Trying Out Houston Street Foods with a Michelin Mindset
Whenever I travel, there’s always one top thing in my itinerary—try out their street foods! Good thing, Houston has several street foods that cater to every cuisine, each offering flavors and techniques from around the world.
Join me as I follow my Michelin mindset, seeking out the most delicious and innovative street foods in this town!
1. Tacos Tierra Caliente
Media credit: @tacostierracalientetx
Website: https://www.tacostierracalientemx.com/
Address: 2003 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-584-9359
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
For those of you who are craving some tacos and need a dessert on a side in one go, Tierra Caliente Tacos is for you!
This mobile taqueria can just be found in a parking spot opposite the famous Texas Icehouse—people even call it ‘the taco truck outside West Alabama Ice House’.
Here, you can enjoy delicious tacos for breakfast for just one dollar! They’re even known for having great customer service—not even a hurricane or heavy rain can stop them from serving your Mexican favorites!
You can also order the crowd-favorite dishes such as Barbacoa tacos and Trompo to try a differently-spiced meat.
Meanwhile, for those of you who wish to be seated, just head over to the picnic table setup beside the parked Tierra Caliente Tacos truck. The seating area is quite limited, but you can still expect to be seated with just a short waiting period.
Pro tip:
If you ever need the spiciest sauce, request for their famous ingredient—the green sauce. Just note that this is really very spicy, so if you can’t tolerate the heat, better skip this!
2. Gyro King
Media credit: @gyrokingtx @sameatshouston
Website: https://www.gyroking.com/
Address: 7131 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Contact Details: +1 832-618-4891
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Started in Houston as a food trailer, Gyro King can already be located in several locations around the city.
But even if brick and mortar stores are already existing, Gyro King still keeps their street food vibe with their food trucks—you can even catch their stalls during outdoor events and fests!
Here, you can get your Mediterranean street food cravings—and yes, they’re halal-certified!
Don’t forget to miss out on their dishes such as falafel, chapli kebab, and beefed-up gyros loaded with lamb, chicken, and fish.
Pro tip:
If you prefer to have your rice meals, request the staff for their chicken and rice menu. They often highlight their gyros and kebab, so best to check for its availability if you wish to order it.
3. BunSlut
Media credit: @eatbunslut
Website: http://eatbunslut.com/
Address: 2829 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Contact Details: +1 346-467-0749
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
When we think about street food, burger is a staple—and it’s a must! Good thing, BunSlut is onboard! This burger street food joint has become a popular choice among locals because of their juicy smash burgers.
On top of that, their burger sauce, which they call “the homemade slut sauce”, has become an instant favorite! Just remember to grab a table napkin ‘cause it’s going to get messy!
Here, you can also customize your orders depending on your taste, and well, hunger! Yes, you can add all the extra patties that you want in between your Texas bread toast.
They also serve milkshakes that you can pair with your burgers.
Pro tip:
BunSlut’s serving is quite smaller than the usual. If you’re really hungry, considering ordering two burgers, or a side dish.
4. Houston Sauce Pit
Media credit: @houstonsaucepit
Address: 4906 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-555-5555
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
For vegan lovers out there, then Houston Sauce Pit is here to provide healthy meatless dishes for you.
Here, you can get your favorite vegan barbecue without having to compromise its smokey flavor. You can also choose from the crowd-favorite sides such as mac and cheese, and potato salad.
What’s great about Houston Sauce Pit is that they serve quite fast, allowing them to cater to more customers. So in case you see some lines building up, don’t worry, you’ll get to the front in no time!
And for those of you who really hates waiting in line, you can just place your orders online and just pick them up.
On the other hand, while the location is very busy and congested, you can easily find free street parking nearby.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their BBQ jackfruit or pulled “pork” sandwiches, showcasing their own take on vegan BBQ. Make sure to get them once they open as these are fan favorites!
5. Tasty Arepa
Media credit: @tastyarepa
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Tastyarepa1
Address: 5002 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Contact Details: +1 832-757-9066
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Saturday: 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tasty Arepa is a food truck famous for its arepas. If you’re wondering what arepas are, those are cornmeal cakes that are native to South America!
If you want to try this out, order their empanadas for starters. Then if you wish to explore more of their dishes, try out their doughy offerings such as tequenos, and patacones.
Tasty Arepa operates on a food truck so their location varies. Just make sure to check their social media pages so you’re updated on where they’ll be.
And once you’re walking down the lane, you’ll surely know if Tasty Arepa’s nearby. Just wait until you hear their salsa music and realize you’re walking in the right direction.
Pro tip:
If you’re not a fan of hot and spicy food, make sure to slow down on their hot sauce.
