In this November feature, news and city life editor Erica Cheng examined why naming conventions matter. Houstonians have long debated what to call the stretch along Bellaire Boulevard that’s home to a dense concentration of Asian businesses and restaurants—whether Chinatown, Asiatown, Bellaire, or even New Chinatown. The story struck a nerve, prompting readers to post, comment, and email us their perspectives, and ultimately became one of Houstonia’s most-read articles of the year.

This summer, Houston food fans were glued to their screens as local chef Tristen Epps claimed the Top Chef title. In July, food and travel editor Sofia Gonzalez traced Epps’s unlikely path in a Bayougraphy that explored the early chapters of his cooking career—from line-cook shifts at McDonald’s and Applebee’s to fine-dining training at the Greenbrier under chef Richard Rosendale. Readers were drawn to the clear throughline of persistence and growth. The champion is preparing to take diners on a flavorful journey through the African diaspora with his upcoming tasting menu restaurant, Buboy.

Did you know that, in Harris County, one out of every three adults is functionally illiterate? This staggering stat, which amounts to over one million people, makes Houston a “literacy desert.” To combat this problem, local organizations, including Book Cycle, Class Bookstore, and Birthday Bash Box, are bridging the gap by offering free used books and other resources to the community, writes arts and culture editor Meredith Nudo. 

If there’s one thing that all Houstonians can agree upon, it’s that crawfish reigns supreme. Last February, crustacean aficionados were already searching for the peak season to dig into mudbugs. Former editor in chief Emma Balter refreshed a crawfish explainer for the 2025 season, helping local diners to calculate and anticipate the best time of year to begin their search for boils.

In the second iteration of Houstonia’s “Houstonian of the Year” award, readers turned out in force to vote for the nominees they felt made a tangible impact on the city. This year’s slate included Cochinita & Co. chef-owner Victoria Elizondo, local influencer and dining scene amplifier Shawn Singh, and city councilmember Edward Pollard of District J, reflecting a wide range of leadership and advocacy across Houston. From accessibility champions to political trailblazers, readers showed up—and showed out—to name their Houstonian of the Year. Spoiler alert: The honor went to Pollard.

Houston saw numerous restaurant closures this year. Mainstays like Picos, This Is It Soul Food, and Paulie’s announced their closures this year, alongside younger restaurants such as Andiron and Vuji Cafe. Restaurateurs have cited several reasons for closures this year, including economic hardship and declining customer traffic. Houstonians, full of grief and disbelief, read about these devastating closures throughout the year. 

There was also good news for Houston’s food scene: Readers gravitated toward restaurant openings over closures, a hopeful sign for the city’s sprawling dining landscape. New arrivals like the all-you-can-eat sushi spot Seven Sushi & Robata, jazz club Doc’s, and the DIY noodle convenience store Ramen Alley sparked curiosity, while former pop-ups such as Boo’s Burgers drew crowds with their long-awaited brick-and-mortar debuts.

The renowned Michelin Guide returned to Houston for another star-studded announcement. Houstonia staff arrived at the party in their best, mingling with chefs and restaurateurs while typing furiously on their laptops. All six of our one-starred restaurants retained their ratings, and the Guide added five additional Bib Gourmands and 10 Recommended restaurants. Behind all the glitz and glamour, though, some missteps and oversights had us asking one serious question: Is the Texas Michelin Guide OK? 

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo practically defines Houston, so it’s no wonder that readers devoured our coverage of the highly anticipated concert lineup. Rodeo fans will remember the joy they felt when they learned that major stars like Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Journey, and Luke Bryan would be popping into town to perform. Any thoughts on who will be around for the 2026 season?

With long lines and a flood of positive reviews, it’s clear Houston has embraced local taqueria Doña Leti’s. In a May feature, Houstonia editor Sofia Gonzalez recounts how the Lozano family continues the vision of the late founder and matriarch, Ana Leticia “Leti” Hernandez. What began as a fruit stand operated out of the back of a pickup truck grew into a beloved business, eventually adding birria tacos and other dishes. Today, Doña Leti’s signature “H-Mex” offerings have made it one of Houston’s most talked-about—and most viral—restaurants.