Discover the Unique and Delicious Twists Young Houston Chefs Are Adding to Mexican Cuisine!

In Houston, a new wave of young chefs is changing the way we think about Mexican food. Today, let’s dive into two of these talented chefs who are making their mark in the culinary scene.

In a recent episode of “Eat Like a Local,” host Chris Shepherd visited the Heights to meet chef Nicolas Vera, co-owner of Ema. Chris and Nicolas go way back; they first connected years ago when Chris selected Nicolas from a group of culinary students to join his restaurant team at Underbelly. Now, Ema is gaining serious attention, earning accolades from the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Awards.

Hailing from Mexico, Nicolas brings a fresh, vegetarian twist to Mexican cuisine. At Ema, you can try unique dishes like the taco de zanahoria, featuring grilled carrots in heirloom blue corn tortillas. Another must-try is the mushroom tetela, a delightful treat made from Ema’s house-made masa and stuffed with a savory mushroom-carrot tinga.

Baking is another highlight at Ema, thanks to co-owner and pastry chef Stephanie Velasquez. She blends French techniques with traditional Mexican pastries, creating innovative treats like almond-stuffed conchas and horchata-filled berlinesas. The combination of flavors offers both nostalgia and excitement for diners.

Chris’s next stop was Maximo in West University, where he met 26-year-old chef Adrian Torres. Recommended by established chef Seth Siegel-Gardner, Adrian has transformed Maximo into a modern Mexican restaurant. He proudly embraces his roots, hand-grinding corn for his masa and crafting fresh tortillas daily.

Adrian’s creativity shines through in delicious dishes like sourdough tortillas, queso fundido with shrimp chorizo, and a stunning masa cornbread. Chris was particularly impressed by a dessert that exemplifies Adrian’s unique cooking style—he described it as one of the smartest dishes in the city.

These young chefs represent the vibrant, evolving landscape of Mexican cuisine in Houston. Their innovative approaches are reshaping expectations and exciting food lovers.