Born and raised in Houston, Erica joins Houstonia as their News and City Life Editor, covering topics like education, policies, sports, and more. Previously, Erica served as the Food Reporter over at Chron.com, covering food news and features. She loves critical analysis, 2000s media, graffiti, and covering under-served communities. Erica graduated from Southwestern University and has a Masters in International Affairs from Boston University.

Bayougraphy

From Refugee to Jewelry Mogul: Daniel Dang's Rise in Houston

Before hip-hop's iconic Johnny Dang, there was his older brother Daniel—the jeweler who built a family empire from Bellaire Boulevard.

10/02/2025 By Erica Cheng

Send Noods

Houston’s First Korean Ramen Convenience Store Opens in Asiatown

Ramen Alley brings South Korea’s 24-hour convenience store culture—DIY ramen bowls, K-snacks, and K-pop vibes—to Houston’s dining scene.

10/01/2025 By Erica Cheng

Our best eats

The 8 Houston Dishes We Couldn’t Put Down in September 2025

The plates that lingered on our palates this month—a birria feast built for two, a carrot course that redefines the root, and Nobie’s cult-favorite Dilly Bread.

09/30/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez and Houstonia Staff

Fusion Follies

Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am: Houstonia’s Spiciest Takes on Houston’s Fusion Cuisine

Bao buns? No ma’am. Pho kolaches? Yes ma’am. Here’s what we’re loving—and side-eyeing—in Houston’s fusion food scene.

09/15/2025 By Erica Cheng

It's Getting Weirder

Only in Houston: Elon Musk Wants to Tunnel Houston, Influencers Capture Car Crash, and Farewell to FunPlex

A Beyoncé-approved skating rink closes, a viral collision, and a tech giant wants to burrow beneath Houston.

09/11/2025 By Erica Cheng

The Re-Mex

Beyond Tex-Mex: Houston Is a Culinary Mecca for Mexican Mash-Ups

Move over Tex-Mex. This new wave of Mexican mash-ups is helping to redefine the Houston culinary scene.

09/10/2025 By Brittany Britto Garley, Erica Cheng, and Sofia Gonzalez

Local Impact

Houston Farms and Food Banks Reel from Trump’s USDA Funding Cuts

Houston’s food charities and agriculture sectors are left spiraling after budget slashes and policy changes OK’d by the Trump administration.

09/02/2025 By Erica Cheng

20 Years Later

When the Cowbell Rang: How Houston Helped Katrina Survivors Find Family

Houston’s shelters turned chaos into connection, creating a blueprint for disaster relief the federal government couldn’t deliver.

08/29/2025 By Erica Cheng and Brittany Britto Garley

Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: August 22

The best new burger, baristas, bats, and Houston’s official birthday party—your weekend starts here.

08/22/2025 By Erica Cheng and Houstonia Staff

Bayougraphy

How This Houston Voice Became America’s First Ismaili Sportscaster

From Alief apartments to arenas and airwaves, Raheel Ramzanali’s path is a Houston story of hustle, representation, and resilience.

08/21/2025 By Erica Cheng

Only In Houston

Only in Houston: Trash Pandas, Margaritas, and Trump Burger Drama

From Galveston’s raccoon crews to a potent ballpark cocktail, here’s the strangest local news of the month.

08/19/2025 By Erica Cheng

Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: August 15

Dine like Astros star José Altuve, sip award-winning cocktails, and explore one of Houston’s coolest underground spaces.

08/15/2025 By Brittany Britto Garley and Houstonia Staff

Tariff Talks

From H-E-B Sushi to Boba Tea, Tariffs Are Driving Up Houston’s Food Costs

Tariffs on goods from dozens of countries are forcing local restaurants, caterers, and grocers to raise prices—or get creative.

08/14/2025 By Erica Cheng

H-Town Reppin’

While Houston Pop Star Keshi Skyrockets to Fame, Local Fans Are Holding Him Down

From Sugar Land to Madison Square Garden, Keshi hasn't forgotten where he came from.

08/11/2025 By Erica Cheng

Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: August 8

Texas’s biggest cumbia block party, last visits to closing restaurants, and binge-watching a reboot—here are your Houston weekend plans.

08/08/2025 By Erica Cheng and Sofia Gonzalez

Flood Impact

One Month After Central Texas Floods, Grief and Questions Remain

In light of ongoing investigations, Houston has embraced Kerr County with donation drives and volunteer efforts.

08/04/2025 By Erica Cheng and Sofia Gonzalez

We're Outside

Dress Code Ordinances and Crime Crackdowns: Is Houston's Nightlife Scene the New Policy Battleground?

Inside the clash between policies, crime crackdowns, and a nightlife industry possibly caught in the middle.

07/31/2025 By Erica Cheng

Tasty times

The Top Dishes Houstonia Editors Ate in July

This month was filled with an epic waffle from Agnes and Sherman, fall-off-the-bone ribs from Pizzitola's, bolo-top egg waffles from Hong Kong Food Court, and possibly the best chicken Parmesan in Houston.

07/31/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez and Houstonia Staff

Storm Essentials

The Most Important Tool You Need During Texas Hurricane Season, According to a Houston Meteorologist

After the deadly Central Texas floods, early warnings are more critical than ever. Here’s why meteorologist Matt Lanza swears by this one lifesaving tool: a weather radio.

07/28/2025 By Erica Cheng

Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: July 25

Cool down with La Cruderia’s aguachile, hydrate at Tapioca House, and beat the heat at the indoor claw machine arcades in Asiatown.

07/25/2025 Edited by Erica Cheng By Houstonia Staff