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Bánh mì and Pho: These Vietnamese restaurants are doing it right in Houston

Find out where James Beard award-winning chef Chris Shepherd goes for delicious Vietnamese food on ‘Eat Like a Local’

From burgers to barbeque, Vietnamese to tacos, and so much more, “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.

The James Beard award-winning chef shared some of his picks for the best burgers and barbecue already in Season 1.

Next, gather around the table for the best of the best Vietnamese food. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or looking for a place to sit and enjoy food and quality time with loved ones, this episode has you covered.

Watch this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” in the video player above.


Saigon Pagolac

9600 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston

What it’s known for: Beef cooked seven different ways and DIY spring rolls, allowing groups to have a delicious family style meal around a table - in which everyone can customize their food.

How Chris describes it: “It literally is one of the most beautiful pictures when the table gets set.” | “You’re here with your family, you’re here with your friends, you’re here with your loved ones or just people you want to engage with... you’re going to take your time and have all of these bites.”

Saigon Pagolac was created to give the community a place to gather for traditional Vietnamese food.

Eat Like a Local: What Chris orders at Saigon Pagolac (KPRC/Click2Houston.com)

Cali Sandwich

2900 Travis. | Houston

What it’s known for: Bánh mì! They serve up 600-700 bánh mì sandwiches a day.

How Chris describes it: “This is one of my favorite restaurants in this city, hands down, has been for a long time.” | “In my book, one of the best bánh mì in this city.”

Cali Sandwich has been open since 1993. The same person has been making the bread for the bánh mì sandwiches since the beginning.

Eat Like a Local: What Chris orders at Cali Sandwich (KPRC/Click2Houston.com)

🍽️More “Eat Like a Local” picks for Vietnamese cuisine

  • Nam Giao: 6938 Wilcrest Dr. | Houston
  • Bodard Bistro: 11360 Bellaire Blvd, #100 | Houston
  • Huynh: 912 Saint Emanuel Street | Houston
  • Thien An Sandwiches: 2611 San Jacinto St. | Houston

Bookmark the Eat Like a Local website, so you can find more restaurants serving up great food near you. We’ll be adding restaurants to the map every week.

Watch new episodes of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.



About the Authors
Dawn Campbell headshot

Sports mom, amateur nature photographer, and regional Emmy award-winning television producer

Field producer by day. Cruise director by night to a busy, foodie, outdoorsy family, which includes two sports loving boys and one craft beer loving husband.