6. Wokker
Media credit: @wokkerhtx
Website: https://www.wokkerhtx.com/
Address: 1010 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact Details: +1 832-514-0035
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
If you’re craving some Asian street food but with a Southern-style twist, then Wokker is the place to go. This food truck travels around town, so make sure to check their social media pages to check where they’re parking next!
Here, you can try out their famous smoked brisket with eggs, green onions, and fried rice. No need to visit South Korea as you can also try out their kimchi fries and their take on the Korean BBQ tacos.
They even make sure their takeout or delivery packaging is secure, giving customers more peace of mind that their food won’t be tampered with along the way.
However, it’s worth noting that no kiddie meals are being offered at Wokker. So if you’re bringing kids along on your little street food trip, then you probably need to find another one.
Pro tip:
Wokker frequently explores their Asian and Southern-style fusion, so make sure to watch for their seasonal specials and limited-time deals to get a taste of their experimental dishes.
7. Soul Good Street Eatz
Media credit: @soulgoodestreeteatz
Website: www.soulgoodesogood.com
Address: Houston, TX 77056, United States
Contact Details: +1 832-598-8579
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
For those of you who are in search of a home-cooked delicious Southern cuisine that’s totally on the go, then you should add Soul Good Street Eatz to your list.
You can try their fried catfish, spaghetti, and fried okra. Don’t miss out on their take of the dirty rice too!
If rice isn’t your thing, you can try their bestselling buttery cornbread. Sometimes it sells out during the evening, so if you’re craving for one, make sure to drop by earlier.
You may skip sharing as Soul Good Street Eatz has smaller portions compared to the others. Nonetheless, you’ll still feel stuffed after consuming their offerings.
Pro tip:
If you’re thinking about some home-cooked Southern cuisine on your next event, consider contacting Soul Good Street Eatz. They offer packages for evens such as weddings, birthday parties, and conferences.
8. The DoughCone
Media credit: @thedoughcone
Website: http://www.thedoughcone.com/catering
Address: 1750 Marshall St , Houston , TX , 77098
Contact Details: +1 832-863-5224
If calories don’t count then you can visit The DoughCone on a daily! Imagine yourself indulging a part doughnut, part ice cream cone, with a cinnamon-sugar coat on the outside.
You can even choose from Nutella or Biscoff cookie butter as your sweet inner lining flavors. Once filled with their organic milk ice cream, you can choose your own unlimited toppings — from Oreos to gummy bears.
And if you want to tone it down a notch, you can choose blackberries as a healthier alternative.
While the food truck changes schedule and venue from time to time, they’re frequently seen outside the centennial gardens at Hermann Park. If you’re lucky to catch them while they’re onsite, you’ll happily end your free museum day on a sweet note!
Pro tip:
If you want to add more toppings to stuff your DoughCone, just bring them over and sprinkle them as you wish. You can try out unusual ones such as edible flowers, and candied bacon, to add a unique twist.
9. Blk Mkt Birria
Media credit: @thefoodzonegrandtexas
Website: https://blkmktbirria.square.site/
Address: 1211 Hutchins St, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Operating Hours: Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Those who are craving for Latin cuisine can start lining up at Blk Mkt Birria. Because of the popularity of their birria tacos, patrons know how packed they are once they come out of the park.
Other signature dishes include Quesabirria, a cheese-filled tacos, and a Birria Ramen!
While these birria tacos are tasty, they might be too spicy for the younger kids. If you’re taking them with you, try to request Blk Mkt Birria for a less spicy option.
And if you want more from them, you can easily tap them on your next event. Perfect for birthdays and corporate events, Blk Mkt Birria can bring out the spice in everyone!
Pro tip:
To ensure the flavors are intact, the staff at Blk Mkt Birria takes their time in preparing the birrias. Be prepared for a longer wait, especially if there’s already people on queue.
10. Foreign Policy Food Truck
Media credit: @foreignpolicytx
Website: https://www.foreignpolicytruck.com/
Address: 2118 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77003
Contact Details: +1 832-860-6667
Foreign Policy Food Truck has been known for its International-inspired street foods. You can feel like you’re traveling from one country to another as you sample their bestsellers.
If you’re craving for some Korean dish, you can try their soft tacos filled with Korean-style marinated beef—you can even request to top if off with their famous spicy mayo!
If you want to be transported to Ho Chi Minh, then go for their traditional Vietnamese buns and Banh Mi.
Meanwhile, if you want a different round of tacos, you can order their Thai curry tacos, offering a spicy twist to its Mexican counterpart.
And of course American favorites like burgers and hotdogs are available here too!
Pro tip:
Watch out whenever Foreign Policy Food Truck parks at multiple locations. Check their social media pages so you can drop by the nearest location.
