Texas is famous for big flavors – but some chefs are taking it even bigger by blending Lone Star classics with bold global twists. From Indian curry meets Tex-Mex tacos to Filipino pulutan with a Texas kick, these fusion spots prove there’s no limit to what Texas tastes like. We’ve filmed segments for the Goodtaste TV show at every one of these restaurants, so trust us – we’ve tasted the magic firsthand. Grab your fork (and maybe a passport) and dig into the best of Texas fusion cooking!
A Fusion of Flavors at North Street Curry Shop / San Marcos
What do you get when Indian classics collide with bold Texas Tex-Mex? A flavor bomb your taste buds will thank you for! North Street Curry Shop in San Marcos is all about this crave-worthy mashup: think curry queso, chicken tikka masala tacos, and samosas piled high with goodness. You’ll still find beloved staples like chutneys, butter chicken, and a chicken curry that regulars rave about. Ready to recreate it at home? Grab the delicious recipe right here.
Filipino Fusion at Be More Pacific / Houston
Pull up a chair and dig into a Texas-style Filipino pulutan spread at Be More Pacific in Houston. The Filipino owners, who first crossed paths at UT Austin, put a Lone Star spin on classic South Pacific bites: tender Filipino BBQ short ribs, Kare Kare smothered in rich peanut sauce and crowned with brisket instead of oxtail, and crispy chicken chicharrones that keep you reaching for more. Filipino comfort food, Texas attitude. Want to try Kare Kare at home? Grab the recipe right here!
Tex-Mex Gets a Polynesian Twist at Hula Hut / Austin
Say “Aloha” to laid-back lakeside vibes at Hula Hut in Austin – a hidden tropical escape right in the heart of the capital. Here, Tex-Mex gets a playful Polynesian remix: think Shrimp Chile Rellenos topped with mango-pineapple salsa and Crab-Stuffed Deep-Fried Avocado that’s pure island indulgence. Don’t skip dessert – their Tres Leches is hands-down one of Texas’s best. Check out the recipe for their magnificent Mexonesian Shrimp Flautas right here!
Tex-Orleans Cookin’ at BB’s Cafe / Houston
BB’s Cafe in Montrose serves up big Bayou flavor with a Texas twist – they call it Tex-Orleans cooking, and it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. This cozy spot blends Houston swagger with New Orleans soul: stacked po’ boys, rich gumbos, and grillades & grits inspired by the owner’s Louisiana-born “Maw Maw” and her time-tested family recipes. A little Cajun, a little Texan, all mouthwatering.
South Texas Meets Southeast Asia at Curry Boys BBQ / San Antonio
Head back to San Antonio’s iconic St. Mary’s Strip and find big flavors packed into a little pink spot: Curry Boys BBQ. Here, South Texas barbecue meets bold Southeast Asian curry in one unforgettable mashup. Don’t miss their signature Brisket Smoke Show – melt-in-your-mouth brisket piled over jasmine rice, drenched in fragrant green coconut curry, and finished with crispy shallots. Barbecue, but make it brilliantly unexpected.
Gourmet Dishes with a Texas Twist at Tillie’s / Dripping Springs
Just outside Austin in Dripping Springs, Camp Lucy is Texas wine country at its best – and its crown jewel, Tillie’s, dishes out gourmet flavors with a Lone Star edge. Feast on Gulf-fresh pan-roasted swordfish, smoked chicken topped with pomegranate seeds over poblano-cilantro rice, and the showstopping Texas tomahawk ribeye, smoked out back and seared in its own beef fat. Pair it all with standout wines and craft cocktails, then save room for Tillie’s legendary Texas honey cake – so good, your taste buds might just dance. Want to recreate the magic at home? Get the sensational recipe right HERE.
Modern Mexican Street Food with a Southtown Twist / San Antonio
At La Gloria Brooks, celebrated chef Johnny Hernandez fuses the lively spirit of Mexican street food with the laid-back, eclectic vibe of San Antonio’s Southtown. This new spot serves up mesquite-grilled meats, vibrant ceviches, and margaritas worth bragging about – all with Chef Johnny’s signature twist that captures the neighborhood’s creative soul. Be sure to end on a sweet note with his famous ‘Chocoflan’ – rich caramel flan topped with a fluffy chocolate cake. And just for Goodtaste fans, Chef Johnny is sharing his personal salsa de la casa: a bold, zesty blend of garlic, chiles, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and toasted pepitas that takes grilled meats to the next level. Get the recipe right here!
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