Introduction
Houston’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, cultures, and traditions. In this new series, we will explore various Houston restaurants offering culinary delights from all over the globe.
In this article, we start our culinary adventures with three Houston restaurants offering bold takes on South East Asian cuisine!
Crawfish & Noodles: A Fusion of Viet-Cajun Flavors in Houston
In the heart of Houston’s vibrant culinary scene, Crawfish & Noodles stands out as a beloved fusion of Cajun and Vietnamese cuisine. With two convenient locations on Bellaire Blvd and Airline Drive, this restaurant has gained international recognition for its unique and tantalizing Viet-Cajun crawfish, seafood creations, and Vietnamese specialties.
Whether you’re a fan of aromatic broths, wok-tossed noodles, or crave succulent crawfish seasoned with bold Cajun spices, Crawfish & Noodles promises a memorable dining experience.
Run for Crawfish
At Crawfish & Noodles, the star of the show is the Viet-Cajun Crawfish. This dish combines juicy crawfish with garlic butter seasoning, corn, potatoes, sausage, and their house “secret sauce.” The balance of flavors and textures makes it a must-try for seafood lovers.
For those looking for variety, the menu also offers Viet-Cajun blue crabs, shrimp, and snow crabs, all served with the same irresistible combination of spices, butter, and sides.
Don’t Run Wok!
But the magic doesn’t stop at crawfish. The Wok it Real Good section of the menu showcases dishes like salt & pepper blue crabs, shrimp, and snow crabs, each cooked to perfection with tamarind, black pepper, or salt and pepper seasoning.
These wok-tossed dishes capture the essence of Viet-Cajun cooking, blending bold, savory flavors with fresh seafood ingredients.
Oodles of Noodles
For noodle lovers, the restaurant serves up a range of delicious options. Traditional pho—a fragrant Vietnamese beef soup with rice noodles—comes with your choice of protein, from beef and meatballs to chicken.
Fried rice and egg noodles, featuring beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetables, provide a satisfying meal for any palate. For a bit more flair, the Pho Dac Biet combines beef, brisket, flank, and meatballs into a rich, hearty dish.
Discover New Classics
Beyond seafood and noodles, Crawfish & Noodles offers a selection of Vietnamese salads that add a refreshing touch to your meal. Dishes like Goi Ngo Sen, a lotus shoot salad with shrimp, and Bo Tai Chanh, rare beef tossed in lime juice, bring vibrant flavors and textures to the table.
Fried seafood lovers can indulge in offerings like fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, and combo baskets served with seasoned fries or sweet potato fries for a crunchy, satisfying bite.
New Experiences with Old Classics
For a more adventurous experience, try their Vietnamese specialties like Ech Chien Bo (crispy frog legs sautéed in butter) or Be Thui (smoked rare beef with roasted rice powder and sesame seeds).
These dishes reflect Crawfish & Noodles’ commitment to offering a diverse range of flavors and culinary styles that honor both Cajun and Vietnamese traditions.
Fusion Unlike Any Other
Crawfish & Noodles isn’t just about food; it’s a dining experience that transports guests to a world where spices, textures, and flavors converge.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or simply to indulge in the best of Viet-Cajun cuisine, this Houston hotspot delivers a truly memorable culinary journey.
Songkran Thai Kitchen: A Celebration of Thai Flavors in Houston
Nestled in the heart of Houston, Songkran Thai Kitchen offers a vibrant culinary journey inspired by the traditional Thai New Year celebration, Songkran.
Much like its namesake festival, which honors renewal and good fortune, Songkran Thai Kitchen brings the rich and diverse flavors of Thailand to the table, creating an immersive experience that delights the senses.
A Tribute to Traditional Bangkok Cuisine
Songkran Thai Kitchen prides itself on preserving the essence of traditional Bangkok cuisine. Every dish is crafted with care, using only the freshest ingredients, from Thai chilies and lemongrass to galangal and coconut.
The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, with each element balanced to perfection.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Thai cuisine or a curious foodie, Songkran’s menu is designed to cater to both palates, offering an authentic taste of Thailand right here in Houston.
