
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Houston, Texas, United States
1. Texas-style Barbecue
Savor slow-smoked meats at iconic pit masters like Gatlin's BBQ or Goode Company Barbeque. The unique blend of wood smoke infuses a distinct flavor into the brisket, ribs, and sausages.
- Authenticity: Experience the authentic Central Texas BBQ style.
- Social Atmosphere: Enjoy friendly, casual dining with fellow barbecue lovers.
- Variety: Taste a selection of smoked meats and homemade sides.
2. Houston-style Tacos Al Carbon
Indulge in charcoal-grilled tacos at Taqueria Arandas or Tacos Taco Mundo. These tacos are filled with marinated meats, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños.
- Unique Cooking Method: Savor the distinct flavor imparted by charcoal grilling.
- Tasty Fusion: Enjoy a blend of Mexican and Houston culinary influences.
- Affordable: Savor delicious street food at budget-friendly prices.
3. Cajun Seafood Boil
Feast on a seafood boil filled with crawfish, shrimp, sausage, and corn at Boil House or Crawfish & Noodles. The aroma of spices wafts from steaming pots.
- Seasonal Delight: Experience the flavorful peak of Cajun seafood during crawfish season.
- Social Experience: Share a large, communal pot with friends and family.
- Flavorful: Taste the bold flavors of Cajun spices in every bite.
4. Houston-style Nachos
Savor towering piles of nachos atbed with chili con carne, jalapeños, and cheese at Ninfa's on Navigation or El Tiempo Cantina.
- Size: Enjoy enormous portions of nachos.
- Spiciness: Experience the heat from jalapeños and chili con carne.
- Cultural Blend: Taste the fusion of Tex-Mex and Mexican culinary traditions.
5. Beaumont-style Clam Gumbo
Savor a hearty gumbo filled with clams, okra, and sausage at Goode's Seafood or Pappa Charlies Barbeque.
- Seafood Focus: Enjoy a seafood-centric gumbo.
- Spicy Aroma: Experience the aromatic blend of spices in each spoonful.
- Southern Roots: Taste the rich flavors of Cajun and Creole cooking.
6. H-Town Strawberry Cobbler
Indulge in a sweet treat at Southern Fried Chicken & Desserts or The Breakfast Klub. The strawberries are cooked with sugar and topped with a flaky crust.
- Sweet Craving: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious dessert.
- Seasonal Fruit: Taste the freshness of in-season strawberries.
- Homemade Flavor: Enjoy the comforting flavors of a homemade dessert.
7. Houston-style Fried Chicken
Taste crispy, juicy fried chicken at The Original Ninfa's on Navigation or The Breakfast Klub.
- Crispy Crust: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Flavorful Coating: Taste the unique seasonings in the flavorful coating.
- Juicy Interior: Savor the moist and juicy meat inside.
8. Gulf Coast Shrimp & Grits
Indulge in a hearty bowl of shrimp and grits at The Fish Market or The Original Ninfa's on Navigation.
- Seafood Focus: Enjoy the fresh flavors of Gulf Coast seafood.
- Comfort Food: Savor the warm, comforting bowl of shrimp and grits.
- Creamy Texture: Taste the creamy, smooth texture of the grits.
9. Houston-style Beef Jerky
Savor flavorful, tender beef jerky at The Jerky Store or 44 Farms.
- Tender Texture: Enjoy the tender, chewy texture of the jerky.
- Unique Flavors: Taste a variety of flavors, from traditional to exotic.
- Portable Snack: Carry this convenient, long-lasting snack for on-the-go nourishment.
10. Houston-style Po' Boy
Savor a classic Louisiana-style sandwich at Pappa Charlies Barbeque or Cajun Stop.
- Seafood Focus: Enjoy a variety of seafood options in your po' boy.
- Soft Bread: Taste the soft, fluffy French bread used for the sandwich.
- Creamy Sauce: Experience the creaminess of the tangy sauce used in the po' boy.
11. Houston-style Chicken Fried Steak
Taste a tenderized and fried cube steak coated in gravy at The Hay Merchant or Goode's Armadillo Palace.
- Tender Meat: Enjoy the tender, juicy texture of the chicken fried steak.
- Gravy Coating: Savor the rich, creamy flavor of the gravy coating.
- Comfort Food: Taste the comforting flavors of a classic Southern dish.
12. Houston-style Fajitas
Savor tender, grilled meat and vegetables served on a sizzling platter at El Tiempo Cantina or Ninfa's on Navigation.
- Grilled Flavors: Taste the smoky, charred flavors of the grilled meat and vegetables.
- Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the freshness of high-quality ingredients used in your fajitas.
- Customizable: Choose your preferred meat and customize your fajita with a variety of toppings.
13. Houston-style Breakfast Tacos
Start your day with delicious breakfast tacos at Tamale House or Taco Cabana.
- Early Morning Delight: Enjoy a hearty, flavorful breakfast option.
- Versatile Fillings: Taste a variety of fillings, from traditional eggs to more exotic options.
- Portable Meal: Carry this convenient, handheld breakfast meal on-the-go.
14. Houston-style Mexican Coke
Quench your thirst with a classic can of Mexican Coca-Cola at any local restaurant or convenience store.
- Sweet Taste: Taste the sweet, rich flavor of Mexican Coke.
- Historical Significance: Experience a piece of Houston's cultural heritage.
- Authentic Flavor: Enjoy the unique, unadulterated flavor of Mexican Coke.
15. Houston-style Gulf Coast Oysters
Savor freshly shucked oysters at The Fish Market or Pappa Charlies Barbeque.
- Fresh Seafood: Experience the freshness of Gulf Coast seafood.
- Briny Taste: Taste the briny, oceanic flavor of the oysters.
- Cultural Experience: Participate in a traditional Gulf Coast culinary experience.