After nearly 900 restaurant meals in 2 years, columnist @baohaus takes on a new role as the Chronicle’s next critic. He plans to review everything from food trucks to fine-dining establishments.
No matter the type of restaurant, cuisine or price point, he’ll look to one question as his North Star: Why should you be spending your money and time here?
Click the link in our bio to read more.
📝: Bao Ong / Houston Chronicle restaurant critic
📸: @bcoomer713 (photos: 1-3, 6) / Houston Chronicle photographer
Hi, y’all! I moved to Houston a few days after the July Fourth weekend and it’s been 🔥🔥🔥 — it was the hottest July on record. A month ago I started my new job as the @houstonchron ’s restaurant columnist, and I’ve already eaten more tacos and pho than I did in the past year. I’m very excited about this next chapter (finally got keys to my apartment 1.5 weeks ago and for the first time I have my own in-unit washer and dryer! lol). There’s so much to learn from @alisona.cook@gregmorago@jodyschmal as I report and write about restaurants in the country’s most diverse (and fourth largest) city. So many readers and new colleagues have given me tips and recommendations. Keep them coming!
Peak crawfish season is here, and Houston Chronicle restaurant critic Bao Ong is leading a guided tour through Houston’s beloved Viet-Cajun scene.
After our first sold-out tour we’re heading back to Asiatown 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 24, for a multi-stop crawfish-themed experience. Expect crawfish, fusion dishes and a sweet surprise at the end. Tickets are $120.
Please note: Due to the nature of the experience, we’re unable to accommodate dietary restrictions, including shellfish and nut allergies. Transportation is required.
To purchase tickets, head to the link in our bio.
Rick’s hat says he loves Jesus. I love peanuts. We have a deal! His boiled peanuts are worth the detour at the intersection of highways 63 and 613 in Hurley, Mississippi. 🥜
Yiayia's Pappas Greek Kitchen offers a refreshing take on Greek classics.
Its menu features grilled octopus, lamb chops, fresh seafood and traditional mezédes, along with indulgent desserts like baklava cheesecake, all served in a polished, high-energy dining room that pays tribute to the Pappas family’s matriarch, Mary Pappas.
Is it worth the reservation? Read the full review at the link in bio.
📝/📹️: @baohaus / restaurant critic
📸/📹️: @bcoomer713 / photographer
💻️: Alexandria A. Badillo / audience
This Vietnamese crawfish festival has been going on for over two decades at this Catholic church in Southeast Houston. Thousands of people gather each year for this three-day event (it wraps up today if you still want to check it out). Get the crawfish but also try all the other Vietnamese dishes.
📍 10610 Kingspoint Road
Introducing Mac! A Valentine’s Day baby, he loves smooching his humans, stealing his big brother Kai’s food, and sleeping for hours. He’s a handful, but @jamiepinckard and I couldn’t be more smitten.
Three stars from @houstonchron ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grateful to @baohaus for spending time with us at Zaranda and for the thoughtful way he took the time to understand Las Californias cuisine and capture the experience.
Swipe for a few highlights, then visit the link in our bio for the full write-up and his recommendations on what to order.
#ZarandaHouston #HoustonChronicle
If you love good food, do yourself a favor and get very—very—familiar with Houston’s dining scene. Every year, the @houstonchron releases its highly anticipated Top 100 Restaurants list, sparking lively conversation, friendly debate, and yes, a few strong opinions.
Today, we’re sitting down with @baohaus , restaurant critic for the Houston Chronicle and the person who leads the team tasked with the very hard work of finding the best restaurants in the city. Texas is filled with incredible food destinations—San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, even Marfa—but Houston consistently sets the bar high and delivers.
We’ll talk about what it takes to make the list, which spots truly stand out, and how those coveted rankings are earned. A road trip may be in your future.
Listen to the brand-new podcast episode at the link in bio.
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#goodtaste #goodtastetv #goodtasteforthesoul #tanjipatton #houstonchronicle #houston #htx #houstontx #baoong #dineintexas #texas #top100restaurants #foodie #feedfeed #foodlover
Incredibly grateful to @baohaus and @houstonchron for listing Camaraderie at the very top of Houston’s best new restaurants of 2025!
Swipe to learn more, then tap our bio link to ring in 2026 with Houston’s #1 new dining destination, including a mix of favorites from this year and new, celebratory dishes available for one night only 🔗
Everything I ate (and drank) in one day:
☕️ French press coffee with beans courtesy of @drfrederyk
🍪 Beh teh soh all the way from Malaysia! Thank you, @elimyeoh
🍌 @thedennydiet telling me to eat more fruit
🍜 BBH @buiquan_houston #IYKYK
🇻🇳 Banh mi and pate chaud from Alpha Bakery & Deli
🇲🇽 Dinner @zarandahou
🎭 Vodka soda during @zarnagarg comedy show @punchlinehouston
"Excellent; one of the best restaurants in the city," indicates @baohaus ' three-star review of Camaraderie for @houstonchron .
We're incredibly grateful for the hard work and repeated visits that Bao puts into each and every restaurant review, and honored by his kind words.
Swipe for a few highlights, then tap our bio link for the full write-up, including Bao's top recommendations on what to order 🔗
