Houston’s restaurant scene is famously diverse making it sometimes hard to define our local cuisine. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd checks out two restaurants that have captured the essence of Houston food - one through a refined, cultural lens, the other inspired by coastal culture and sourcing.
Jūn | 420th E 20th St Suite A, Houston
In the Heights, Jūn has quietly become one of Houston’s most talked-about dining destinations. Jūn’s cuisine is a blend of Mexican, Salvadoran, and Chinese influences that reflects the heritage of chef-owners Henry Lu and Evelyn Garcia as well as Houston’s own cultural landscape.
Here Chris tries the fan-favorite fried chicken. A twist on the classic, this one is seasoned with shrimp paste, ginger, Thai chili and herbs.
Then, it’s onto the rice cakes. Instead of gochujang, Jūn’s version gives mac n’ cheese vibes with its yellow bean béchamel and spiced panko. But, it’s the Caesar-salad inspired charred cabbage that has Chris giving out high-fives.
- PREVIOUS EPISODE: Discover Houston Asiatown’s unique snacks with Chris Shepherd
Latuli | 8900 Gaylord Dr., Houston
Meanwhile, Chris’ second stop Latuli is a reflection of Houston’s coastal culture. Opened by acclaimed Houston chef Bryan Caswell and hospitality entrepreneur Allison Knight, Latuli’s menu is built around fresh, local ingredients and coastal inspiration.
Chris tries some seafood-focused dishes like the puffy taco with Texas rock shrimp and the Pizza Pescatore with jumbo lump crab. But, as Bryan explains coastal cuisine isn’t just about the water, it’s about the land that surrounds it. With that in mind, Chris tries dishes that pull from the inland areas of the Houston’s coast like the wild boar ragu.
Being a veteran of the Houston restaurant scene, Bryan isn’t just inspired by the water and sea, but also the people he’s met in Houston.
Watch the show to see who makes an appearance from Chris’ past plus hear about a sweet family connection from Bryan in the dessert course!
“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
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 67: Discover Houston Asiatown’s unique snacks with Chris Shepherd