Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Houston, Texas, United States

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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.