When I first arrived in Houston, I didn’t know much about the city. In terms of food, I expected to survive on a diet of Mexican dishes with the occasional barbecue thrown in. But to my surprise, Houston is a food lover’s paradise that’s so much more than just tacos and BBQ. The city has earned its title as one of the most culturally diverse places in the United States, and that means a vast array of international food options, much like my beloved Toronto.

Eat the World TO generally stays out of politics, so when the opportunity to visit Texas came up, it was a clear “let’s go!” The first stop on my 12-day journey was a long weekend in Houston, packed with food, and then even more food.

Tacos Doña Lena
After a four-hour flight from Toronto, I was craving Mexican food. Duh. Tacos Doña Lena, with two bustling locations, was the perfect spot. The place is a fiesta of colours, with cactus adorning the exterior and Mexican decor and lively music inside. We ordered the Birria Platter for two, a slow-cooked beef consomme dish that comes in the form of tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and gorditas. The Birria quesadilla was a standout – gooey cheese, flavourful beef, and a perfectly crispy exterior. The Birria gordita was another winner, with silky refried beans that complemented the meat. The Birria taco, however, was a bit dry compared to the rest, but the consomme added the needed moisture when dipped inside. The platter was also accompanied by savoury rice, fresh onions, cilantro, and a selection of hot sauces ranging from mild to “cry baby” level spicy. I can’t think of a better way to kick off a tour of Houston. 

Monchy’s 
So anything on Telephone road regarding Mexican food is seriously legit, and Monchy’s address is exactly that. This hidden gem in Houston is a must-visit, offering some of the best tacos and Mexican dishes in the city, all served with a side of authenticity. Open only for breakfast and lunch, the place is always bustling, with locals ordering in Spanish, or using their hands to communicate with the Spanish-only speaking staff. My favourite part was the counter where you can buy bus tickets to Mexico, an option that made the idea of a spontaneous four-hour trip incredibly tempting, especially with a few tacos “para llevar”. The horchata was richer and creamier than the night before, with a bolder cinnamon kick. I tried two standout tacos: a specialty breakfast taco made from grilled meats and vegetables left over from the night before. It’s called Discada, and it’s delicious. The second taco of the morning was a classic Barbacoa, slow-cooked beef in a warm tortilla with refried beans and hot sauce. The Menudo, a hearty tripe soup with bold Mexican flavours, was a first for me but definitely won’t be a last. Everything about this place, from the language to the food to the bus counter, felt genuine, and I’ll be dreaming about this meal for a long time.

Blood Bros. BBQ
No trip to Texas would be complete without barbecue. Blood Bros. BBQ, a fusion of Vietnamese seasoning with classic Texas barbecue, is a must-visit. The smells of smoked meat hit you before you even enter. We went for the beef rib, which was pure magic – tender, juicy, and falling off the bone. This is what they’re famous for. The gochujang-glazed pork ribs brought a unique twist with their sweet and spicy glaze that unrivalled anything I had ever had before. The beef brisket was smokey and melt-in-your-mouth tender, it felt like there was a campfire in my mouth after taking a few bites. And I liked it, a lot. As for the sides,  they helped to cleanse the palate between the meats. I particularly enjoyed the beef fried rice, something not commonly paired with barbecue, while the jalapeno mac and cheese added a creamy touch. In keeping with the Asian theme, okra was a great addition, especially for something a little heavier to go with all the pickled vegetables. 

Ninfa’s
If you’re craving Tex-Mex, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is the place to go. This iconic spot started the Tex-Mex craze in Houston, and you can feel its history as soon as you walk in. The building has a homey vibe, with each room offering a different atmosphere, and the mosaic tile bar is a beautiful touch. It started as one small house with a room or two, and extensions slowly were added, making for the larger space there today. Busy as always, Ninfa’s serves decadent Tex-Mex classics – I went for the Tejas Combo. The fajitas were the highlight, paired with fresh tortillas, a cheesy enchilada, and a crispy hard-shell taco stuffed with ground beef. Picture your youth with crunchy Old El Paso tacos from the supermarket, this is exactly that. With sides like refried beans and rice, it was an indulgent and satisfying meal that was easily washed down with a margarita. 

Crawfish Cafe
It was crawfish season in Texas baby, and I was all in. Crawfish resemble small lobsters with the tail and the claws that all have meat in them if you work for it, and I obviously did. This restaurant offers a fun twist on traditional crawfish boils, with flavours influenced by Vietnamese cuisine. We opted for the Thai Basil sauce, an aromatic infusion of Southeast Asian herbs and spices that coated the crawfish perfectly. To compare, we also ordered the traditional sauce at a medium spice level, which was also great for those who prefer a more familiar kick. Alongside the crawfish, we enjoyed crispy okra and southern-style hushpuppies, which provided a sweet and savoury balance. The fusion of Cajun and Asian flavours was a pleasant surprise, making this a standout experience. Don’t forget to arm yourself with gloves and a bib! 

In just a few days, I barely scratched the surface of Houston’s vibrant food scene. The Vietnamese influence is strong in the city, and I look forward to exploring more of that next time beyond a delightful bahn mi for lunch. Additionally, the Indian food scene here is worth mentioning as the south Asian population continues to grow, as will the food options. That said, one thing Houston is missing (that Torontoas in abundance) is Jamaican and Caribbean food. Despite this gap, I’m thoroughly impressed by Houston’s food offerings and can honestly say I barely remember what it feels like to be hungry anymore.

Eat with you soon,

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)