Step into the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine in Houston, where a diverse array of authentic flavors and culinary treasures await. From the fragrant herbs of Saigon to the comforting bowls of steaming pho, Houston’s Vietnamese restaurants transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam with each bite. These hidden gems combine traditional recipes passed down through generations with innovative twists, creating a symphony of flavors that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more.
1. Huynh Restaurant
Address: 912 St Emanuel St, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Phone: 713-224-8964
Huynh Restaurant is a hidden gem in downtown Houston, offering a delightful culinary experience with its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior hides a vibrant and bustling interior, where the aromas of traditional Vietnamese dishes fill the air. Huynh Restaurant stands out for its commitment to using fresh ingredients and maintaining the authenticity of its flavors.
Huynh’s spring rolls are a must-try appetizer. Fresh rice paper wraps are filled with a medley of crunchy vegetables, herbs, and your choice of protein, such as shrimp or tofu. They are served with a savory dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
2. Pho Saigon
Address: 15754 Fm 529 Rd #300, Houston, TX, United States, Texas
Phone:281-463-6722
Pho Saigon is renowned for its mastery of the iconic Vietnamese dish, pho. The restaurant prides itself on serving steaming bowls of pho with a rich and aromatic broth, complemented by tender meat and fresh garnishes. Pho Saigon’s commitment to quality and consistency has made it a go-to destination for pho enthusiasts in Houston.
One of their best dishes is Pho Tai (Rare Steak). It is a classic pho featuring thinly sliced rare beef, cooked by the heat of the steaming broth. The beef adds a tender texture and rich flavor to the bowl, while the fragrant herbs, bean sprouts, and lime enhance the overall experience.
3. Crawfish & Noodles
Address: 11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072, United States
Phone: 281-988-8098
Crawfish & Noodles brings together the flavors of Vietnamese and Cajun cuisines, resulting in a unique and tantalizing dining experience. Known for their Cajun-style crawfish and garlic butter noodles, this restaurant offers a creative fusion of flavors that delights the senses.
You can try out a plate of their cajun crawfish. It is a Cajun-inspired feast with a mound of fresh crawfish boiled in a flavorful blend of spices, such as Cajun seasoning, garlic, and butter. The crawfish are cooked to perfection and served with corn on the cob and potatoes, creating a finger-licking experience.
Garlic butter noodles are another must-try dish at Crawfish & Noodles. The strands of noodles are tossed in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce, infused with herbs and spices. They are often paired with succulent seafood like shrimp or crab, creating a delightful fusion of Vietnamese and Cajun flavors.
4. Roostar Vietnamese Grill
Address: Spring Branch. 1411 Gessner Dr. Suite Houston, TX 77080
Phone: 713-636-9710
Roostar Vietnamese Grill celebrates the vibrant street food culture of Vietnam while infusing it with modern twists. The restaurant’s menu features a creative fusion of traditional Vietnamese dishes with contemporary culinary techniques, resulting in a unique and exciting dining experience.
Roostar’s bánh mì sandwiches are a highlight of the menu, featuring a variety of fillings bursting with flavors. Try the lemongrass chicken bánh mì, where juicy chicken marinated in lemongrass and other spices is paired with pickled carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, cilantro, and a drizzle of Roostar’s signature sauces.
5. Les Ba’get
Address: 1717 W 34th St Suite 800, Houston, TX 77018, United States
Phone: 832-548-1080
Les Ba’get is a charming restaurant that beautifully blends Vietnamese and French flavors, creating a delightful fusion of cuisines. The menu at Les Ba’get showcases traditional Vietnamese dishes with a French twist, incorporating French techniques and ingredients to elevate the flavors.
For a taste of Vietnam with a French touch, try the Saigon bánh mì. It features succulent lemongrass pork as the star ingredient, accompanied by pickled carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, and cilantro. The aromatic lemongrass adds a delightful citrusy note to the sandwich.
6. Kau Ba
Address: 2502 Dunlavy St Suite B, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Phone: 713-497-5300
Kau Ba is a cozy and inviting restaurant that prides itself on serving authentic Vietnamese comfort food. With a focus on bold flavors and high-quality ingredients, Kau Ba creates dishes that capture the essence of Vietnamese home cooking.
The clay pot caramel fish is a true culinary delight at Kau Ba. The fish is simmered in a caramel sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, resulting in a savory-sweet flavor profile. Served with steamed rice, this dish showcases the rich and complex flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
7. Cali Sandwich
Address: 2900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Phone: 713-520-0710
Cali Sandwich has gained a devoted following for its exceptional banh mi sandwiches. Known for their attention to detail and fresh ingredients, Cali Sandwich offers a wide variety of banh mi options to suit different tastes and preferences.
