In this episode “Eat Like a Local”, we’re checking out some of the best snacks and street foods in Houston’s Asiatown. Host Chris Shepherd sets out on Bellaire Boulevard - a road he says makes him hungry for a snack every time — and for good reason.
What makes Bellaire Boulevard special isn’t just the food, it’s the people. Shops here are often owned by families who are proud of their heritage and the recipes they’ve carried across oceans.
At Linda’s Tropical Fruits, Chris takes a stroll through the market to check out the range of fresh dragon fruit, rambutan, jackfruit, mangos, and perhaps the most polarizing fruit on the planet, durian.
However, what Chris is really here for are the freshly prepared smoothies, juices and bowls. Everything here is prepared from fresh fruit - no cans or purchased juices.
Linda’s acai bowls are built around real fruit sorbets, blended in-house (no water or artificial thickeners), and piled with granola, coconut milk chia pudding, sunflower seeds, cacao nibs and nuts - a full meal disguised as a dessert.
Then, there was the durian. Linda’s carries several varieties. Chris tries it fresh and in a smoothie. Its creamy texture and sweet, funky flavor make it far less intimidating than its smelly reputation suggests. These were all on Chris’ list to try at Linda’s, but the Shaking Fruit turns out to be his surprise favorite. It’s a blend of mixed fruits tossed with tamarind sauce, assorted chilies and shrimp salt that makes it great for any snacking occasion.
After getting his fill of fruit-based treats, Chris heads down Bellaire to One Dragon for Shanghai shumai. A twist on the classic shrimp and pork shumai - this version includes sticky rice folded into the pork filling before being stuffed into a dumpling wrapper.
Across the parking lot from One Dragon is Don’s Cafe. While he waits on his shumai order, Chris pops over to Don’s for a classic grilled pork banh mi — slathered with a buttered toasted roll and stuffed with grilled pork, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro and jalapeño. It’s perfect, portable and utterly Houston.
At Bodard Bistro, Chris shares one of his long-time favorites - Nem Nướng, a spring roll with a crunchy surprise. Inside the rice paper wrapper, there’s pork or shrimp sausage rolled with lettuce, cucumber and a crispy fried dumpling wrapper. It’s served with a spicy dipping sauce rather than the more common peanut sauce, and the combination is addictive. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves spring rolls.
A must stop on Chris’ snack map is Hong Kong City Mall. With its family-run restaurants, tea shops and bakeries, this mall is one of the best places in the city for snacks! Chris tries traditional and fried bao from the lengthy list of options at T P Banh Bao. Then, he takes a stroll through the mall stopping to grab a “snacky” bánh tráng trộn (salad) and bánh tráng trộn (rice paper pizza) at Saigon Street Food.
The adjoining Hong Kong Food Market offers ready-to-go snacks: frozen broths, dried shrimp, tofu for hot pot and house-made meatballs.
Watch the video to check out Chris’ final stop at Star Snow Ice and Teriyaki!
“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
Season 3 of “Eat Like a Local”
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 56: Season 3 of ‘Eat Like a Local’ launches with chefs recognized by the James Beard Awards
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 57: Beer + Bites: Discover two of the Houston-area’s best craft breweries
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 58: Hungry for a short trip? 4 flavorful restaurants to try in Baytown
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 60: From tortas to paletas: Generations of Mexican-American flavor in Houston
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 61: Farmed Fresh: Gulf Coast oysters make waves in Houston restaurants
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 62: Houston’s pizza scene is rising: Chris Shepherd explores top spots for every style