A Diverse and Flavorful Menu
At Songkran, the menu is as dynamic as the city of Bangkok itself, showcasing a wide range of traditional dishes made from scratch.
Meaty Delights
From the Heavenly Beef, a marinated oven-dried beef served with a side of Sriracha sauce and fried egg, to the Braised Wagyu Short Ribs seasoned with herb chili sauce, Songkran’s dishes feature premium ingredients prepared with finesse.
Delicacies from the Sea
For those who enjoy seafood, the Three Flavor Fish offers a crispy fish filet with a unique blend of tamarind, chili, and basil sauce, while the Blue Water Garlic Prawns deliver a burst of garlic-soy flavor in every bite.
Delicious “Greeny” Options
If you prefer a lighter option, try the refreshing Grilled Steak Salad, paired with spicy tangy greens, or the Chicken Lettuce Wraps, bursting with fresh herbs, chili, and lime.
Signature Curries and Noodles
Thai cuisine is known for its aromatic curries, and Songkran’s offerings are no exception. The Coconut Green Curry features a fragrant blend of Thai eggplant, bamboo, and basil, while the Red Curry Duck is a rich and flavorful dish with cherry tomatoes and pineapple. The Panang Shrimp, infused with kaffir lime and cumin, adds a luxurious twist to the classic curry dish.
Noodle lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well, from the classic Pad Thai, featuring wok-fried noodles with shrimp, chicken, and tofu, to the spicier Drunken Noodles, stir-fried with peppers, basil, and a zesty sauce. Each noodle dish at Songkran offers a unique taste profile, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Sip and Savor
At Songkran Thai Kitchen, the beverage menu is as diverse and flavorful as the food itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing beer, a fine wine, or a creative cocktail, there’s something to complement every dish and occasion.
Beers
The beer selection includes both international favorites and local brews, ranging from Chang and Singha from Bangkok, to Houston’s own Saint Arnold Amber Ale. For those who prefer wine, the menu offers an impressive variety of red and white wines, from Napa Valley’s Caymus Special Selection to the crisp and refreshing Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Classic and Innovative Cocktails
The specialty cocktails bring a modern twist to classic drinks, incorporating Thai-inspired ingredients like lychee, tamarind, and Thai basil. Highlights include the Bangkok Mule, a fresh take on the traditional Moscow Mule, and the Lychee Martini, which pairs the tropical sweetness of lychee with house-infused vodka.
For a more exotic flair, try the Mekong Margarita, featuring coconut tequila and pineapple juice, or the fiery Naga Fire Ball, made with Laphroaig and hibiscus syrup.
Something for Everyone
With a wide range of sake, spirits, and non-alcoholic options like Thai iced tea and fresh strawberry lemonade, Songkran Thai Kitchen ensures that every meal is a complete celebration of flavors—right down to the last sip.
A Sweet Finish
No meal is complete without indulging in the exquisite desserts Songkran Thai Kitchen has to offer. The Lychee & Jackfruit Crème Brûlée combines tropical fruits with a crispy caramel topping, while the Coconut Sticky Rice, served with seasonal fresh fruits, offers a sweet and satisfying end to any meal.
For those with a penchant for chocolate, the Molten Chocolate Cake paired with almond brittle and vanilla ice cream is sure to please.
Celebrate Thai New Year in Style
Dining at Songkran Thai Kitchen is not just about food—it’s about experiencing the spirit of Thai culture. The restaurant’s atmosphere, much like the Songkran festival, radiates joy and celebration.
The warm, inviting environment, paired with impeccable service, ensures that every visit feels like a special occasion filled with a rich culinary narrative in every bite!
Be More Pacific: A Celebration of Filipino Cuisine in Houston
When it comes to diverse and flavorful cuisine, Be More Pacific (BMP) stands out as one of Houston’s top destinations for Filipino food. This unique restaurant invites diners to explore the rich tapestry of Filipino dishes influenced by Spanish, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and American cultures.
What makes BMP special is not just the flavors, but their thoughtful approach to food, focusing on tradition rather than rigid authenticity.
