Cajun Kitchen

"Set in an Asiatown strip mall, Cajun Kitchen is Houston’s preeminent destination for Viet-Cajun—a hybrid cuisine that emerged when Vietnamese refugees along the Gulf Coast began applying the techniques of Southeast Asian seafood boils to local crawfish. Though it can be found nationally nowadays, Viet-Cajun is undeniably a Houston specialty. Originally opened in 2005 as a traditional Cajun crawfish restaurant, Cajun Kitchen took on a more Viet-Cajun focus in 2015 when current owner John Nguyen assumed the reins. Nguyen, who grew up in Norway, was first introduced to crawfish by Vietnamese relatives in Louisiana. Originally moving to Houston to work in a corporate job, he found a passion for crawfish. Today, Cajun Kitchen’s menu ranges from traditional crawfish seasonings such as garlic butter to more Southeast Asian styles, such as a Thai basil–perfumed variation. The Kitchen Special, which comes with citrus wedges, is particularly popular. Nguyen has also extended the Viet-Cajun ethos to other seafood dishes. Think: mussels steamed in lemongrass and Maine razor clams topped with Vietnamese chili butter sauce and Vietnamese coriander leaves. Due to the seasonal availability of fresh crawfish, typically from January to July, Cajun Kitchen has diversified its menu beyond its signature crustaceans. Throughout the year, the restaurant serves classic Cajun favorites such as gumbo, po’ boys, and crab pan roasts. There are also traditional Vietnamese street foods, like fried rice, grilled squid, and escargot. Know Before You Go The peak months for crawfish in Houston are from February through April. During this time, you’ll get the freshest pick of crawfish. During off-peak times, the crawfish may come frozen—so consider ordering some of Cajun Kitchen’s other Viet-Cajun dishes to satisfy the craving. Ask for a side of fresh mayo for dipping to complete the experience." - Dan Q Dao

"The strip mall Viet-Cajun restaurant Cajun Kitchen in Chinatown serves crawfish year round, with seasonings including a rich garlic butter and a bright thai basil. Or there’s the “kitchen special” with refreshing lemons and oranges keeping your crawfish cozy in the seafood boil bag. Crawfish boils here have a two-pound minimum so show up hungry or bring a pal. This spot is laid back and casual, and it’s constantly prepared for seafood fans—and the subsequent mess they bring—with tables covered in vinyl and paper towel rolls at every table." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"At the strip mall Viet-Cajun restaurant Cajun Kitchen in Chinatown, you can get your fill of Vietnamese food like a green mango salad and mực nướng sa tế (grilled squid marinated in garlic and chili sauce), alongside Cajun dishes like boudin balls and tender turkey necks. This place also serves crawfish year round, with seasonings including a rich garlic butter and a bright thai basil. Or there’s the “kitchen special” with refreshing lemons and oranges keeping your crawfish cozy in the seafood boil bag. Crawfish boils here have a two-pound minimum so show up hungry or bring a pal. This spot is laid back and casual, and it’s constantly prepared for seafood fans—and the subsequent mess they bring—with tables covered in vinyl and paper towel rolls at every table. " - Gianni Greene