The 25 Best Restaurants In Houston - Houston - The Infatuation

"Whenever asked to imagine a dream meal, the nam khao from Sao Lao Thai Cafe comes to mind. The Northside spot’s nam khao arrives as a giant bowl of crispy rice, pork, and silky tripe that we all but launch into as if shot out of a cannon. It’s got this sweet, tangy, and acidic funk we cannot stop ourselves from inhaling until we’re scraping the last dregs with a lettuce leaf. Something about the bits of crunchy rice spiking the dish with ribbons of herbs and soft pork itches our lizard brain. Especially when surrounded by funky lao sausage, rich red curry, and massive mason jars of thai tea." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene