Who needs beef?

The top veggie burgers in Houston get another look: CultureMap followers addtheir picks

After our Best Veggie Burgers roundup posted, CultureMap received an onslaught of additional favorites from readers, writers, friends, family members, pets and total strangers.

Some of the city's most beloved burger haunts picked up big vegetarian praise. Beck's Prime, Prince's Hamburgers, Miller's Cafe and Southwell's Hamburger Grill received myriad shout-outs as did popular Washington Avenue newcomers The Counter and the W Grill. Blake's BBQ & Burgers on the west side got serious props too.

Natachee's offers up a mean veggie burger called the Daughter-in-Law that's made with beans, red peppers and corn.

Houston hangouts the Hobbit Cafe, Brasil and Bohemeo's in Eastwood all made the grade as well — each offering multiple patty options beyond the standard black bean varietal.

Natachee's Supper 'n' Punch on Main offers up a mean veggie burger called the Daughter-in-Law that's made with beans, red peppers and corn. CultureMap listings editor and devoted vegan Joel Luks swears by it.

While Ruggle's Green got a mention in our last round-up, one reader wanted to add the impressive black bean burger from Ruggle's Cafe Bakery in Rice Village. Several other readers voiced their love for the veg-option at the typically carnivorous Houston's, which has a meatless burger made from brown rice, sweet soy and oat bran.

But easily one of the most surprisingly recommendations had to be the veggie burger McGonigel's Mucky Duck, a in-house specially that comes topped with beets . . . Well played, Duck.

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flying into Houston

Chopped champion's Indian-spiced fried chicken joint opens in Midtown

One of Houston’s most dynamic chefs has unveiled his take on fried chicken. Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

Located at 3201 Louisiana, the restaurant is the latest concept from chef and Chopped champion Jassi Bindra and business partners Surpreet and Preet Paul Singh, the trio behind Indian fine dining restaurant Amrina in The Woodlands. Bindra’s fried chicken recipe uses a gluten-free flour and starch batter that’s seasoned with Indian Kashmiri red chili powder along with other herbs and spices. It’s pressure cooked to ensure the meat stays both juicy and crispy.

The certified halal chicken is available as strips, sandwiches (made with thigh meat), and chicken breast bites.Those looking for a heartier meal, can get their chicken served on top of sidewinder fries or in the “Rice & Shine,” which includes basmati rice and Bindra’s “Desi kimchi.” Beverage options include Akra, an American-style lager that’s brewed in India, cannabis-infused drinks from 8th Wonder and non-alcoholic options such as sodas and a mango lassi.

“At Pok Pok Po, we’re creating something that’s not just a meal but an experience,” Bindra said in a statement. “We’ve taken everything people love about fried chicken and given it a twist with bold, gluten-free recipes and flavors that truly speak to the diversity of Houston.”

While most counter service restaurants are designed primarily for to-go, Pok Pok Po’s 55-seat dining room caters to those who want to enjoy their meals. It features banquette seating and a white-and-black motif that will also be present at Bol, the restaurant’s sister concept that’s opening soon.

The two restaurants occupy part of the former Artisans space. Medium Rare, an affordable steak frites restaurant from Washington, D.C., recently opened next to Bol and Pok Pok Po.

Courtesy of Pok Pok Po

Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

news-you-can-eat openings pok pok po