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)
Keep Exploring
Moving away from Houston before high school sparked a love for exploring new places in Leyana, McMurtry ‘29. Now back in H-Town, she’s spent her freshman year rediscovering the city. From concert venues to local parks, here’s a look at her favorite spots so far!
Growing up in a small village, I (Pu, Martel ‘29) vividly remember a dozen kids gathering around a tiny box television just to watch a soccer match. Our village didn’t have much, but for 90 minutes, none of that mattered. The FIFA World Cup is where dreams come true, communities unite and the entire planet speaks a single language: soccer. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that I went from watching the tournament on that tiny screen to playing a behind-the-scenes role in bringing these massive sporting events to billions of people across the globe. Here’s a look at what it’s really like to bring the game to life on the international stage!
Working on a major global event is a common goal for anyone interested in the sports industry, but at Rice, these opportunities can often start earlier than expected. I’m Jacob L., Hanszen '27, and over the past year, I worked with the Houston Host City Committee to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s a look at my experience and the lessons I learned while helping to lay the groundwork for the tournament.
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