Kin Cafe at the Asia Society

 Vegan/Vegetarian, yes. But the flavors are spectacular and a non vegetarian would come away with a smile on thier face.

I was especially impressed by the bulgogi, which they were able to create a wok hai smokiness to. And because it was plant based, you didn't have any of the gristle or fat, so its chewability factor was 10 out of 10.

The basque style cheesecake was terrific.

John Nechman writes: This past weekend, we were thrilled to discover (thanks to Phat Eatery’s Kevin Lee) Kin Café, an amazing new vegan/vegetarian spot nestled within the Asia Society building in the Museum District (1370 Southmore). The charming proprietor Vivi totally won us over, but equal to her charms is her magic in the kitchen. We had some of the tastiest pastries I’ve had in all of Houston and promised to return to try her lunch specials as well. Yesterday, I had the chance to do just that with three of my favorite people – Michael Shum and Jay P. Francis and his wife Irene.

This is not an extensive menu, but you cannot go wrong with any choices. If you love Asian teas, you’ve come to the right place. And if you don’t know them well, just trust whatever Vivi suggests for you. Today, we shared a pot of Taitung Red Oolong from the mountains of southern Taiwan. Packed with hints of honey, nuts, and citrus, this is one of the most exquisite tea I’ve ever tasted. Of course, that’s what I said about the tea Vivi served us on Sunday morning…but there can be more than one “Best,” I guess!

Vivi is keeping the food menu simple for now, but there’s nothing simple about her brilliant recipes and cooking techniques. Michael and I both did a half-and-half combo of vegan japchae made with sweet potato noodles that Vivi spent months searching for to find the perfect ones for this recipe. It’s topped with slices of vegan bulgogi that that may be the best vegan beef substitute I’ve ever had. The other half of the combo is a bánh mi that floored me as well. This fistful of joy is packed with thick slices of omelette-like lemongrass tofu topped with shredded daikon and carrots and critically, her tangy version of kimchi. For my money, this is the tastiest vegan bánh mi in town. If she could make it with the same bread they use over at Cali in Midtown, this might be the best bánh mi in the country.

Vivi also shared with us her Asian-inspired fluffy, creamy Basque cheesecake (not vegan, but I was happy to cheat a little) and an order of pan-fried vegan dumplings that she is contemplating adding to the menu. Please beg her to do just that! You will, once you try them.

Third Ward/Museum District is Houston’s home for the best of vegan food. And Kin Café just continues and strengthens the area’s claim to that title.

Chef Kenny's Vegan/Vegetarian Chinese Restaurant (and Sushi)

(Update July 2024: I've heard that they have closed, so check online before going)

 I've been coming here for years and I love it. You'll notice that the dishes say "beef, chicken, pork" but know that these are no meat, vegan versions for sure. When you walk in there is a request that no meat products be brought in.

The Chinese dishes are really good. As is the special Sushi Boat, chock full of enough goodies to satisfy four guys as an appetizer. On the most recent trip, we did the sushi boat and two entrees, about $29 per person including tax and tip and were totally full. 

Just a great place, even if you aren't vegan and just wanna do a night of veggies. Chef Kenny will help you choose, and, make the evening just that much better, with his hospitality and friendliness.

Two rice options: white rice or a mix with some red rice thrown into the mix. Which is our default. 

Photos to follow:

Bahel - A Chimney Rock Ethiopian Restaurant Worth Its Weight in Berbere

 On a recent food group, two Ethiopian restaurants showed up, that I was unfamiliar with. Knowing this would be a great option for a vegetarian friend of mine (note: there ARE plenty of meat dishes), as many Ethiopian vegetarian options really shine.

What a surprise. Bahel is in the building once housed by another Ethiopian place. And back in the day, excepting Lucy and Blue Nile, most Ethiopian places were dark and usually empty during the day if one went for lunch for example (Ethiopians are a late night crowd I believe).

Walking into Bahel one is first greet by a display cabinet of traditional musical instruments and garb. To the right is a wonderful grocery store with spices and cookware ( I picked up a pound of green Ethiopian coffee beans to roast at home). Walking into the dining area, beautifully decorated walls and thick wood tables and chairs. Teff flour in the corner. Berbere chili spice refrigerated to preserve its shelf life (as it should be). Behind the cashier, trimmed goat meats ready for stewing. 

For the two of us, we ordered the $26 12 item vegan sampler. It would have been sufficient for 3-4 people imho, as, we both took a lot home to have for breakfast or snacking later. I held a quarter out in the photo so you could get an idea of just how big this sampler plate is.

The Ethiopian coffee ceremony presentation is available here. You should do it at least once. Coffee tends to be over roasted, thus, not a favorite of mine, being a coffee aficionado.

Highly recommended.

Barbecue - Vegetarian Barbecue in Houston - Houston Sauce Pit on Almeda

 Vegetarian barbecue? Huh? I really liked it. I had a selection of the "brisket" and the "links". Brisket was textured vegetable protein and the links were a Beyond Meat type product. 

A high point here was the side of Brussels sprouts. 

Houston Sauce Pit is on Almeda just a block or so from Turkey Leg Hut.

If any constructive criticism, I thought the macaroni and cheese side was a little too heavy on the garlic/onion powder, but I fixed it when I got home by rinsing in a strainer and then returning to the heat to  cook.

Mexican - Vegetarian - Veego's Mexican Restaurant

A great find on the west side of Houston at Wilcrest and Westheimer. On recent trips to CDMX and Puebla I found myself moving away more and more from the meat heavy taco option and more to the new and excellent vegetarian restaurants there. I'm pleased to advise that the food at Veego's is very good and I recommend it. Especially the huge plate of nachos, supplemented by an agua fresca (25% jamaica and 75% horchata).

The Location:

The Sopa de Fideos (could have been done with a tad less salt)

The Pastor Taco

The nachos plate.

A cute kitten photo just because.

Doshi Houston - Superb Coffee and Vegetarian Food

A Houston treasure. An owner who wasn't satisifed with the kind of options he looked forward to when he went out to eat, and so, he created his own place to fill that gap.

Baristas who understand coffee. And a menu of food that you would want to eat. Perfectly spiced and seasoned. Of note: the evening menu changes each day, featuring a particular dish but done vegetarian. Pozole, three alarm chili, butter "chicken". Delicious. Highly recommended.

Panini Sandwich

Thai Style Coconut Lime Soup