers Taco House has been around since 2003, serving up deliciousness to hungry folks.
Location: 1604 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77003
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 5 am–3 pm; Sat: 6 am–1 pm; Sun: 7 am–1 pm
Must Try: Breakfast Tacos, Egg and Bacon
Price for 2: $20 approx.
2) Kolache - Original Kolache Shoppe
Image Credit: Original Kolache Shoppe
If you are in Houston and haven't tried Kolaches, you're missing out big time! This local treasure, melding European tradition with Texan flair, has become a staple for this city. However, in Houston, they've put a Texan twist on them. At places like The Original Kolache Shoppe, you'll find a mouthwatering array of options, from savoury ham, cheese, and sausage to zesty jalapenos and spinach. These soft, pillowy pastries are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, available in both sweet and savoury flavours to satisfy any craving.
Location: 5404 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX 77087
Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 5 am–12 pm; Sun: 5 am–1 pm
Must Try: Kolache, Pastrami, Fajita
Price for 2: $20 approx.
3) Fajitas - Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
Fajitas are a mouthwatering Tex-Mex speciality with a story. A Mexican American woman named Ninfa created fajitas as a variation of tacos but with extra deliciousness like chilies, sour cream, and cheese. You'll find the best fajitas in town at places like The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Their fajitas feature tender meat marinated and grilled, then wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Whether you prefer classic meat or exciting options like chicken or lobster, fajitas in Houston are a sensational treat you won't want to miss!
Location: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 11 am–10 pm; Fri: 11 am–11 pm; Sat: 10 am–11 pm; Sun: 10 am–10 pm
Must Try: Chicken Fajitas, Steak Fajitas
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4) Pho - Pho Houston
Ever since Pho showed up in Houston, it captured the hearts of many. It's comforting and healing properties are what sets it apart from other delicacies. This Vietnamese meat noodle soup is a must-try, especially at places like Pho Houston. A steaming bowl filled with rice noodles, fragrant herbs, spices, and tender meat or chicken, all swimming in a rich broth made from simmered bones, creates a captivating joy just from the looks of it.
Location: 10961 North Fwy APT 108, Houston, TX 77037
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 am–7 pm; Sat-Sun: Closed
Must Try: Chicken Pho, Soup, Fried Rice
Price for 2: $30 approx.
5) Tamales - Alamo Tamales
Image Credit: Freepik
Tamales are a beloved Houston treat you'll find all over the city, but no one does it quite right than Alamo Tamales. These tasty delights are made from corn dough, filled with flavorful ingredients like meat, beans, or veggies, and then steamed in a banana leaf or corn husk. You'll find various options at places like Alamo Tamales, from handmade classics like bean, chicken, or pork to machine-made varieties. Whether you're grabbing them for breakfast or a quick snack, tamales in Houston are sure to satisfy your cravings for savoury Mesoamerican flavours.
Location: 809 Berry Rd, Houston, TX 77022
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 6 am–6 pm
Must Try: Green Salsa, Chicken Tamales, Breakfast Tacos, Tortillas
Price for 2: $20 approx.
6) Queso - Saint Arnold Brewery
Image Credit: Freepik
Inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, queso is a lovely dip that transforms your chips, tacos and sandwiches. This cheesy goodness is perfect for dipping anything and filling the meal with overwhelming flavours. You'll find delicious melted cheese to dip into at Saint Arnold Brewery, Texas' oldest craft brewery, established in 1994. With outdoor spaces for kids or dogs to play, bocce courts, and scenic views of the Houston skyline, Saint Arnold Brewery gives a perfect backdrop to enjoy its flavour with a glass full of beer.
Location: 2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 11 am–10 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–11 pm
Must Try: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Queso, Crawfish, Beer
Price for 2: $50 approx.
7) Viet-Cajun Crawfish - Crawfish and Noodles
Image Credit: Freepik
Brought to Houston with the Vietnamese invasion, Viet-Cajun Crawfish is a delicious fusion dish no one can stop talking about. Combining the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine with Louisiana's Cajun tradition, this dish features boiled crawfish infused with cayenne pepper, garlic, basil, lemongrass, and ginger tossed in butter. Crawfish and Noodles, a celebrated spot in Asiatown since 2008, is famous for its finger-licking Viet-Cajun crawfish. Here, the mudbugs are smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and seasoned with spicy Vietnamese and Cajun spices, creating a mouthwatering experience you won't forget.
Location: 11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072
Open Hours: Sun-Mon: 12–10 pm; Tue: Closed; Wed-Thu: 12–10 pm; Fri-Sat: 12–11 pm
Must Try: Viet-Cajun Crawfish, Seafood, Wings, Sauce
Price for 2: $50 approx.
These beloved delicacies of Houston are not to be missed if you want to taste the true essence of this city. Indulge in juicy and meaty platters and enjoy your time in the city's classic haunts.
