Photos by Nick RamaFood & Drink
Eat Local: A bold fusion of Vietnamese and Cajun flavors at Crawfish Cafe Cypress
Crawfish Cafe, which has multiple locations, is owned by Kiet Duong and Julie Nguyen. They began with their Alief location in 2013, followed by The Heights in 2020, Shenandoah in 2022, Cypress in 2024, and Pearland in 2025.
Cypress was a natural step for Crawfish Cafe. (Kiet) “We’re always intentional about where we grow, and Cypress offers the right mix of strong community ties, growing development, and a love for great food,” said Kiet. “We saw an opportunity to bring our signature Viet-Cajun flavors to an area craving more diverse dining options. We knew the community would appreciate bold flavors, quality ingredients, and a family-friendly environment.”
Crawfish Cafe opened its doors in 2013 in Houston’s Chinatown with a mission to bring something fresh to the city’s food scene: a fusion of Vietnamese and Cajun flavors, served in a casual, community-focused setting. What began as a local favorite quickly expanded thanks to their unique sauces, high-quality seafood, and welcoming vibe. Through the years, they’ve grown across the Houston area, always keeping the same mission—delivering unforgettable flavors and a one-of-a-kind experience.
Opening in Cypress allowed Kiet and Julie to connect with a new audience while staying true to their mission of sharing crawfish culture in a way that feels approachable and distinctly Houston.
THE NAME
Kiet explained, “We chose the name Crawfish Cafe because it captured what we were all about. Crawfish has always been at the heart of our menu, what we’re known for, and what people come back for. ‘Cafe’ felt like the right fit because our first location was a small, casual space where people could relax and enjoy good food. The name just made sense it’s simple, honest, and reflects both our food and the kind of experience we want to offer.”
THE VIBE
Big open space, semi-open kitchen, and family-friendly; with something on the menu for everyone. Crawfish Cafe offers a bold and flavorful take on Viet-Cajun cuisine, blending traditional Vietnamese spices with the rich, buttery flavors of classic Louisiana seafood boils. The vibe is casual and perfect for group gatherings, with messy hands, shared platters, and a fun atmosphere that invites you to dig in and enjoy.
THE INSPIRATION
“Crawfish Cafe was born out of backyard boils, a deep love of crawfish, and a whole lot of DIY spirit,” explained Kiet. “We aren’t chefs by trade, just people who saw an opportunity to share our love of food with the community. We love cooking and dove in headfirst. After taking over our first location in Houston’s Chinatown, we learned everything on the job, from cooking in our kitchens to building recipes that reminded us of the gatherings we grew up with.”
The Viet-Cajun flavor that defines their menu came naturally, inspired by their heritage and the booming crawfish culture that followed Hurricane Katrina, when Louisiana families brought their food traditions to Houston. The restaurant is not just about food, it’s about bringing people together over something comforting and familiar.
THE GOODS
Crawfish Cafe is best known for its Viet-Cajun crawfish boils, especially fan favorites like Cajun Garlic Butter, Crawfish Cafe Signature, and Thai Basil sauces. Customers also love their snow crab, mussels, garlic noodles, po’boys, and fried rice is not to be missed.
This June, they’re offering limited-time specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and bold new flavors. Mondays feature rich and savory oxtail dishes, Wednesdays are all about crispy, golden fried chicken, and Fridays are reserved for fresh fish creations, such as blackened redfish or snapper paired with lemon butter crawfish and creamy grits. These rotating specials give guests something new to look forward to and showcase the variety and depth of flavor the restaurant is known for.
THE OWNERS’ / CHEFS’ FAVORITE MEALS
Kiet: “I’d start with the Salt & Pepper Wings, they’re crispy, flavorful, and the perfect way to kick off the meal. For a drink, I’d keep it classic with an ice-cold beer to balance out the heat. My go-to entrée is a 3-lb crawfish boil with the Crawfish Cafe Signature Sauce, extra spicy. It captures everything I love about Viet-Cajun flavor, bold, buttery, and layered. To finish it off, a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream hits the spot after all the heat.”
Julie: “My favorite is the Cajun Edamame. It’s light but packed with flavor, and a perfect way to start my meal. For a drink, I’d go with lemonade, it’s refreshing and just sweet enough. My ideal entrée is the Oxtail Yakamein. It’s rich, soulful, and such a unique blend of Creole and Vietnamese flavors. For dessert, I’d choose the Beignets, indulgent, crispy, and a sweet way to end the meal.”
