Emma Balter became Houstonia’s editor in chief in May 2023. She was previously the food editor of Chron, a features reporter for the Houston Chronicle, and an associate editor at Wine Spectator. She has also contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Eater, PureWow, Chowhound, and VinePair, among others. She graduated from Poynter’s prestigious Leadership Academy for Women in Media in March 2024 and has served on the James Beard Restaurant & Chef committee since 2022.

Emma has been a proud Houstonian since 2020 and loves to drive around to discover new pockets of the city—excursions that are mostly food-motivated. She currently lives in southwest Houston with too many cats and will one day learn how to take care of her raised beds properly.

Bringing Mexico Home

There’s So Much to Love about Ema’s New Heights Cafe

The bakery has leveled up from a popular pop-up and farmers market vendor to an exciting brick-and-mortar cafe.

04/18/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Eat the World

How Well Do You Know Houston’s Global Cuisines? Take Our Quiz.

If you think you know Egypt’s national dish or what a mesob is, put your knowledge to the test.

03/29/2024 By Emma Balter

Eat the World

80 Restaurants, 45 Countries, Right Here in Houston

The city's international food scene is the best it's ever been.

03/28/2024 Edited by Emma Balter

Family Portrait

Fung’s Kitchen Is Built on Generations of Hong Kong Expertise

Meet the prolific family behind the Houston restaurant famous for its Cantonese-style live seafood.

03/27/2024 By Emma Balter

Real Talk

Rodeo Food Is Mid. But Here’s What Lives Up to the Hype.

We taste-tested new and most-awarded bites to see what’s actually worth your money.

03/08/2024 By Emma Balter

Womp Womp

The Biggest Loser of the Texas Primaries Isn’t Nikki Haley

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s election performance last night is a masterclass in how to lose reelection.

03/06/2024 By Emma Balter

Jet-Setting

Where Houstonians Travel the Most Internationally

These 10 destinations have locals booking the most flights year-round.

03/05/2024 By Emma Balter

Houstonia Rodeo Week

The Essential Guide to the Houston Rodeo

From the best cowboy fashion to mutton bustin' tips from a pro.

03/01/2024 Edited by Emma Balter and Daniel Renfrow

Yee-baa

A Grand Mutton Bustin’ Champion Shares His Best Tips

Follow Westyn Wallace’s expert strategies for holding onto a sheep as long as possible.

02/29/2024 By Emma Balter

Mudbugs

Your Complete Guide to Crawfish Season

Everything you need all in one place, from top restaurants to a history lesson.

02/23/2024 Edited by Emma Balter

Love Is in the Air

The Houstonian's Complete Guide to Valentine's Day

02/08/2024 Edited by Emma Balter

Family Roots

Houston Chef Evelyn Garcia Puts a True Piece of Herself into Jūn

The Heights restaurant celebrates culinary heritage with elements like Salvadoran cheese from the Garcia family farm.

01/23/2024 By Geneva Diaz With Emma Balter

Village Eats

Our Favorite Restaurants in Houston’s Rice Village

One of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods has everything from standout Greek, Israeli, and Turkish fare to contemporary French cuisine.

01/09/2024 By Daniel Renfrow and Emma Balter

Year in Review

Our Most Popular and Impactful Stories of 2023

It was an eventful year in Houston, as always. Here are the stories readers came back to again and again.

12/28/2023 By Emma Balter

Busy and Merry

An Ode to the Houstonians Who Power the Holidays

12/21/2023 Edited by Emma Balter

Steaming Bowls

These Noodle Soups Are Houston’s Comfort-Food Favorites

Where to get the best phở, bún bò Huế, ramen, and sopa de fideo.

12/11/2023 By Emma Balter

Made in Houston

A New Wave of Local Makers Has Arrived in Houston

There’s never been a better time to support local.

12/01/2023 Edited by Emma Balter

Sticking Power

Houston’s Resin Artists Are Preserving Beautiful Memories

These locally made goods showcase everything from flowers to Taylor Swift concert tickets.

11/30/2023 By Emma Balter

Quarantreats

These Pandemic ‘Pivot’ Foods Are Still Being Made Today

Once a lifeline during COVID-19 restaurant shutdowns, these packaged goods became so popular that Houston chefs continued selling them.

11/29/2023 By Emma Balter

Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am

We Ranked Typical Houston Things We Love or Hate

From the 610 Loop to José Altuve’s batting arm.

11/21/2023 By Emma Balter