Indulge in Houston's Asian Cuisine Scene for a Good Cause
AAPI Restaurant Weeks returns for the seventh year! This foodie-perfect event runs May 1-June 15 and not only supports Houston’s vibrant Asian & Pacific Islander restaurateurs, but every ticket purchased provides one bag of rice to a senior citizen in H-Town.
From the heart of Chinatown to the trendy corners of the Heights, these are our 10 picks for AAPI Restaurant Weeks.
Modern Fusion
Agnes and Sherman
Heights
Chef Nick Wong’s (of UB Preserv and Momofuku) diner named after his parents has garnered serious praise lately with a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant and named one of Bon Appétit’s 10 must-visit restaurants in the country.
Blood Bros. BBQ
Bellaire
These three childhood friends turned pitmasters have gained national fame for fusing Texas smoke with the vibrant Asian spices of their Alief upbringing. The world has certainly noticed: they earned MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand honors in 2024 and 2025, and were previously named one of the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants in America.
The Blind Goat
Spring Branch
Founded by MasterChef winner Christine Ha, this modern Vietnamese gastropub was a James Beard Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and remains a top culinary destination in Spring Branch. Don’t miss the signature Rubbish Apple Pie, a genre-defying dessert that blends traditional Vietnamese fish sauce caramel with classic American comfort.
Japanese Staples
Tiger Den
Chinatown
This izakaya-style spot is famous for a 30-hour tonkotsu broth and house-made noodles that have commanded a cult following for over a decade. It’s a must-visit for its signature hand-pulled ramen and charcoal-grilled yakitori.
Aka Sushi House
Upper Kirby
A beloved Upper Kirby anchor, Aka has earned a loyal following for its serious sushi in a laid-back setting. It’s a neighborhood favorite where high-quality sashimi and creative rolls meet a local crowd with a lively happy hour.
Vietnamese Favorites
Van Banh Mi
Alief
While famous for its light and crispy baguettes, this spot is a destination for Bò Né (Vietnamese steak and eggs) — served sizzling on cast-iron plates with generous portions of butter and pâté!
Bui Quan
Chinatown
Pull up a chair for an authentic bowl of Bún Bò Huế — a lemongrass-infused beef noodle soup that hails from the former royal capital of Central Vietnam. Known for its thick rice vermicelli and complex, spicy-savory broth, it's a bold alternative for those looking to explore beyond traditional Pho.
Coffee and Grab and Go
Upper Kirby
More than just a healthy, chef-driven meal prep service, Lena’s mission is rooted in social empowerment. Her kitchen specifically employs and supports survivors of domestic abuse, proving that soulful food can be a powerful catalyst for independence and community healing.
The Kopi Cowboy
Downtown
This spot specializes in coffee beans roasted with butter and sugar for a dark, caramelized finish. Yes, there’s a butter latte on the menu! They blend this Singaporean tradition with Lone Star spirit by serving high-octane brews in a rustic, Western-inspired setting.
Saigon Arts Matcha Café
Chinatown
A sanctuary for matcha purists, this aesthetic-forward cafe uses premium Japanese green tea to craft lattes and delicate treats. The space doubles as a gallery of Vietnamese art.
Photos: Courtesy of the restaurants presented in this post.