WHAT THE LOCALS ARE ORDERING
- Starters: Crawfish Eggrolls – Crawfish tails, corn, vegetables, and cream cheese in a crispy wrap.
- Oysters: Chargrilled Oysters – Fresh oysters grilled and topped with savory butter and seasonings.
- Boiled Seafood: Crawfish (Live) – Fresh, live crawfish boiled in the signature spice blend.
- Boiled Combos: Combo 4 – 1 snow crab cluster, ½ lb of shrimp, ½ lb of crawfish, 1 corn, and 1 potato.
- Snack Pack: Smack Pack – Cajun rice, cajun butter shrimp, corn, potato, sausage, boiled egg, and Smack sauce.
- Favorites: Cajun Fried Rice – Fried rice with shrimp and andouille sausage.
- Fried Platters: 6 Fried Shrimp – Served with two sides, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce.
- Po’boys: Grilled Shrimp Po’boy – Grilled shrimp with lettuce and tomato on a toasted roll.
- Wings: 6-piece Wings – Covered in signature Cajun seasoning.
- Kids’ Meal: Popcorn Shrimp – Breaded shrimp with fries and corn.
- Extras: Cajun Fries – Crispy fries seasoned with house Cajun spice.
THE BAR
While the seafood is the star, the drink menu holds its own. Crawfish Cafe offers a variety of refreshing options to complement your meal; from cold beers and margaritas to lemonades and Arnold Palmers. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or a specialty drink to cool down, there’s something to pair with every dish. The menu includes mixed drinks, beer, wine, and seltzers.
LOYALTY
Crawfish Cafe gives back to its loyal customers through a rewards program. Guests earn 1 point for every $1 spent. After collecting 250 points, they receive a $20 discount. Members also get 25 bonus points just for signing up and a birthday surprise. To sweeten the deal, double points are offered every Tuesday and Wednesday from 3–6 PM.
COMMUNITY
Community is at the heart of everything Crawfish Cafe does. Kiet and Julie actively participate in local events, support nearby schools and nonprofits like the Houston Humane Society, and partner with other small businesses. From seasonal collaborations to charitable outreach, they remain committed to the neighborhoods surrounding each location.
CATERING
Crawfish Cafe offers catering for all types of events, from backyard parties and office lunches to graduations and special celebrations. Their extensive catering menu features crowd favorites like Viet-Cajun seafood boils, wings, and fried rice perfect for groups of any size. Whether casual or upscale, they make it easy to bring bold flavors and a memorable experience to your gathering.
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
Kiet: “We couldn’t do what we do without our incredible kitchen team. Their dedication and ability to adapt to our ever-evolving menu are what keep guests coming back. From holiday specials to seasonal dishes, they bring bold flavors to life while upholding our commitment to freshness and quality. They work hard every day to ensure our ingredients are fresh and every plate meets our standards. We’re proud to have a team that not only delivers consistency but truly cares about the food and the people we serve.”
At Crawfish Cafe, success comes down to consistency, flavor, and community. Kiet says, “We’ve built a loyal following by staying true to our Viet-Cajun roots while constantly innovating. From day one, we’ve focused on serving bold, high-quality seafood in a welcoming, down-to-earth environment. Our team takes pride in every dish we serve and every relationship we’ve built with returning customers and the communities we’re proud to be a part of.”
“We’re grateful to everyone who’s supported us along the way. It means a lot, and we’re excited to keep serving the food we love.”
Five Words to Describe Krab Kingz?
(Kiet) “Bold, Flavorful, Welcoming, Innovative, Community-Driven.”
LOCATIONS & CONTACT
Houston – Alief
11209 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77072
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Houston – Heights
1026 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77008
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Shenandoah – Woodlands
8850 Meropark Dr., Suite 100, Shenandoah, TX 77385
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cypress – Barker Cypress
24330 US 290, Ste. 500, Cypress, TX 77429
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pearland
9240 Broadway, Ste. 100, Pearland, TX 77584
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Website: https://www.crawfishcafe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crawfishcafecypress
Nick Rama is a food writer, contributor to Hello Cypress, and shares his restaurant experiences on Nick’s Local Eats at NicksLocalEats.com and on social media Facebook, Instagram, and Cypress NW Houston Eateries on Facebook. Nick enjoys helping small business owners, supporting his community by fundraising for food banks, animal shelters and plans tasting events with locally owned mom and pop restaurants.
