In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd heads off the beaten path to find some of Houston’s best dishes tucked inside gas stations, strip plazas and places you’ve passed by a dozen times without stopping. So slow down and take a look as Chris uncovers some of the best bites hidden in plain sight. This episode took us across Houston for three very different experiences — a deeply comforting Turkish feast, expertly crafted hand-made dumplings, and a bakery blending Yemeni and Mexican flavors into something uniquely Houston.

Today on Houston Life, we met the woman behind Aleng Nina's, the small business sharing Filipino culture through food and learn why losing her job during the pandemic was the jumpstart she and her husband needed to follow their passion. Plus where you can find their Filipino food pop ups around Houston.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd’s premise is simple: no theme, no rules—just the Houston-area places he’s excited to eat right now (plus a couple of “you’ve gotta try this” recommendations). Here are all the restaurants/food stops he visits in the episode, in order, with what to get and why they made the cut.

Celebrating National Hamburger Month with the mother-daughter team from the popular joint OMG! Burger and learn their secrets to a juicy patty.

A popular smoothie chain is bringing a splash of color — and wellness — to the Houston area with a limited-time menu that’s turning heads.

Sylvia's Enchiladas Kitchen has more than 20 varieties of hand-rolled enchiladas, plus all the bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and margaritas that make Tex-Mex such a Houston staple.

Learn how to make authentic kunafa with this step-by-step Middle Eastern dessert recipe. Plus a special in-store only offer from now to May 10.

This fan-favorite event is running April 17th through 25th, and it’s packed with everything you love about a classic county fair—with a rodeo twist.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd shares his picks for hanging out with friends - no agenda, just good food, great drinks, and plenty of laughs.

Grocery price increases slowed in March, offering some relief to consumers, but food costs remain higher than a year ago, according to new federal data and economic analysis.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd heads to one of Houston’s most dynamic dining destinations: the Heights. Known for its blend of historic charm and ever-evolving food scene, the neighborhood delivers everything from casual comfort food to chef-driven experiences—all within a few blocks.

Get ready for the Houston Barbecue Festival this weekend. Find out what to expect, where to go, and how to make the most of this all-you-can-sample event.

Spring is here, and it is the perfect time to refresh your dessert menu. Cookbook author Florence Jackson shares easy recipes for carrot cupcakes and blueberry crumble buns, just in time for Easter and all your seasonal gatherings.

Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” host, joins “Houston Life” with spring menu picks from TRIBUTE at The Houstonian, Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen, and Pearl & Vine, and a fun “hummus garden” appetizer idea.

A new report from the Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research is shedding light on a growing crisis in Houston: nearly 40% of households are struggling with food insecurity.

Fort Bend County is getting its own version of a popular foodie tradition, and it’s all for a good cause.

Millions of Texans who rely on food stamps will soon see changes at the grocery store.

The best thing about a great plate lunch is all the choices. You step up, scan the steam table, and make a decision that feels equal parts strategic and emotional: one protein, three sides, maybe cornbread if you’re doing it right. Two of the best to do it in Houston are Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul food and Zydeco Louisiana Diner.

From starting over in a new country to earning one of the toughest titles in the food and wine world. Houston Life co-host Tessa Barrera sat down with restaurant owner and Master Sommelier June Rodil to learn what advice she has for women entrepreneurs.

With the Sweet 16 around the corner, 97-year-old John Toomey will be in Cougar red and ready to watch the University of Houston take on Illinois.

Houston’s coffee culture reflects the people and traditions that shape the city itself. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd explores the city’s coffee scene, where every shop tells a story far deeper than what’s in your cup. From expertly dialed-in espresso to matcha drinks you'll come back for -- these creations are rooted in cultural heritage.

It’s one of the biggest celebrations of Texas culture and food -- the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, we spent a day roaming the midway to find the bites worth taking a break from the rides and games to enjoy. We found a few famous friends along the way!

Whataburger has landed at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros!

The In a Pickle Festival is back at Rosenberg. Enjoy pickle-eating contests, anime-inspired foods, cosplay, and family fun on March 7 and 8.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced the winners of its 2026 Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, which showcased some of the most creative and crowd-favorite foods available to guests this year.

Derrick Shore, Tessa Barrera, Lauren Kelly and Melanie Camp walked the grounds, met local makers and caught up with rodeo royalty — all in one action-packed show. Here’s a look at what they found at this year’s rodeo.

