Must-Try Fusion Restaurants in Houston
Houston's vibrant and active food scene has so much to offer. As one of the most diverse food cities in the U.S., Houston is home to many unique restaurants that fuse cultures and cuisines like never before. Check out something creative and new with one of these fun food mashups.
Herand's Kitchen
Herand’s Kitchen, originating from Los Angeles since 2020, has opened in the Heights area with its unique blend of Persian and Greek flavors. Enjoy Persian-Mediterranean flavors in dishes such as savory koubideh kabobs, fennel yoghurt, zereshk rice, and vibrant salads—this new location combines authentic Mediterranean traditions with a modern, casual dining experience.
Thai Tail
Thai Tail, located in the hip Montrose area of Houston, is a fast-casual Thai restaurant featuring Thai and American fusion cuisine. The menu includes Beef Drunken Chili with Spinach Tortilla Chips, a delectable fusion of Thai cuisine's iconic Drunken Noodle sauce and the bold flavors of Tex-Mex chili, and a Panang Chicken Club Sandwich with chicken breast, fresh lettuce, and drizzled with Panang curry sauce. The Green Curry Pork Burger features ground pork and is topped with green curry sauce. Try a dessert such as the Thai Donut dipped in condensed milk or Thai Tea custard.
Crawfish & Noodles
This family-owned Viet-Cajun restaurant combines seafood choices with a Texan flare and authentic Southern Vietnamese cuisine and Crawfish & Noodles has been featured on Netflix, NBC, and ABC. Come try the flavorful crawfish with a variety of Vietnamese sides. The menu also includes traditional Vietnamese dishes such as stir-fried noodles and fried rice as well as classic seafood staples (oysters, shrimp, clam, fried catfish). Other offerings: tamarind blue crab, crawfish fried rice, and crispy frog legs sauteed in butter.
Bismillah Restaurant and Cafe
Bismillah Restaurant and Cafe takes top creative marks when it comes to unexpected and delicious food mashups. Head chef Inam Moghul marries traditional Pakistani fare with American-style burgers to create a truly unique experience. Bismillah is known for quirky menu items such as the CP3 Burger– beef patty, sliced rib eye, mac and cheese, and BR&C special sauce, and fusion burgers such as the Chicken Chapli Kebab Burger, which is minced chicken kebab patty with herbs and spices, topped with Swiss cheese, lettuce, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and ranch.
Alings
Alings offers Chinese food prepared with Indian cooking techniques and ingredients. Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine brings both cultures together for creative versions of traditional menu items. Located in Sugar Land, Alings features Hakka pepper chicken, Machurian beef and lobster dishes, pickled shrimp, and a host of rice, noodles, vegetables and desserts.
Doves
Located in Midtown Houston, Doves Restaurant's menu blends the bold flavors of Southern cuisine with an Asian influence. The menu features a variety of premium dishes, highlighted by a 32 ounce Tomahawk steak, expertly seasoned and finished with house-made butters. Try Tempura Dixie Peach French Toast, Cantonese Calamari, Szechuan Salmon, or Bao Sliders, at either brunch or dinner service.
Coreanos
With two food truck locations, Coreanos calls itself Houston’s number one Mexican Korean food truck. The award-winning establishment serves up savory Korean barbeque using flavors traditionally associated with Mexican dishes. A few favorites to try include Coreanos’ take on the hot dog – bacon-wrapped with caramelized kimchi and a special sauce. Try the Korean barbecue tacos or the Og Burrito, a marinated bulgogi loaded with crispy fries, cheese, pico de gallo, kimchi, cabbage and spicy mayo.
Each fusion cuisine menu offers something unique to try and showcases the creative spirit of Houston's resilient food scene. Grab a friend and try one of these enticing restaurants!