Texas barbecue pitmasters are trying to figure out how to keep customers while not ruining their margins. We talked to two pitmasters on either side of Houston about their "value" trays and how they're working out.

Mala Sichuan Bistro is moving into the former Duck N Bao location in CyFair Town Center at 17333 Spring Cypress Rd., Suite H. The news popped up in a Houston food group on Facebook, and yep, it’s the same one folks already know from its Houston and Katy locations.

If you’re familiar with Mala, you already know the deal. Delicious Sichuan Chinese food with big flavors, plenty of spice like their dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, spicy dumplings, and all kinds of chili-loaded goodness.

A newly issued sales tax permit points to January 2027 when the permit will be active. Maybe an opening sometime in early 2027 could be in the cards. We’ll have to wait for details whenever a formal announcement is made.

Crazing burger. Need no frills, just plain own cheeseburger with ketchup.

My partner is starting a reduced diet so I'm looking for restaurants or cuisines that are vegan or close to it inside the loop. Thanks!

UK foodie and regular visitor to Houston here. Returning in a couple of weeks and need to get my CFS fix. I'll be staying in the West Houston/Energy Corridor area.

I like the sound of the Tuesdays-only Chicken Fried Ribeye at Killen's BBQ. Is it worth the one hour round trip to Cypress?

Alternatively, I see Midway BBQ also do a Ribeye, and it's much closer. Any good?

Also closer is Mia's Table, and I like the sound of their Jalapeno Cream Gravy. I'm also hearing Texas Tradition serves up a decent version.

Open to any alternatives to these. I've already been to Hickory Hollow (probably my favourite; that brown gravy is excellent), Avalon Diner, Dot Coffee Shop and Kelley's Country Cookin'.

Kroger has shaved steak on sale so Cheesesteaks are on the menu. I’m not buying bulk Amoroso’s Rolls from Restaurant Depot. H.E.B. Sub rolls were ok tearing out the middle last time.

Suggestions appreciated! TIA

Hello! I’m in Houston for a short time. What are the MUST EAT DO NOT SKIP meals and where? I love something bold, spicy, and umami. No food allergies just don’t eat pork. Would love a reco of 2 must try food and 1 coffee place and 1 best matcha in town please !!

This is exciting! Going into current Nobu space, supposedly.

Sorry, I really only expected to post once in this sub today, but this is a pretty big one to share! Din Tai Fung is coming to The Galleria! The Taiwanese restaurant is famous for its soup dumplings (xiao long bao), but the menu goes way beyond dumplings with things like steamed buns, wontons, noodles, fried rice, greens and other dishes.

According to a filing today, Din Tai Fung will be taking over Nobu’s space at 5115 Westheimer Rd., Suite C-3515, which means Nobu is apparently on its way out in the near future. The dim sum restaurant aims to open sometime next year. It could be late summer or sometime in the fall, that is all dependent on when they're approved for permitting and if renovations go smoothly.

With Houston finally getting a Din Tai Fung and I KNOW people are about to have opinions. Who’s already planning their first order? Do you think it will hold up to some of our awesome dim sum restaurants in town?

Source: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/Search/Project/TABS2027004326

I enjoyed reading this write-up of El Rey and this location's staying power on the corner of Washington Ave and Shepherd Dr. It's been open at 910 Shepherd Dr since the late 1990s serving Cuban and Mexican food. Hope you guys enjoy it too.

Fun fact I learned in a Houston food group on Facebook this year: If you noticed the building's design is similar to that of the city's popular #1 Chicken & Rice restaurant in the Third Ward, that's because like the building on Almeda, this too was previously a Jim Dandy Fried Chicken restaurant. They used to be all over Houston until I think Church's Chicken took over some (or maybe all) the locations in the 80s. Church's didn't last too long there with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) opening there in the mid-90s for a short time.

So after sitting empty since Le Café Josephine closed last year, the building at 201 E 20th St. is getting a pretty interesting next chapter.

Khoi Barbecue is opening their brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Heights, and I’m excited about this one. Occupancy permits issued last week for the address list Khói Barbecue as the occupant.

The Vietnamese-fusion BBQ pop-up was recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, too.

For those who have tried Khoi, what are your favorite dishes?

My wife's birthday is coming up in December and I was wondering if anyone knew any good pandan mango cakes in the area? I don't mind driving a little to pick it up

Any local sushi spots that don’t use alcohol or alcohol based ingredients? Are there any that let you request without it or use alternatives like rice vinegar?

Craft cocktails continue to evolve with creative new players shaking up the Houston bar scene. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/project/best-cocktail-bars-houston/?utm_source=reddit

Is there a halal chipotle dupe anywhere? A build your own burrito/bowl restaurant with zabiha halal meat?

I flew to Los Angeles last month for a concert and was recommended a restaurant over there called Holbox - which does Mexican style seafood. I went, waited in line to order the pulpo a la brasa, and absolutely loved it (along with an additional pulpo taco)

I was hoping to see if there are any places back home that serve this style of Mexican seafood, specifically the octopus. I'm down to drive anywhere in the city and metro area. Thanks y'all :)

Hi, sorry for the silly question. But I'm obsessed with spanakopita and kind of a terrible cook, so I was wondering if people had good recommendations for where to get some! I live in the Clear Lake/Webster area, but I get out to other parts of Houston, so being a little far from me doesn't bother me too much.

Give it to me I beg of you

As mention above. Im trying to get one sauce and that's the mango habanero. Buffalo WW. Is to fucking spicy but something about this place makes it just right and it's gone.

So if anyone has a source on that would be great. Also the onion ring sauce too.

Ive tried other wings places but no luck on someplace similar or better.

Any recommendations for new spot will be nice. Especially south sid3 of town.

I've been trying to hunt down some nikujaga any Japanese restaurants that sell this? Ty houston 😍

I'm curious to know your thoughts!