Houston is undoubtedly one of the best cities in America for great food. Often referred to as the “Culinary and Cultural Capital of the South,” this city’s cuisine stands out for its diversity and mix of authentic and fusion dishes. While Tex-Mex and barbecue seem to dominate the Houston dining landscape, we’ll be highlighting three other types of restaurants that deserve the spotlight: fusion barbecue, Indian, and Japanese cuisine.
During a recent trip to Houston, this writer had the privilege to eat at several amazing restaurants and interview locals to see exactly where they prefer to eat in the area. For this article, we mostly considered restaurants directly in Houston, but there was one that popped up a lot during discussions that is actually located in the greater Houston area. Ultimately, we decided to include it just in case you’re hoping to visit other attractions just south of Houston, specifically Pearland’s boutique shops and art scene. Without further ado, here are the top three Houston area restaurants that locals believe deserve more attention.
Central Texas Style BBQ
There are a million mouth-watering, hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints in Houston, but Central Texas Style BBQ is one locals say is worth seeking out. Located in the Houston suburb of Pearland, this establishment has been in business since 1969 and has been nurtured ever since by the same family of Cuban immigrants. To this day, Central Texas Style BBQ is family-owned and operated by four generations. It’s worth making the 30-minute drive, but if you’re staying in the city, there are excellent barbecue restaurants downtown to choose from.
The flavors at this restaurant are bold, since it marries Cuban flavors with Texas barbecue for the ultimate fusion food. Staples include hickory-smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs, along with Cuban-inspired sides such as congri, Spanish rice, and mojo sauces. However, this menu is particularly special because it also has vegan options like vegan baked beans and plant-based bratwurst. These dishes are served cafeteria-style along a counter for quick service…