At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, thousands of people pack into tents for smoked meat, music and a good time. But for nearly 20 years, one tent has doubled as something more: a deliberate space for Black and Creole culture at one of the world’s biggest barbecue stages.

If you’re a home chef or a backyard griller, you know the best meals come from having the best cuts of meat. This week on “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd visits two meat markets that have been taking care of Houston-area customers for decades.

Spring means mudbugs — and Tanji Patton of "Goodtaste with Tanji" is here to help Houstonians make the most of crawfish season. From big-family boils to a crunchy, cheesy crawfish bread demo, Tanji showcases two local favorites plus wine pours that pair perfectly with Cajun heat.

The popular annual event is a fan favorite - where teams from all over bring their BBQ A-game in a smoky showdown.

Lunar New Year is being celebrated across the Houston area with dragon dances, special dinners and community events honoring the Year of the Horse.

KPRC 2 News anchor Daniella Guzman traveled to Milan to find out, stepping into an authentic Italian pizza-making class to experience the tradition firsthand.

The Super Bowl airs right here on KPRC 2, and for many fans, football and wings are just as important as the game itself.

An organization that feeds one million people in the Houston area each year is warning that some could lose SNAP benefits because of new work requirements.

Work requirements are kicking in for more older adults and parents of teenagers across the U.S. who get help with groceries through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

It’s time for the big game and this week on “Eat Like a Local”, we’re showing you how to win the hosting game. From crispy wings to stacked sandwiches and drinks for a crowd, host Chris Shepherd shares his chef’s tips and recipes for the perfect game day spread. Here’s what to order and what to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time watching the game with your people.

Old Town Katy is full of small‑town charm and big flavor, and Tanji Patton of "GoodTaste with Tanji" stopped by to prove it.

Even mild winter storms can disrupt daily life in unexpected ways. Dr. Fares, a Water Security Professor at Prairie View A&M University, explains how extreme weather impacts food, water, energy, and health, and shares tips on how communities can prepare and stay resilient

Crawfish season is just around the corner, and one Houston hotspot is already boiling things up!

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd checks out local barbecue spots that started as passion projects and have grown into staples of Houston’s barbecue community. First, Chris heads to Old Town Spring to visit CorkScrew BBQ, a family-run barbecue joint that began as a hobby for owner Will Buckman.

Just over a month after a viral video showed rats on top of produce at a Humble Walmart, new footage suggests the rodents may be back.

Chick-fil-A is giving away free Chicken Biscuits at participating Houston locations today, Jan. 20.

it’s a celebration of Houston’s burger culture! Host Chris Shepherd checks out a buzzy newcomer and a beloved classic that’s been flipping patties for decades. He heads to Boo's Burgers and Tookie's in this episode of “Eat Like a Local”.

If your goal is to eat healthier, the founder of Leaf & Grain offers mindful eating tips and a pesto vinaigrette recipe to help you start strong.

Texas has launched an investigation into major grocery chains accused of spraying pesticides on fruits and vegetables in-store without disclosing the practice to consumers.

Galveston Restaurant Week is back, running from January 6 to 30, offering food lovers a chance to indulge in the island's culinary scene.

Houston’s restaurant scene is famously diverse making it sometimes hard to define our local cuisine. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd checks out two restaurants that have captured the essence of Houston food - one through a refined, cultural lens, the other inspired by coastal culture and sourcing.

Houston’s vibrant culinary scene is captured beautifully in five cookbooks by some of the city’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs. These cookbooks offer a delicious way to bring Houston’s diverse flavors into your kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out. (KPRC 2 is part of the Amazon Associates program and receives a commission on qualified purchases made through our links.)

Easy, festive and crowd-pleasing morning meals to start your holiday!  Cookbook author and food blogger Leigh Ann Chatagnier shares 3 tasty and delicious recipes your whole family will love. For the kids: reindeer and snowman pancakes.  For a hearty protein-packed dish: hashbrown and egg casserole.  For the lighter eaters: baked grapefruit with greek yogurt and nuts.  Each dish is perfect for Christmas morning and quick to assemble so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with those you love.

In this episode of 'Eat Like a Local", host Chris Shepherd explores the diverse snacks and street foods of Houston's Asiatown, highlighting family-run shops along Bellaire Boulevard. Key stops include Linda's Tropical Fruits for fresh smoothies and acai bowls, One Dragon for Shanghai shumai, Don's Cafe for banh mi, Bodard Bistro for Nem Nướng, and Hong Kong City Mall for bao and other snacks, showcasing the vibrant culinary scene and cultural heritage of the area.

