Taste the world one bite at a time!
With more than 145 languages spoken, Houston is the perfect destination to taste different cultures through food! From American to Asian and African cuisines, you know you can find the best international eats in H-Town. Read on for our list of the best restaurants to try food from around the world.
AMERICAN
Taste one of Texas' best bbq spots right here in the city! Pitmaster Grant Pinkerton’s craft barbecue restaurant, Pinkerton’s Barbecue on Airline Drive takes pride in the quality of meat, sides and their made from scratch daily menu! You can taste smokin’ Texas-style brisket, ribs, sides like jalapeno cheese rice, mac & cheese, beans and cobbler. It’s the perfect rustic-style spot for the family to enjoy lunch or dinner.
State of Grace in Houston’s River Oaks District offers a modern blend of Southern, Gulf Coast, Latin, Asian and American cuisines that will make you want to come back for more! Chef Bobby Matos’ menu features fresh oysters, Texas toast with burrata, strawberries, pistachio and mint, twice fried quail, kimchi collards and the best wine and cocktails list to pair with. The gold, wood and upscale hunting lodge decor is great for your next dinner date night.
SOUTH AMERICAN
Looking for a spot to taste amazing and bold flavors of South America? We’ve got you covered with Churrascos, a Houston-staple great for brunch, lunch and dinner! Since 1988, Churrascos has offered mouthwatering appetizers like empanadas, ceviches, signature chimichurri with plantain chips, marinated center-cut tenderloin and famous Tres Leches. Be sure to add a glass from their wine selection and you’re in for a great dining experience! With multiple Houston locations, you’re not too far from tasting some of the best South American dishes in the city.
Travel to Peru when you visit Sur Latin Peruvian Cuisine on the west side of town! The tasty blend of citrus, starchy, salty and spicy flavors are featured in their menu of authentic dishes loved by locals and visitors. We recommend starting with Papa A La Huancaina, soft potatoes with spicy cream sauce or Ceviche Mixto with fresh seafood. Then, order the Lomo Saltado de Carne with sauteed beef tenderloin, red onions, tomatoes, fries and white rice. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Peru. Pair with the lemon and bubblegum flavored Inca Kola and thank us later!
ASIA
MasterChef winner Christine Ha’s Xin Chao near Washington Avenue is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that you must try! Diners can enjoy the delicious Braised Pork & Crispy Rice (was Christine’s winning entrée on MasterChef) or Five Fungi Congee with jasmine rice soup and Texas BBQ Fried Rice. Complement your meal with a dessert like Ube-baby-baby taro pound cake and ube ice cream, Coconut Bread Pudding or the popular Rubbish Apple Pie A La Mode. Outdoor seating is also available to enjoy your meal with a frozen lychee cocktail!
Kin Dee is a women-owned, authentic Thai spot in The Heights with tasty made-from-scratch flavorful menu items for diners to enjoy. Their widely popular purple Thai Flower Dumpling is a must-try! For your main dish, we recommend their Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai or Panang Curry. If you’re visiting for brunch, try their Khai Katha with double sunny side egg with a stir fry of minced chicken, green peas and onion with sweet Thai Sausage – so delicious! We also recommend grabbing a cocktail and jamming to their nightly live music entertainment!
AFRICA
Want to taste delicious West African food? Zongo on Beechnut Street takes pride in their flavorful Ghanaian cuisine and culture. Their dishes are made with authentic spices and fresh ingredients. Diners can order the Zongo Street Waakye with fish and waakye rice, Jollof Party Bowl with chicken or Banku And Okra Soup. Don’t forget to capture your dining experience and snap a photo with their ‘Zongo’ neon sign!
Looking for African cuisine in Houston? ChòpnBlọk can be found at the new POST Houston food fall in downtown. It is a fast-casual restaurant that pairs East and West African cuisine! Try their popular The Motherland with coconut curry, black-eyed peas and ripe sweet plantains or the Roadside Steak with 48-hour garlic and ginger marinated halal steak – an ode to West African street flavors found in markets and bus stops!
MEXICO
For authentic Mexican cuisine, specifically from the state of Oaxaca, visit award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega’s Xochi in downtown Houston to experience delectable indigenous dishes like housemade masas, moles, tlayudas and more. Pair your meal with their mezcals, tequilas and Mexican craft beers from the Oaxacan region for the perfect dinner. The restaurant decor will transport you to beautiful Mexico!
TEOTIHUACAN MEXICAN CAFE
If you’re looking to satisfy that Tex-Mex craving, head to Houston’s beloved Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe! Recognized by many publications for its authentic Tex-Mexican flavors, this restaurant has diners coming back for more fajitas, shrimp, parrillada and home-style breakfast options. It has become a local favorite to celebrate birthdays and special events!