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Houston is considered to be one of the most diverse cities in America where not just people from different ethnicities find their way, various cultural foods make a place for themselves.

From Indian and Tex-Mex to Italian and Nigerian, you can find a variety of cuisine options. Here’s a list of some must-tries while in Houston.

Indian

With the growing Indian population in the city, it is pretty easy to find Indian tastes in not just North Indian delicacies, but from seafood dishes of Goa to even Gujarati thalis.

Kiran’s is one of the most adored restaurants by Indian food lovers. Started by Kiran Verma, this fine dining restaurant serves the taste of typical home-cooked food, giving a feeling of warmth and comfort with each bite.

The menu items are inspired by Awadhi-style cooking that serves food with a contemporary twist like papadum nachos or tandoori duck with an apricot biryani.

Another well-known restaurant, featuring vegetarian food from Rajasthan and Gujarat is Maharaja Bhog.

The restaurant serves all its food in thali style, with small portions of every dish arranged on one huge plate. You can taste every item on the menu and it’s unlimited!

Tex-Mex

Houston is known to serve some of the best Tex-Mex food in the country. It is also one of the most favored cuisines by many Houstonians. 

The Original Ninfa’s On Navigation in Second Ward is a must-try. Opened in 1973, this corner store in Second Ward serves a menu that seems to be endless. 

Known and credited as the “inventor of the fajita,” this place is usually always busy. Customers like to order their signature Ninfaritas and the spicy skirt steak fajitas. 

If you’re looking for some old-school setting, make sure to check out El Real Tex-Mex cafe. It has the perfect setting of a vintage Tex-Mex restaurant.

The best part about El Real is how the menu goes beyond Houston. You can find dishes like the San Antonio puffy tacos, Roosevelt Special combo from Fort Worth and Parrilla Platter

Italian

Italian food is known for its passion while also being simple. It is a much-loved cuisine even amongst Houstonians. 

Located in Montrose and opened in December 2021, Amore is a highly recommended Italian restaurant.

The restaurant cooks its pizza in a wood-burning oven and the burrata with prosciutto and egg is a must-try. The place is also well-known for its menu featuring a huge section of truffle items.

Another go-to Italian stop, also located in Montrose is Paulie’s. The restaurant features unique varieties of homemade pasta dishes like the U-shaped creste di gallo and a classic hoagie.

Established in 1998, this restaurant is affordable, gives a comforting vibe and offers not just pasta, but also salads, soups and even sandwiches. 

Japanese

Japanese food is undoubtedly a global sensation. Not only is it tasty, but it is also known for its healthy approach. 

Sushi Miyagi is the perfect place if you want to try authentic sushi. Run by a couple, the husband is a trained sushi chef while the wife waits tables. 

Apart from the tasty food, the whole experience feels warm, homey and helps you admire the place with Japanese art and wall tapestries.

Who doesn’t like karaoke? Genji is the best stop to not just enjoy some amazing Japanese delicacies, but also flaunt your karaoke skills.

The restaurant serves ramen, sushi rolls, tekka don, teriyaki, sakes, beers and cocktails. It is open until 2 a.m. every day and private karaoke rooms can also be rented.

Mediterranean 

Greece is surrounded by the four seas, and just like the country, its food also specializes in a wide range of spices like oregano, sage, thyme and basil. 

Niko Niko’s is a much-loved chain and has a casual setting suiting everyone. The restaurant has a wide variety of menu offering options for vegetarians and vegans as well.

A must-try is the traditional gyro platter or a fusion dish featuring pita quesadillas with sliced gyro meat. 

Fadi’s, although not a fine dining restaurant, has still become a beloved local chain. The Mediterranean grill offers a wide range of options from Middle Eastern specialties to even Lebanese specialties. 

You can try food items like kabobs, falafel, shawarma, hummus and tabouli as well as fresh dips, salads, roasted fish vegetarian kousa and meatless wraps.

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