YOU CAN ONLY FIND THEM HERE!

Only in Houston will you find seafood, barbecue, Tex-Mex and even carnival food with a twist. It’s all thanks to the many cultures that make up this great city. From fusion crawfish to revolutionary barbecue, you’ll want to taste it all. With more than 10,000 restaurants, it can be difficult to choose a restaurant in Houston. Start your food tour with our list of unique Houston eats. Here's the lineup and read on to get a quick snapshot of each!

Crawfish & Noodles | Blood Bros. BBQ | Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | Traveler’s Table | Shipley’s Do-nuts


CRAVIN’ VIET-CAJUN 

When it comes to crawfish, Houstonians have no trouble finding spots to enjoy these popular mudbugs. However, there is one style of crawfish unique to Houston that is making waves across the city. Viet Cajun! This blend of flavors from the American South with flavors from the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam began in the early 2000’s. Chef Trong Nguyen’s Crawfish & Noodles was one of the first restaurants to offer this style of crawfish with a buttery garlic taste that will have you coming back for more. Other noteworthy spots include LA Crawfish, Crawfish Cafe and 88 Boiling Crawfish & Seafood Restaurant.


FIRST FAJITAS

Did you know that the fajita craze began in Houston? The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation Boulevard in Houston’s East End, is where “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo first popularized chargrilled sliced beef into handmade flour tortillas, also known as ‘fajitas’ in 1973. Add queso and margaritas to the mix and you’re in for a great time! Naturally, the city gained more Tex-Mex restaurants that offer delicious fajitas like El Tiempo Cantina, Lupe Tortilla, Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe and Irma’s Original.


BLOODY GOOD BBQ

In the lone star state, we love a good barbecue plate with the Texas trinity: brisket, ribs and sausage. At Blood Bros. BBQ in Bellaire, you’ll find that and much more. This hotspot has received local and national praise for Pitmaster Quy Hoang and (blood-related) brothers Terry and Robin Wong’s incredible fusion of traditional barbecue with Asian-inspired dishes. When you order the Texas trinity, and dishes like togarashi split chicken, gochujang glazed pork ribs and brisket burnt end steamed buns you’re tasting Houston’s great diversity.


RODEO FOOD ROUNDUP

For 90 years, locals and visitors have looked forward to visiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for exciting activities, rides, concerts and yummy carnival food! Whether it's your first rodeo or you’re visiting again, you must try the carnival food only found at the rodeo. Our top favorites are deep fried oreos, funnel cake, spicy corn on the cob, loaded stuffed potato and pizza on a stick. Also found at the rodeo: Wine Garden and the new The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse for fine dining.


TRAVELING TASTE BUDS

As one of the country’s most diverse cities, Houston opens the door to try many cuisines. One restaurant’s unique menu will have your taste buds traveling from Morocco to India to Thailand in one sitting. Traveler’s Table in Houston’s eclectic Montrose neighborhood serves up Thai Mussels, Butter Chicken, Moroccan Lamb Tagine and many more globally-inspired dishes for a great start to your food tour in H-Town.


DO-NUT MISS THIS

If you’re wanting a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert, look no further than Houston’s own Shipley’s Do-nuts. For over 85 years, they have been serving their freshly-baked signature glazed donuts, 60 unique do-nut flavors, kolaches, cakes and coffee! Shipley’s became so popular that there are now over 300 store locations across several states! You definitely don’t want to miss a bite.