Festive holiday cookie recipes from Florence Jackson, featuring spicy Mexican hot chocolate crinkles and classic frosted sugar cookies, perfect for baking and decorating with family.

Celebrate the holidays Houston-style with Eat Like a Local’s ultimate guide to cocktails, charcuterie boards, wine selections, and hosting advice.

Find Houston restaurants open on Christmas Day offering special holiday menus and festive dining experiences.

Joy the Baker is serving up a warm, citrusy hug with her Christmas Morning Orange Rolls — perfect for starting your holiday morning.

There's something special about a family-owned Texas ranch with five generations behind it. We're getting a closer look at what makes 44 Farms' beef stand out and why it's trusted by home cooks and top restaurants. Plus, more on their meat bundles that make gifting super easy. Use code 'HoustonLife' for 20% off your first order.

Houston’s restaurant world never stops moving — and that’s exactly why we love exploring it each week on ”Eat Like a Local” with Chris Shepherd. In this episode, two spots putting their own stamp on familiar flavors while honoring the traditions that shaped them.

Sushi lovers, you don't want to miss this.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd learns the history behind two long standing Houston restaurants that offer a delicious reminder of the Greek immigrant influence on Houston’s culinary roots.

In a story published Nov. 19, 2025, about fiber, The Associated Press included an incorrect quote from Sander Kersten.

Hosting but don’t want to cook this holiday season? Tanji Patton of Goodtaste TV rounded up her top restaurant picks for a Thanksgiving feast at home. See what's on the menu with dishes from TRIBUTE at The Houstonian, State Fare Kitchen & Bar and BB’s Tex-Orleans.

The Salvation Army of Greater Houston and the CMA CGM Foundation are giving out 21,600 meals to families in need Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5–7 p.m. at the Aldine Westfield Corps. Food is available first-come, first-served, and the event is open to the community.

KPRC 2's popular food show "Eat Like a Local" won its second Lone Star Emmy for exploring the Pakistani food scene. Derrick Shore chats with chef and host Chris Shepherd about the episode that brought home the golden hardware.

Explore how these Houston restaurants are offering diners a fresh take on healthy cuisine with customizable options and bold, exciting flavors.

The government shutdown may be over, but uncertainty remains for the 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits.

Dinner and a show? Not much sounds better than that.

Free tacos, burgers, pancakes, and more: Houston restaurants are honoring Veterans Day with deals and freebies for active-duty military and veterans on Nov. 11.

The team at Brennan’s recently did a little remodeling, and y’all… the new Courtyard Bar is absolutely stunning. It’s got energy, it’s got life, and it’s got some seriously good drinks. We’re talking killer cocktails, a sharp wine list, and a bar menu that’s next level.

Concept Executive Chef Andreas Seidel stops by Houston Life to chat about the restaurant's history, upcoming specials and to demo The Palm's Chicken Parmigiana recipe.

BakerRipley is offering food fairs at its various campuses across Houston in November as the government shutdown continues to impact Houstonians who depend on SNAP benefits and other nutrition assistance programs.

KPRC 2 received more information on how the federal government is calculating the reduced SNAP benefits for the month of November as the government shutdown endures its record-tying 35th day.

Hotels are turning meals into memories — chef pop-ups, immersive bars, elevated room service and rooftop dining. Travel expert Jeanenne Tornatore shares what’s on the menu with Marriott Bonvoy on Houston Life. Learn what to book for your 2026 escape.

Although today's food distribution is full, you can sign up to attend tomorrow's event or any event this week.

From woodfired Napoletana pies that cook in 90 seconds to thick Detroit-style and cracker-thin tavern pizzas, in this episode of “Eat Like a Local” host Chris Shepherd dishes on some of the best versions of all types of pizza in Houston.

For 79-year-old Jeanette Ubernosky, a simple knock on the door means more than just a hot meal it’s comfort and connection.

The Gozney Dome Gen 2 is one of the newest outdoor pizza oven that gives you restaurant-quality pizza right at home. This upgraded model heats up even faster, has improved insulation and comes with new accessories that make it super easy to use, whether you’re a pizza pro or trying it for the first time. What else can it do? • It’s not just for pizza. Roast meats, char veggies, even bake bread • Sleek design elevates any patio or outdoor kitchen • High, even heat means that perfect crispy, leopard-spotted crust every time • Fast setup = instant pizza night with family and friends Visit Texas Star Grill Shop to see the Gozney Dome Gen 2 up close. Texas Star Grill Shop | texasstargrillshop.com | 832-426-4229

Our Landry's Chef Series continues this Halloween week with a look at the fall menu at Brenner’s on the Bayou!

