Houston has an amazing food scene, much of it reachable from Rice University via METROrail. I first learned about our close proximity to the METRO from my friends, which prompted me to apply for the free student Metro card — a perk we get as Rice students, which has allowed me to explore all of Houston!

If you’re planning to explore Houston, you should definitely download the RideMETRO app. Sometimes the shuttles aren’t in operation, and the app is the only way for you to stay in the loop. Trust me, you don’t want to plan an entire day out only to find your transportation is down.

It’s a good idea to explore different parts of town to see which areas suit you and your friends. I recommend starting in Rice Village simply because it’s so close. Every finals week, my friends and I walk to Tsaocha in Rice Village to fuel up on a drink or two and study. These study sessions make finals week much more bearable. Additionally, I love the Rice Village Farmer’s Market that occurs every first and third Sunday of the month (look for a stall called Jane Wild; their pastries are top tier).

And if you’re looking for a diverse food hall, I recommend heading to POST or Understory. Along with its many food options, POST hosts culinary experiences, pop-up dining experiences and special events for cultural festivals and major holidays. I’ll never forget my first visit to POST. We were wandering the city at night when we stumbled upon it. Stepping inside was like being transported into a whole new world. We spent the night eating gelato and making plans for Spring Break.

In Houston, you can also find affordable (and incredible!) pho. Other places I recommend checking out are: Kim Tài, Umiya Sushi, Rice to Meet You, Juice Box, Tofu Village, Hui Lau Shan and The Baker’s Son.

At the end of the day, Houston is your backyard. Don't be afraid to navigate the rails and find your own favorite corner of the city. Happy exploring (and even happier eating)!

-Emily, Sid Rich ‘28 (Published on 4/14/26)