Houston is home to one of the most diverse Asian food scenes in Texas, with restaurants serving dishes from Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. While ramen, sushi, and pho are easy to find, the city also has lesser-known dishes that are worth discovering. This August, skip your usual order and try something different at these local restaurants. From rich Indonesian specialties to crispy Vietnamese pancakes, these foods offer a fun way to explore Houston’s diverse food culture.
Beef Rendang at Phat Eatery – Katy
https://share.google/pdF7D92SaLtVM58KB
Try beef rendang at Phat Eatery in Katy, a Malaysian restaurant known for its flavorful Southeast Asian dishes. The beef is slowly cooked with coconut milk, chilies, herbs, and spices until tender and deeply seasoned. Its rich, slightly spicy flavor pairs well with steamed rice. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something beyond the usual Malaysian noodle dishes. The restaurant’s Asian-inspired menu makes it a popular destination for food lovers exploring Katy.
Jokbal at Bon Ga Korean Restaurant – Houston
https://share.google/6ojDoXlJQu0CRedAT
Head to Bon Ga Korean Restaurant for jokbal, a Korean specialty made from braised pig’s feet. The meat is slowly cooked with Korean seasonings until tender, then sliced and served with side dishes and dipping sauces. Its rich texture makes it very different from more familiar Korean barbecue dishes. This is one to try if you want something adventurous. Spring Branch is one of the best areas in Houston to explore authentic Korean food.
Bánh Xèo at Cali Sandwich & Fast Food – Houston
https://share.google/ArBfLvWf2mYHXxuUC
Try bánh xèo at Cali Sandwich & Fast Food, where you can experience this crispy Vietnamese savory pancake. The thin shell is filled with ingredients such as shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. Tear off a piece, wrap it with herbs or lettuce, and dip it into the sauce. The combination of crispy, fresh, savory, and tangy flavors makes it especially enjoyable during summer.
Okonomiyaki at Izakaya Wa – Houston
https://share.google/fwuP93J1r9wMxO1gV
For a Japanese dish that’s different from sushi and ramen, visit Izakaya Wa for okonomiyaki. This savory Japanese pancake is typically made with cabbage and topped with ingredients such as seafood, meat, Japanese mayonnaise, and savory sauce. The combination of crispy edges and soft ingredients creates a completely different texture from typical Japanese dishes. It’s a fun option for sharing with friends.
Kare-Kare at Gerry’s Grill – Houston
https://share.google/W2HNqGh0lhJ3ZB7Lc
For a Filipino specialty, try kare-kare at Gerry’s Grill, located in Houston’s west side. This comforting dish combines tender meat and vegetables with a thick peanut-based sauce and is traditionally paired with bagoong. The creamy sauce and salty fermented shrimp paste create a unique combination of flavors. It’s a good introduction to Filipino food beyond adobo and pancit. Order it with rice for a complete meal.
Houston’s Asian food scene has plenty of dishes that deserve more attention. From beef rendang in Katy and Korean jokbal, Vietnamese bánh xèo, Japanese okonomiyaki and Filipino kare-kare, these dishes offer something different from the city’s most common Asian food choices. This August, explore a new neighborhood, visit one of these restaurants, and try a dish you may not have ordered before.
Explore Houston’s Food Scene with H-Town Hotshot
Planning a food adventure around Houston? Make getting from one restaurant to the next easier with H-Town Hotshot Private Car Services.
Whether you’re exploring Houston’s Asian food scene, planning a restaurant tour, meeting friends for dinner, or visiting Katy, Spring Branch, or other Houston-area neighborhoods, comfortable private transportation lets you focus on enjoying the experience instead of worrying about traffic and parking.
📞 Call: +1 (713) 309-6626
Enjoy more of Houston’s food scene while H-Town Hotshot takes care of the drive.