With grocery prices rising and SNAP benefits set to end on Nov. 1, knowing how long your food can last is as important as ever.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Lone Star Oyster Company owners Blake and Stephanie Branson take host Chris Shepherd and chef Lucas McKinney of Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition out to their floating oyster farm in West Bay. Just the sixth such farm in Texas, the Bransons are part of a new crop of oyster farms committed to raising sustainable oyster crops that not only produce superior oysters but also improve the water where they're raised.

Wall Street closed the week with record highs on Friday as the S&P 500 topped 6,800 for the first time in history.

Halloween night just got a bit spookier 🕵️

Whether you’re there for the turkey legs, the jousting, or just to live out your best fairy-tale fantasy – there is something for everyone!

The cuts could impact as many as 300 seniors in Harris and Galveston counties

Houston’s food scene is nothing without the people behind it — the families, the stories, the recipes passed down from generation to generation. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd takes a tour of some of the city’s long-standing, family-run Mexican-American restaurants. From classic tacos to homemade paletas and new school concha breakfast sandwiches, these are the spots that have been turning out consistently great dishes for decades.

If you’re looking for a Halloween plan that mixes elegance with edge—this is your cue to grab a mask, dress the part, and prepare for a night where everyone’s a suspect.

Mark your calendars for the largest Filipino festival in Texas. Find out why it's important to celebrate during Filipino History Month.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd goes all in on Houston’s regional Chinese food —and it’s way more than traditional takeout. From the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns to the intriguing dishes of Korean-Chinese cuisine, this episode is a takes a trip through the intricacies of Chinese food.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd goes all in on Houston’s regional Chinese food —and it’s way more than traditional takeout. From the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns to the intriguing dishes of Korean-Chinese cuisine, this episode is a takes a trip through the intricacies of Chinese food.

In Southeast Houston, innovation is being served — alongside spicy suya, golden puff-puffs, and roasted plantains. At first glance, Blodgett Food Hall looks like any other sleek, modern dining hub: minimalist lines, bright screens, and a buzz of lunchtime traffic. But step inside and you’ll see something quietly revolutionary happening. This isn’t your average food court — it’s a high-tech food hall built for the age of Uber Eats and DoorDash, where convenience meets community flavor.

Kids’ Meals is expanding in Houston with a new facility and delivery van, helping volunteers deliver thousands of free meals to preschoolers daily.

Make your holiday season unforgettable with Del Frisco’s! Executive Chef Trevor White shares signature dishes from the upscale Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse and the lively Del Frisco's Grille.

Beloved Houston restaurant Kim Son has announced it will close its longtime downtown location on Jefferson Street later this month due to the I-45 expansion project.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd takes an international food tour in an unlikely place! Chris heads to Baytown where he enlists the help of Mayor Charles Johnson to find the top spots to grab a bite.

La Griglia has been a popular Houston dining destination since they first opened their doors in 1991. Now, after 34 years in business, they're celebrating two years in their sparkling new location on West Dallas Street. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a holiday party or just looking for a great everyday meal, La Griglia is the perfect spot for making memories.

The Houston Food Bank is preparing for a possible surge in demand as the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens to affect federal employees and SNAP benefit recipients.

With the 2025 government shutdown now underway, struggling families in the Houston area are left to wonder how nutrition programs will be impacted by a potential lapse in funding.

Morton’s Concept Chef Dan Drucker shares his recipe for a wine butter sauce to elevate your next steak night at home.

The 50,000 sq.ft facility in Spring Branch will allow Kids’ Meals Inc. to boost weekday deliveries from 10,000 meals to 26,000 by 2031, serving more than 14,000 families across 56 Houston-area zip codes.

🚔🍔 Deputies in Harris County say they arrested an Uber Eats driver over a fake license plate — but they still made sure the food got delivered.

This episode is all about craft breweries, and you can’t talk about craft beer in Houston without a stop at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. It’s an icon of Houston’s craft beer scene for good reason. The brewery, which got its start in the 1990s, helped pave the way for other local breweries while also shaping how craft beer is sold and distributed in Texas.

If packing school lunches feels like a daily struggle, you’re definitely not alone.