Houston is home to a diverse population, so it’s no surprise that the East Downtown, or EaDo, community has its own share of ethnic restaurants. This city boasts plenty of tasty cuisines, including South American, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, and Tex-Mex. If you’re ready to plan a lunch or dinner date with someone special, consider visiting one of these top ethnic eateries in EaDo.
Andes Café
Are you interested in sampling the exquisite flavors of South America? If so, Andes Café is your go-to spot for dishes originating from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This restaurant’s menu serves everything from soups and salads to sandwiches and ceviche (seafood cooked in lime juice). It has a juice bar, and it serves smoothies, coffee, and specialties like South American lemonade and aguapanela (sugar cane drink).
For main dishes, favorites include the arepa “La Pelua,” a Venezuelan corn patty filled with shredded braised flank steak and cotija cheese. You can also try the Pollo a la Brasa, which is charcoal roasted Peruvian chicken. Finish your meal up with some rice pudding or tres leches cake for dessert. You’ll find Andes Cafe at 2311 Canal St.
Kim Son Restaurant
This eatery at 2001 Jefferson St. has been serving up traditional Vietnamese and Chinese food for over 30 years. For something exciting, try the Spicy Dragon Wings glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce with wasabi-mayo on the side, or go for the Killer Combo with grilled chicken, beef, and shrimp over vermicelli and served with veggies and nuoc mam sauce. You won’t be disappointed!
Dimassi’s Mediterranean Kitchen
Even if you can’t afford a trip to the Mediterranean, there’s no reason why your taste buds shouldn’t. At Dimassi’s, you’ll get your fill of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Some dishes include falafel (chickpea patties flavored with parsley, onions, cilantro, and allspice) and baba ghanouge (an eggplant dip made with tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice). Other regional favorites include a chicken kabob with marinated poultry and topped with oregano, green pepper, tomatoes, and onion.
Every dish comes with fresh pita bread, and a buffet is available daily for diners who want to taste a little bit of everything. Dimassi’s is located at 919 Milam St., Ste. # T-600.
Ninfa’s on Navigation
For delicious Tex-Mex food in Houston, you can’t go wrong with Ninfa’s on Navigation. Located at 2704 Navigation Blvd, this restaurant boasts an extensive menu that includes appetizers, soups, salads, tacos, seafood, and seasonal dishes. Try the Adobo Carne Asada (grilled beef skirt steak with potatoes, onions, and guajillo sauce) or the Diablo Shrimp tacos with bacon and jack cheese.
You’ll also find an impressive list of cocktails, wine, beer, and tequila beverages available. If you have room for dessert, we recommend ordering the Mexican flan with whipped cream or Mexican chocolate cake with vanilla gelato. Your stomach will thank you!
If you’re in the mood for some delicious ethnic cuisine in East Downtown Houston, don’t hesitate to stop by one of these top restaurants for your next meal.
Image “Casa Guadalajara” by kimberlykv, used under CC BY 2.0
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