A Modern Take on Filipino Classics
Be More Pacific offers a range of dishes described as “traditional,” taught through generations, but with a modern twist. BMP avoids the word “authentic” because they believe Filipino cuisine is meant to evolve, influenced by various cultures and tastes. Each dish on the menu captures that spirit—serving as a bridge between the past and present.
Filipino cuisine is often dubbed “the original fusion,” which is evident in every bite. The core flavors of sweet, salty, and sour are present throughout their offerings, making the food accessible to a wide variety of palates.
Whether you’re new to Filipino food or a seasoned fan, BMP has something for everyone.
Highlights from the Menu
The main dishes at BMP offer a balanced selection of classic Filipino favorites. Here are just a few to tempt your taste buds:
– Adobo: A beloved Filipino dish, this version features chicken leg quarters braised in a savory, tangy marinade. Served with white rice, it’s a satisfying, gluten-free meal.
– Daing Na Bangus: Marinated milkfish is fried to perfection and served with garlic rice and a fried egg—an authentic Filipino comfort food experience.
– Pancit Bihon: A noodle dish packed with veggies like cabbage, celery, and carrots. Diners can choose between chicken, tofu, or shrimp, with the option to add bacon for an extra twist.
– Kare Kare: This rich, peanut-based stew offers a choice between beef brisket or crispy pork belly, alongside vegetables like eggplant and bok choy. The house-made shrimp paste on the side elevates this dish to the next level.
For those wanting a shareable snack, BMP’s Lumpia selection includes crispy egg rolls filled with a variety of ingredients like shrimp, pork, or veggies. The Veggie Lumpia, for instance, offers a lighter, vegetarian option, while the Shanghai Dynamite Lumpia adds a spicy kick with serrano peppers.
Bold Flavors and Signature Creations
Be More Pacific’s creativity shines through with their signature “food truck inventions.” One of the standout dishes is the S.C.C.L.B.F.R. (Spicy Curry Coconut Lime Bacon Fried Rice)—a tantalizing fusion of rich, savory, and tangy flavors.
Fusion at its Finest
Another inventive dish, Longganisa Tots, combines Filipino pork sausage crumble with crispy tater tots and a house-made spicy banana ketchup. These dishes perfectly encapsulate the adventurous spirit of BMP.
The menu also boasts a variety of silog dishes—Filipino meals combining garlic rice, fried egg, and your choice of protein. The Lechon Kawali Silog, featuring crispy pork belly, is a must-try for those seeking a truly indulgent meal.
Desserts & Drinks
No Filipino meal is complete without dessert, and BMP delivers with options like Halo-Halo, a colorful shaved ice treat packed with toppings like Amy’s Ube ice cream, red beans, coconut jellies, and leche flan. Another favorite is Turon, crispy banana and jackfruit egg rolls drizzled with coconut syrup.
BMP also offers a robust cocktail menu to complement the food. Their BMP Margarita, made with calamansi or mango, is refreshing and packed with flavor, while the Pinoy Colada brings together tropical notes of mango, pineapple, and coconut. For beer lovers, Filipino favorites like San Miguel and Red Horse are available.
Sunday Brunch with a Filipino Twist
The Sunday Funday Brunch at BMP is a meal experience like no other. Enjoy dishes like Ube & Pandan Pancakes, infused with Filipino flavors, or the hearty BMP Breakfast, which includes longganisa sausage and garlic rice alongside ube pancakes and eggs.
Whether you’re an early riser or a late bruncher, BMP’s brunch menu will leave you satisfied.
Experience Filipino Hospitality
Be More Pacific is more than just a restaurant—it’s a gathering place for food lovers and a celebration of Filipino culture.
Whether you’re craving the comfort of a traditional adobo or looking to try something new like their creative fusion dishes, BMP offers an experience that feels like home for anyone who loves great food.
Conclusion
Houston’s food culture is a reflection of its diverse community, bringing together flavors from across the globe. Whether you’re craving Viet-Cajun crawfish, the fresh and bold flavors of Thailand, or the comforting dishes of the Philippines, these three restaurants offer a true taste of the world.
Crawfish & Noodles, Songkran Thai Kitchen, and Be More Pacific each bring something unique to the table, making Houston a true destination for food lovers.
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