In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd heads off the beaten path to find some of Houston’s best dishes tucked inside gas stations, strip plazas and places you’ve passed by a dozen times without stopping. So slow down and take a look as Chris uncovers some of the best bites hidden in plain sight.
This episode took us across Houston for three very different experiences — a deeply comforting Turkish feast, expertly crafted hand-made dumplings, and a bakery blending Yemeni and Mexican flavors into something uniquely Houston.
Beikos Mediterranean Cuisine | 6800 Southwest Freeway
Chris’ first stop is off the 59 freeway at Beikos Mediterranean Cuisine. Despite its location on one of the busiest roads in Houston, Beikos is easy to miss. It sits behind an Ethiopian restaurant and next to a car lot.
Inside its less than obvious location, Chris finds some of the best hospitality (and rice!) in the city. The family running the restaurant takes Chris through a meal beginning with a spread of classic mezze: hummus, baba ganoush, roasted eggplant salad and a smoky tomato-and-pepper ezme-style dip loaded with flavor.
From there, the table filled with Turkish specialties: kebabs, delicate manti dumplings in yogurt sauce, sesame-crusted simit bread and the rice – don’t forget the rice. It deserves its own episode.
At the end of the meal, Chris’ take away – this family knows how to season. Everything hit the mark from the dips to meats and the dessert (a perfect honey cake - not too sweet, not too heavy). From start to finish, this stop is a tasty glimpse into Houston’s Turkish community.
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Dumplingholic House | 20940 Katy Freeway, Suite F
The next stop took Chris to a strip center off the Katy Freeway — this time for dumplings and noodles at Dumplingholic House. Here they’re hand-pulling noodles and rolling out fresh dumpling skins for each dish.
Chris orders a variety of dumplings prepared steamed and pan-fried. The pan-fried dumplings arrived with crisp lacy bottoms and filled with seasoned pork, shrimp and cabbage fillings.
Then came the soup dumplings. A typically tricky dish to get right, these were among the best dishes on the table. They delivered exactly what great soup dumplings should: savory filling and a rich stock.
But, it was the beef noodle soup that nearly stole the show. Featuring hand-pulled noodles and braised beef shank, it had Chris questioning whether you come for the dumplings and order soup, or come for the soup and order dumplings? The answer is probably both.
Yemex | 18006 Park Row Blvd.
The final stop took Chris to Katy for coffee, pastries and one of the most uniquely Houston food stories around. Yemex sits inside a cozy shop near Park Row and Barker Cypress.
It’s run by a husband-and-wife team who combined their cultures, Yemeni and Mexican, to create a blend of flavors that feel surprisingly natural.
As owners Efrain Ayllon and Rawan Alsagheer explain, the many similarities between Yemeni and Mexican cooking inspired their concept — especially the overlap in spices, warmth and hospitality.
That experimentation led to dishes like beef chorizo inspired by Mexican tradition but adapted through Yemeni flavors and dietary practices.
It also led to a pastry case full of croissants, Danishes and baked goods like a croissant stuffed with labneh and za’atar, a guava cream Danish, and a café olla roll.
The coffee program follows the same philosophy. Mexican beans anchor the espresso drinks while Yemeni coffee powers specialty pour-overs. Plus, a uniquely Yemex drink, Areekano. Based on a classic Yemeni dessert, it features coffee topped with date foam and cheddar cheese – watch the video to get Chris’ take on it!
“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
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 74: Houston coffee gems (Matcha lovers, this one’s for you)
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 75: Craving Cajun food in Houston? These restaurants deliver big variety and flavor
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 76: Where to eat in Houston’s Heights neighborhood | Chris Shepherd visits 3 top picks
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 78: Every stop Chris Shepherd hits in this no-theme episode of ‘Eat Like a Local’