In the bustling culinary landscape of Houston, savoring each month brings a delightful challenge. This September, our team explored a range of dishes designed to tantalize taste buds and leave lasting impressions. From sumptuous ramen to innovative interpretations of classic comfort food, these eight dishes stood out and kept us craving more.
First on our delicious journey is the Matcha Duck and Spicy Vegan Ramen from Mensho in Bellaire. With Houston’s dining scene continuing to evolve, our curiosity led us away from our usual favorite, Tiger Den, to Mensho—situated conveniently for any ramen aficionado. The Matcha Duck ramen stands out as a luxurious treat, creamy with a silky texture that makes it utterly indulgent. Complementing it is the Spicy Vegan Ramen, which showcases a balance of umami flavors with an exciting kick of spice. Don’t forget to save the mushroom for last as it absorbs all the delightful flavors.
At Handies Douzo, with locations across the Heights, Spring Branch, and Montrose, the Kanpachi Crudo stole our hearts this month. The vibrant dish features slices of amberjack tuna seasoned to perfection with Thai chilies and sanbaizu—a traditional Japanese dressing of vinegar, soy sauce, and mirin. It makes for a refreshing escape as summer transitions into fall, delivering a medley of sweet, sour, and umami sensations.
Craving a heartwarming experience? Look no further than the Birria Platter for Two at Tacos Doña Lena. Located in Spring Branch and the Heights, this platter offers a gorgeous array of birria-centric options perfect for sharing. For just $35, diners can indulge in two tacos, quesabirrias, and a choice of gorditas or tortas, all served with sides of rice, beans, and the restaurant’s signature salsas. It’s a cozy blend of traditional flavors that captures the essence of this comforting Mexican dish, perfect for a warm fall feast.
A recent wine dinner at Brennan’s of Houston tempted our tastebuds with their Berkshire Pork Frito Pie. Pairing this gourmet twist on a childhood staple with Rodney Strong wines showcased an evening of indulgence. Starting with Buffalo shrimp and grits, the evening continued with this elegant take on frito pie alongside a rich reserve pinot noir. The night culminated in a satisfying beef debris po-boy, rounding out an exquisite culinary exploration.
In Rice Village, the Burrata + Tigelle dish at Lee’s shares the limelight with their creative cocktails. While drinks dominate the narrative, the food impresses with its delightful offerings, especially the burrata nestled in fragrant tigelle, allowing guests to create their own savory bites. The addition of ripe blueberries enhances the flavor, providing a delightful sweet and savory contrast that tantalizes every palate.
Journeying into Montrose, the carrot course at Michelin-starred restaurant March caught our attention. The seasonal tasting menu, inspired by Mediterranean flavors, creates an unforgettable experience, particularly with its creative use of carrots. This dish features glazed carrots with a medley of accompaniments including chamomile yogurt, smoked carrot puree, and spiced honey. It’s a celebration of the versatile root that redefines its traditional role in the culinary world.
Nobie’s, also in Montrose, made a grand impression with their Dilly Bread, a must-have for lovers of dill. This pull-apart milk bread, infused with garlic and ‘everything’ butter, captures robust flavors, especially when enhanced with the optional addition of smoked trout roe. Along with their Nonno’s Pasta—a bowl of tagliatelle bolognese that pairs impeccably with a refreshing bibb salad—guests are reminded that this restaurant is an essential stop on any food lover’s journey.
Lastly, a visit to The Woodlands isn’t complete without trying the Steak and Dumplings at Local Public Eatery. This new addition, making waves since August, highlights bold comfort food classics. The dish serves a generous portion of shrimp and pork dumplings atop a luscious garlic chili sauce, complemented by an 8-ounce prime sirloin. Merging the heartiness of steakhouse fare with Asian-inspired flavors creates a unique dining experience.
As we navigated the culinary highlights of September 2025, these dishes stood as testaments to Houston’s vibrant food scene. With each plate, we continue to discover and celebrate the incredible diversity of flavors and experiences that our city has to offer. Delve into these dishes for a taste of what makes Houston truly special!
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