Grilled Pork Banh Mi is a classic favorite dish at Cali Sandwich. It features slices of marinated and grilled pork, complemented by pickled carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, cilantro, and a drizzle of Cali Sandwich’s signature sauce. The combination of the smoky pork and tangy pickled vegetables creates a satisfying and flavorful sandwich.
8. The Blind Goat
Address: 8145 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055, United States
Phone: 346-298-1660
The Blind Goat is a vibrant Vietnamese fusion gastropub that adds a creative twist to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. With a menu inspired by the diverse culinary influences in Vietnam, The Blind Goat offers an exciting fusion of flavors.
One of the standout dishes that showcases the restaurant’s creativity is the goat curry. Slow-cooked goat meat is braised in a flavorful curry sauce, resulting in tender and succulent bites. Served with fragrant rice, this dish provides a delicious and aromatic journey into Vietnamese flavors with a unique twist.
9. Café TH
Address: 2108 Pease St, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Phone: 713-225-4766
Café TH is a cozy and inviting eatery that brings the flavors of Saigon to Houston. With a focus on traditional Vietnamese cuisine, this restaurant offers a variety of authentic dishes that capture the essence of Saigon’s culinary heritage.
Café TH’s pho is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a flavorful broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The pho tai nam includes tender slices of rare beef and well-done flank steak, adding depth and richness to the dish. Served with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, and jalapeños, this classic Vietnamese soup is a true delight.
10. Vietnam Coast Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant
Address: 2910 Hillcroft Ave, Houston, TX 77057, United States
Phone: 713-266-0884
Vietnam Coast Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant offers a culinary voyage through the diverse flavors of Vietnam and China. With a menu that spans both cuisines, this restaurant caters to a wide range of palates and preferences.
Their beloved Chinese dish, General Tso’s Chicken is a popular choice among diners. Vietnam Coast’s version features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions. This combination of flavors and textures creates a delicious balance that keeps customers coming back for more.
11. Xin Chao
Address: 2310 Decatur St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone: 832-740-4888
Xin Chao is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that takes traditional Vietnamese flavors and presents them in innovative and creative ways. With a focus on using high-quality ingredients and artistic presentation, Xin Chao offers a unique and elevated dining experience.
Xin Chao’s grilled lemongrass octopus is a culinary masterpiece. The tender octopus is marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and other spices, then grilled to perfection. Served with a side of fragrant jasmine rice and a refreshing herb salad, this dish combines Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist.
12. Hughie’s
Address: 1802 W 18th St. Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-869-1830.
Hughie’s is a Vietnamese fusion gastropub that combines the flavors of Vietnam with modern culinary techniques. With a menu that features a creative fusion of Vietnamese street food and American gastropub favorites, Hughie’s offers a unique dining experience.
Hughie’s lemongrass chicken wings are one of the crowd’s favorite dishes. The wings are marinated in a flavorful lemongrass-infused sauce, then fried to perfection. Served with a side of spicy dipping sauce, these wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a delightful lemongrass aroma.
13. Mai’s Restaurant
Address: 3403 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone: 713-520-5300
Mai’s Restaurant has been serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Houston for over 40 years. With a focus on traditional recipes and techniques, this family-owned establishment offers a taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
Their special dish is bo kho which is a hearty and aromatic Vietnamese beef stew. Slow-cooked with tender chunks of beef, carrots, onions, and aromatic spices, this comforting dish is perfect for cooler days. Served with a side of French bread or rice noodles, the bo kho at Mai’s is packed with flavor and warmth.
14. Kim Son Restaurant
Address: 10603 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77072
Phone: 281-598-1777
Kim Son Restaurant has been a Houston institution since 1982, serving a diverse menu that encompasses both Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors, Kim Son offers a wide range of culinary delights.
Their best serving is bun rieu which is a traditional Vietnamese soup. Bun rieu features a flavorful broth with crab and tomato base, packed with tofu, shrimp, pork, and vermicelli noodles. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime, this soup is a delicious and comforting option at Kim Son
15. Pho Binh Westheimer
Address: 5901 Westheimer Rd U, Houston, TX 77057, United States
Phone: 713-781-8881
Pho Binh Westheimer is a beloved spot in Houston for pho lovers. This no-frills eatery is known for its flavorful and aromatic bowls of pho, made with care and attention to detail.
For those who crave a hearty and meaty pho experience, Pho Binh Westheimer offers a combination of pho with rare beef slices, well-done flank steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe. The variety of meats adds depth and richness to the flavorful broth, making it a popular choice among pho aficionados.
