Houston’s Hidden Gems: A Foodie’s Paradise
Houston is a city that is rich in culinary diversity, with a wide range of restaurants and dishes to try. From smoky barbecue joints to underrated strip mall gems, the city has something to offer for every food lover. In this article, we will explore some of the hidden gems of Houston’s food scene, including savory scallion waffles, bolo-top egg waffles, and Vietnamese steak and eggs.
Savory Scallion Waffles at Agnes and Sherman
The savory scallion waffle from Agnes and Sherman is a favorite among Houstonia editors. This savory twist on the traditional breakfast favorite involves a giant, fluffy waffle covered in a rich sambal honey butter. The flavors work together to create a semisweet bite with a hint of a kick. Located in the Heights, Agnes and Sherman is a must-visit for anyone looking to try something new and exciting.
Bolo-Top Egg Waffles at Hong Kong Food Court
For a sweet treat, head to the Hong Kong Food Court in Sugar Land, where you can find bolo-top egg waffles. These egg waffles, also known as bubble waffles or gaai daan jai, are a staple in Hong Kong’s culinary world. At the Hong Kong Food Court, they are married with another iconic snack: the pineapple bun (or bolo bao). The result is a bright yellow, crunchy, and sweet snack that is best enjoyed as a dessert.
Ume Onigiri at Teppay
Despite the abundance of Japanese restaurants in Houston, the city is missing a good onigiri, or Japanese rice ball. Luckily, Teppay is bridging the gap. Located in Mid-West/Westheimer, Teppay offers onigiri as God intended: a hefty serving of rice wrapped around your choice of filling and swaddled in a crisp seaweed sheet. The ume onigiri is an easy favorite, with a delightful contrast of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Bò Né at Les Ba’get
For a no-frills yet luxurious take on breakfast, head to Les Ba’get in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest. The bò né, or Vietnamese steak and eggs, is a must-try. Chunks of ribeye and a fried egg are served on a sizzling platter, paired with two triangles of toasted baguette and slathered in bone marrow butter. It’s messy and definitely enough to put you to sleep, but it’s worth it.
Maltina Beef Cheek, Jerk Chicken, and Macaroni and Cheese at ChòpnBlọk
ChòpnBlọk’s special edition dinner in July was a meeting of the minds and a true celebration of the African diaspora. The restaurant kicked off with a bite of saucy Maltina beef cheek and meat pies, before diving into dishes like juicy jerk chicken and creamy Creole macaroni and cheese. If this is any indicator of what the chef has in mind for the new restaurant planned for Autry Park, sign us up.
Chicken Parmesan at Milton’s
Milton’s has the best chicken Parmesan in Houston, and it’s not hard to see why. Tucked into an upstairs building in Rice Village, this intimate Italian restaurant offers a cozy ambiance, refreshing crudo dishes, and delightful cocktails. But it’s the pasta dishes that really shine, particularly the chicken Parmesan. Diners can expect two crispy breaded chicken pieces topped with a combination of melted and shredded cheese, plus a side of al dente spaghetti with tons of garlic flavor.
Classic Barbecue at Pizzitola’s
For a classic barbecue joint inside the loop, head to Pizzitola’s in the Heights. With 90 years of perfecting their craft, it’s no wonder that everything on the menu elicited some big "Mmm"s. The fall-off-the-bone tender pork spare ribs are a must-try, and don’t forget to save room for the banana pudding.
Conclusion
Houston’s food scene is a diverse and exciting place, with a wide range of restaurants and dishes to try. From savory scallion waffles to classic barbecue, there’s something for every food lover in this city. Whether you’re a native Houstonian or just visiting, be sure to check out these hidden gems and experience the best of what Houston has to offer. With its rich culinary diversity and vibrant food culture, Houston is a city that is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
