Fadi’s must be responsible for most Houstinites’ introduction to Middle Eastern food, considering the law of averages (there are three around town). True, they each appear to have been decorated from a restaurant catalog’s section on “Middle Eastern:” generic and vaguely regional art hangs on warmly painted walls, and interesting, but wholly inauthentic lighting fixtures dangle from the ceiling. Yet it feels familial, despite the cafeteria-style tray service.

As ever, start with an acidic, refreshing cold salad. Tabbouleh and dolmade have… [More]

Read enough restaurant websites and you’ll see the phrase “…will transport you to a different place” tossed around like a vermicelli noodle in a bowl. Many claim such dramatic otherworldly experiences, but few deliver; those that do, like Thien Thanh, seem to do it effortlessly and humbly. This dilapidated shop is convincing despite (or perhaps due to) being bereft of bells and whistles: its fading green tables are barely lit, and lingering scents of its house-blended nuoc cham (fish sauce)… [More]