Getting started in the restaurant business can be tough, so when one has been around for decades, you know they’re doing more than a few things right. That’s definitely the case when it comes to Irma’s Original and China Garden.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd sits down with the women behind both iconic Houston restaurants.
At China Garden, he learns a new way to eat egg rolls, and at Irma’s, he finds out how an episode of “Eat Like a Local” about craft barbecue inspired Irma to start serving something new.
“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.
Watch this episode in the video player above.
Irma’s Original
22 N Chenevert St. | Houston
Irma Gonzalez Galvan got into the restaurant business more than three decades ago out of necessity. Her husband had passed away and she lost her long-time job. She needed a way to provide for her four children.
Before he died, Irma’s husband had encouraged her to start a restaurant, and so that’s what she did.
The business didn’t start successful, but over the years, she evolved it into one of the most renowned Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
China Garden
1602 Leeland St | Houston
China Garden has been serving up delicious food in Houston since 1969.
Carol Jue Churchill is the current co-owner of the restaurant. Her parents started the business and to this day, the expansive menu remains the same as the one her father first created.
One of Shepherd’s favorite things on the menu are the egg rolls, which he says you’ll want to order more of after you taste them.
More “Eat Like a Local” picks featured in this episode
- Mai’s Restaurant: 3403 Milam Street | Houston
- Giacomo’s Cibo E Vino: 3215 Westheimer | Houston
- Ambassador Chinese: 4326 Richmond | 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.
More “Eat Like a Local” episodes