5 Must-Visit Kosher Restaurants in Houston & Dallas
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Faith-based traditions have always had a strong relationship with the food we eat and the beverages we drink. Almost all cultures and religions worldwide have specific guidelines or rules that offer advice on nutrition and dietary intake for people to follow. Kosher is one such set of Jewish guidelines that lists all permissible and ‘fit’ to be eaten.
According to kashrut (a set of Jewish rules), food must be sourced, processed, and prepared in certain conditions to be deemed Kosher or “pure”. For example, dairy and meat are never consumed together. Specific cuts of meat from certain ruminant animals with split hooves are permissible. Domesticated fowl like chicken, turkey, geese, and quail (What wine goes well with quail?) are kosher, while pork, camel, or kangaroo meat isn’t. Since Kosher laws have Biblical roots, most Muslims consider this a safe option without Halal-certified foods. Kosher practices are also associated with a higher degree of animal welfare, leading more people to opt for Kosher food regardless of a religious perspective.
While there are several Jewish-style restaurants and Jewish delis in Texas, Kosher-certified ones are still fewer. Being Kosher certified requires restaurants to follow strict number rules and constant supervision from boards such as the Houston Kashruth Association. Well, we did the work for you! If you follow Kosher and enjoy eating out, here are 5 great Kosher restaurants near me in Houston & Dallas that you can check out this Hanukkah!
Saba’s Grill & Wok, Houston
Saba’s is an iconic Kosher restaurant in Houston that has been in business for decades. Spurred by its sustained success, owners Natalie & Oren launched Saba’s Grill & Wok in 2017 with an expanded, fusion-style menu to serve the Jewish community. A certified Glatt Kosher meat restaurant under the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA) and Mehadrin Kashrus of Texas, Saba’s Grill & Wok offers unique menus that feature authentic Mediterranean and Chinese-style dishes.
Fresh ingredients and simple flavors form the basis of the cooking philosophy here. Folks who follow a vegetarian kosher diet will also find a host of options. Crowd favorites include the Hummus with Shawarma, Kung Pao Chicken, Sesame Chicken, among others. The catering service is a great idea if you’re hosting a Hanukkah dinner and are looking for a reliable and trusted restaurant to order from.
Meat Point, Dallas
A Kosher steakhouse complete with a Kosher wine list? Sign us up! Meat Point at Dallas is among the first kosher restaurants in Dallas with an Israeli chef at the helm. Chef Yehuda has created excellent Israeli-American fusion at Meat Point. He serves delicious steakhouse staples such as Lamb Chops (What wine goes well with lamb chops?), Grilled Chicken, and Middle Eastern dishes like Falafel, Tahini Beef Kebab, and more.
But wait - that’s not the end of the options! Meat Point also offers Italian, Thai, Chinese, and Greek cuisines, all Kosher by default. Come Fridays, the steakhouse brings out a range of hot meals from the catering menu that you can pick up for a Shabbat meal at home. Happy hours are from 3:30-6:30 pm daily and feature a long list of cocktails, Mevushal white and red wines, and draft and bottled beer.
Taste of Tel Aviv, Houston
If you’re in the mood for some no-frills, authentic, Mediterranean Kosher food, then Taste of Tel Aviv is your new best friend. Some visitors have equated the experience to being back in a street in Jerusalem! We’re talking freshly prepared Falafel, Shawarma, Schnitzel, Shakshuka, and we’re just getting started. Even Sushi is on offer here. And the fact that there’s also a whole vegan menu? The ongoing Hanukkah special is freshly baked donuts (how long do donuts last?) with generous glaze, toppings, and challah and pita breads. Don’t forget to check the restaurant timings on their Facebook page before you visit!
Aderet, Dallas
Aderet Grill & Salad is a much-loved Kosher restaurant in Dallas that serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine. In business for the past 10 years, Aderet has become a landmark in the Dallas Jewish community. Owners Liron & Ronen, originally from Israel, made Dallas their home and began their journey as restaurateurs.
Locally sourced seasonal produce and ingredients are the stars at Aderet. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean staples and American comfort food. Expect the freshest salads, pita, kababs, matzo (how long do matzo last?) ball soup, or couscous (What wine goes well with couscous?) from the Israeli side of the coin. On the other hand, they also serve burgers, wings, tacos, and stir-fries, representing American cuisine well. The restaurant offers event catering as well as a special Shabbat menu. Don’t forget to pick up some of their homemade pareve dessert for Hanukkah!
Bagel Shop Bakery, Houston
Pair a creative chef with cultural traditions, and you have a hit on your hands. The newly-opened Bagel Shop Bakery at Bellaire, Houston, is a testament to the fact that great food made with care and creativity is sure to please. Chef Roshni Gurnani has designed a 100% kosher, extensive, and inclusive menu, attracting people with diverse palates and preferences. A sister venture of the iconic New York Deli & Coffee, this store offers visitors plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options.
The menu includes bagels (how long do bagels last?), burgers, waffles, pastrami sandwiches, hotdogs, and pastries. You can also browse a sizable list of drinks ranging from fizzy and fruity to caffeinated. The Bagel Shop Bakery is certified by Houston Kashruth and Mehadrin Kashrus of Texas, making it a must-visit this Hanukkah.
These top 5 restaurants offer some of the best kosher food near me in Houston and Dallas. Have you visited a Kosher restaurant recently that you loved? Or are you planning to visit one for Hanukkah this year? Let us know in the comments below!
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