Houston Cuisine You Absolutely Must Try!

By Deborah | June 22, 2018

Home to the largest population in all of Texas, Houston is a city of phenomenal diversity and intrigue. In every aspect, the famed southwest metropolis is rich with culture and excitement—including on the culinary scene. It’s often said that one of the best ways to understand a place is through its food, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to savor the city’s flavor while you’re living in corporate apartments in Houston.

When you’re traveling for business, food provides an opportunity for you to get to know the city in a unique and flavorful way. Follow our guide to Houston cuisine to experience a wide variety of dishes and atmospheres.

The Many Flavors of Houston Food

Houston’s enormous population—over 2 million people, as of 2017—imbues the city’s tastes with diverse ethnic and social influences. As a result, a full spectrum of restaurants with all kinds of foods has taken root. Across the Houston metro, fast food chains like Whataburger and food trucks offering Tex-Mex classics live side by side with Czech-style sausage vendors, Vietnamese pho restaurants, and upscale gourmet dining.

Naturally, the sizzling spice and smoky intensity of southwestern cuisine hold a strong presence in the city. From authentic Oaxacan-style mole dishes to tacos with unusual fillings like lamb and tahini, it’s easy to see how neighboring Mexico has influenced Houston’s culinary artists. This isn’t all that Houston offers, however; visitors can also find excellent seafood, barbecue, fried chicken, deli sandwiches, gourmet espresso drinks, and much more.

Dining in Houston is also an international experience, with restaurants specializing in regional dishes from all over the planet. Diners can travel the world with their taste buds at restaurants featuring Greek, German, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and French cuisine, to name a few. If you prefer a cross-cultural experience, try fusion-style food that combines influences for a truly global menu.

Metropolitan Cuisine Scene: Houston Restaurants That Sizzle

Houston’s vast culinary landscape is home to dozens of top-notch restaurants, vendors, and fast-food stops ready to feed the always-hungry population. If you’re planning to spend any time at all in Houston, consider tasting the offerings at any of the following well-loved eateries:

Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack

If you’re looking for all-American grub to feed a Texas-sized appetite, Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack has you covered. Located right under the freeway, Bubba’s is a laid-back place to grab a burger with delicious toppings like bacon, chili, avocado, and smoky jalapenos.

Bombay Pizza Company

This truly unique Indian-Italian restaurant serves up one-of-a-kind fusion pizzas featuring fabulous Indian ingredients and flavors. Enjoy a slice of their Tandoori Chicken pizza with a side of Saag Paneer dip, or opt for a traditional Italian dish like Penne Primavera.

Kulture

Caribbean flavors and Southern comfort food meet upscale urban dining at Kulture in Houston’s downtown Convention District. Offerings include foods like meatloaf meatballs, collards dip, and fried okra.

JINYA Ramen Bar

Perfect for ramen fanatics and daring diners, JINYA Ramen Bar offers a wide variety of unique and flavorful takes on this classic Japanese noodle soup. Each bowl comes stuffed with tasty ingredients like lobster, chicken, miso, and vegetables.

Xochi

A perfect place to for date night dinner, Xochi’s menu features high-end versions of authentic Oaxacan street eats. Their Sunday brunch is a local favorite, featuring a massive buffet of eggs, meats, seafood, pastries, and more

Tacos A Go Go

Indulge in Tex-Mex Houston style at Tacos A Go Go, where the fare is anything but expected. Diners can explore exciting taco fillings like potatoes, carrots, pineapple, lamb, Mexican-style tater tots, bacon, grilled fish, marinated pork, and much more.

Yoyo’s Hot Dog

No time for a sit-down meal? No problem—Yoyo’s Hot Dog stand at West University is known for it’s juicy, fully loaded hot dogs on the go. Customers can expect fantastic toppings like homemade curry ketchup, spicy mayo, sriracha, honey mayo, cream cheese, fried onions, and more.

Cavo Coffee

For a caffeinated pick-me-up and satisfying cafe fare, visit Cavo Coffee at the Regions Financial Center. In addition to great java, customers can enjoy foods like ricotta-topped toast, smoked salmon and egg salad sandwiches, and fresh baked goods.

Follow Food with Fun

Whether you’re looking to kill time before a dinner date or follow lunch with some afternoon activity, there are plenty of fun things to do in Houston that don’t involve eating. The city is home to a variety of entertainment, shopping, natural features, and historically and culturally important landmarks. No matter what you like to do in your free time or how much you’ve got to spend, you’re bound to find something in Houston that suits your tastes.

Buffalo Bayou

A vast stretch of river with banks home to popular recreation spots like Memorial Park, Terry Hershey Park, the San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site, and others, the Buffalo Bayou area is ideal for visitors interested in hiking or canoeing in Houston.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Explore the natural beauty of Texas flora and fauna along the trails of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, learn about wildlife in the Discovery Room, and participate in various adult and family programs.

Space Center Houston

Thanks to its important role in the nation’s space exploration, Houston has long been nicknamed “Space City.” A perfect place for families with children, the Space Center educates visitors of all ages on the science and history of space exploration in fun and exciting ways.

Houston Zoo

Animal lovers can take in the sights and sounds of both native and exotic creatures at the Houston Zoo. See all your favorite animals and meet them face to face in spacious exhibit areas exciting animal encounter programs.

Downtown Aquarium

More than your standard aquarium, Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a combination of games, rides, dining, and aquatic exhibits. Marvel at stingrays, piranhas, sharks, and more, and then top off your visit with a 100-foot view of the skyline from the top of the Diving Bell Ferris wheel.

Planning an Extended Stay for Work? Feel at Home in a Fully Furnished Temporary Apartment

If you’re a traveling professional working temporarily in the Houston area, the convenience of a corporate apartment can make all the difference to your experience. Rather than spending weeks or months living with tourists at an overpriced hotel, you can have all the comforts of home with fully furnished extended stay housing from Corporate Retreats International.

Each one of our corporate apartments in Houston is outfitted with all the necessary appliances and amenities, such as a full-size kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, and a spacious walk-in closet. Temporary corporate residents also have their own individual addresses and mailboxes for packages and correspondence—something you definitely won’t find at a hotel.

Corporate Retreats International offers corporate apartments across Houston at Camden Vanderbilt, The Esplanade, The Amalfi, Archstone Toscano, Elan Med Center, and Hanover Rice Village. No matter which type of extended stay apartments you choose, you’ll have the benefit of beautiful modern furniture, fully stocked dishes and glassware, a flat-screen television, a DVD player, and a basic cable package. Residents can also enjoy luxurious amenities like resort-style pools and private fitness centers.

We make it easy for you and your company by rolling all furniture, utilities, appliances, and other living expenses into one rental price. We also offer flexible payment options (direct billing or credit card) to meet the needs of diverse companies.

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