ChòpnBlọk
West African restaurant · Downtown
401 Franklin St Suite A, Houston, TX 77201
Highlights
Modern West African cuisine with jollof rice, plantains, and suya
Modern West African cuisine with jollof rice, plantains, and suya
"Don’t let the long line in front of ChopNBlok fool you, you’ll be at the counter ordering in no time at the front of the stylish counter. The fast-casual West African spot in the Post Market food hall specializes in bowls that combine flavors from around the continent. Get a Trad bowl with smoky jollof rice and sweet caramelized kelewele, or just get a few orders of minnie beef pies and celebrate the Astros in the food court. How to get there: Drive (eight minutes) or take a pedicab (eight minutes)" - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"Expanded from a food stall in Downtown’s Post Houston, this new standalone Montrose restaurant is a vibrant celebration of the African diaspora that you can see, feel, and taste. While taking in the intricate decor, diners can indulge in robust combinations of West African staples like sweet plantains in Nigerian beef red stew, and perfectly charred suya, tender skewered beef served with a yaji peanut pepper spice. The cocktails, many of which are made with African spirits, are also something to behold. Try the Dodo Old Fashioned, a mix of spiced plantain blended with bourbon, palm sugar, and bitters that’s garnished with bruleed plantain, or the Chopman, a refreshing combination of gin, citrus, hibiscus grenadine, cucumber, mint, orange soda, and bitters." - Brianna Griff
"This Montrose fast-casual gem is as much a celebration of West African culture as a culinary destination. Afro-modern design meets vibrant textures, including custom wallpaper by Nigerian artist Uzo Njoku, books from Third Ward’s Black- and woman-owned Kindred Stories, and warm lighting highlighting every thoughtful detail. A curated vinyl display featuring Solange and Sade and mural-style wallpaper depicting African village life deepens the sense of place. Signature dishes like the buka red stew with braised short rib and plantains, the Black Star bowl with Yassa curry, and Waakye fried rice are rich and bold. The bar is stocked with rare African spirits, so make time for a cocktail. The Dodo Old Fashioned, a mix of spiced plantain blended with bourbon, palm sugar, and bitters, and a garnish of bruleed plantain, or the Chopman, a refreshing combination of gin, citrus, hibiscus grenadine, cucumber, mint, orange soda, and bitters, are both standouts." - Marcy de Luna
"At this fast-casual food stall in POST Houston, Nigerian American chef Ope Amosu has amplified the beauty and range of cuisines across the African diaspora through customizable bowls that come with options like jollof rice, Liberian greens, braised collards, sweet plantains, and East African-style coconut curry. His second outpost, which opened in Montrose in October, features an even more expansive menu, with beef suya, red stew, and yassa curry with shrimp, plantain bread pudding, and cocktails showcasing African spirits and flavors, including an Old Fashioned made with plantain syrup and garnished with bruleed plantain. Must-try dish: Take the owner’s lead and try one of the restaurant’s Blok pairings: The Motherland and Trad are terrific starting points." - Brittany Britto Garley
"We’re big fans of ChòpnBlọk downtown because of their fast-casual bowls flying out of the food stall. And this Montrose location is like an expansion pack of the first concept, with the same bowls making appearances, and some added newcomers. Like the Black Star Bowl, packed with grilled shrimp laced in a peanut-based dry rub and a delicious waakye fried rice with enough smokiness, we are considering it for our BBQ guide. The inside of this spot is still as vibrant—every corner filled with bright kente patterns, decorative calabash draped in cowrie shells, and artwork by West African artists." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
