In Houston, culture isn’t just something you see or hear — it’s something you taste. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd explores that through the city’s coffee scene, where every shop tells a story far deeper than what’s in your cup. From expertly dialed-in espresso to creations rooted in cultural heritage, Houston’s coffee culture reflects the people and traditions that shape the city itself.
Blacksmith: Where Craft Meets Community
For Chris, the first stop in any discussion of Houston coffee is Blacksmith. Tucked into Montrose, Blacksmith is a cornerstone of Houston’s modern coffee movement. Led by one of the city’s most respected baristas, David Buehrer, the shop blends technical precision with an approachable neighborhood vibe. It’s the kind of place where regulars line up early, trusting that whatever lands in their cup has been dialed in to perfection.
Blacksmith’s competition cappuccino is a must — balanced, velvety, and a reflection of Buehrer’s deep experience in the specialty coffee world. Pair it with one of their legendary biscuits, which gained early acclaim thanks to an original collab from Chris’s Underbelly team.
But what makes Blacksmith special isn’t just the quality — it’s the culture of curiosity and progress that flows through the space. Ask Buehrer where he goes when he’s not at the shop, and you’ll get a glimpse into Houston’s next layer of coffee culture.
Kohiko: A Lesson in Omotenashi in Sugar Land
At Buehrer’s recommendation, Chris heads to Kohiko to learn more about matcha and Japanese-inspired coffee culture. The coffee and tea house in Sugar Land is run by siblings Nicolas and Krystal Tanaka. Walking into Kohiko feels different immediately — slower, intentional, and deeply personal.
As Nicolas explains, the shop is rooted in omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of wholehearted, selfless hospitality. Here, service isn’t transactional—it’s thoughtful, almost intuitive. Every detail, from sourcing, presentation to flavor balance is designed to make guests feel cared for. Chris is no exception, as the team here embraces his curiosity and questions about matcha.
That philosophy extends into the menu. Each signature drink tells a story, often tied to the Tanaka family’s heritage. The Moshi Moshi for example, draws inspiration from their grandmother’s banana bread, translating nostalgia into a layered, comforting drink. The Okinawa latte highlights flavors common to the region — black sesame and brown sugar — resulting in something earthy, slightly sweet, and entirely transportive.
At Kohiko, coffee becomes more than a beverage. It’s a cultural bridge, connecting Houston to Japan through memory, flavor, and hospitality.
J.A.M Viet Kitchen & Bar: Tradition in Every Sip
Not every great coffee experience happens in a traditional coffee shop. A stop for Vietnamese street food leads Chris to a welcome discovery - egg coffee at J.A.M Viet Kitchen & Bar.
It’s a drink Chris learned to love during his time in Vietnam and discovering it in his hometown is a welcome surprise. Made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and layering it over strong Vietnamese coffee, the drink is rich, creamy, and almost dessert-like. It’s a style that originated in Vietnam decades ago, born out of necessity and creativity, and it continues to carry that sense of ingenuity today.
At J.A.M, the egg coffee isn’t just authentic—it’s a reminder that something so familiar as coffee has evolved differently around the world, shaped by local ingredients and traditions.
“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
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 69: Chris Shepherd’s Houston-area burger picks include a hot new spot and a 50-year classic
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 71: Win the Hosting Game! 🏈 Game Day recipes & crowd-pleasers from Chef Chris Shepherd
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 72: These meat markets are a cut above when it comes to quality, flavor, and tradition