Good Eats: Kulture – Houston, TX

Note: Kulture is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There's been no word on its reopening, so check their social media for the most up-to-date information.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Kulture is the latest culinary concept from Houston restaurateur Marcus Davis, who also owns city staples The Breakfast Klub and Reggae Hut. Located near Discovery Green in Downtown Houston, Texas, Kulture is best known for their “urban komfort food.” The imaginative menu that explores food of the African diaspora is the brainchild of Executive Chef Dawn Burrell, a former world champion track star turned James Beard-nominated chef. If all the memes about “Black Excellence” had a cuisine, Kulture’s menu would be a proper example.

Website:Kulutre – Instagram
Pricing:$$ – Moderately Priced
Cuisine:African Diaspora – “urban komfort food”
Good to Know:Black-Owned; Black Executive Chef; Woman Executive Chef; Reservations Recommended; Complimentary Garage Parking
BGMW Faves:Mutha Dunkin Chicken (Brunch); Kulture Club Sandwich (Lunch)

Kulture’s open, bi-level layout features swanky designs with rich oranges and purples complimented by floor-to-ceiling windows for a warm and inviting ambiance. Everyone greets you with classic Southern charm,

I deep dived into the Kulture menus a time or two (or a dozen) so here’s the rundown on some of my favorites of their delicious offerings.

Kulture’s menu is divided into 4 sections: Share – appetizers great for… sharing | Plot – salads | Small Plates – appetizer or meal for those with small(er) appetites | Dine- entrees

Cocktails:

Kulture Punch

Kulture’s amazing craft cocktail program means you can’t go wrong with any of the selections, but I love the Kulture Punch the most. It’s a vibrant fruit punch with four light and dark rums that packs… a punch. Enjoy responsibly!

SHARE:

Fried Okra

Tempura Fried Okra | Tomato Puree

These are great! The tempura batter is a nice twist.

Small Plates – I’d classify these as an appetizer or meal for those with small(er) appetites

Mac n Cheese

Mornay Sauce | Cheddar Tuille | Paprika

Mac N Cheese | Photo by Raquel Seymone for Black Girl Meets World

I love a good bechamel sauce! This baked mac n cheese with all its creamy Gruyere goodness is a must-order! I could also eat an entire bag of those cheddar crisps.

Collard Green Purses

Braised Collard Greens | Smoked Turkey | Pickled Collard Green Stems

Kulture’s Collard Green Purses | Photo By Raquel Seymone for Black Girl Meets World

This creative twist on Southern collard greens is a must-have! The small, but hearty bites of flavor-packed greens wrapped tightly around smoked shredded turkey are a crowd favorite. The “pot likka” reduction is the stuff foodie dreams are made of! Resist the urge to lick the plate.

Mutha Dunkin Chicken

Fried Poussin | Waffles | House Pickles

This is my favorite brunch item! The juicy, fried chicken is tossed in a spicy chili glaze and topped with house pickles, then stacked on a bed of lightly sweetened waffles.

Riblets

Cucumber | Peanuts | Molasses Vinegar | House Pickles

Another elevated twist on a classic Southern dish.

Oxtail Ragout

Coconut Rice Grits | Tomatoes | Pickled Grapes | Poached Egg

This is quintessential Southern and Caribbean fusion and unlike anything I’ve ever had before. Creamy coconut grits, with Chef Dawn’s award-winning oxtails? Give it a try!

Rib Sandwich

Kulture’s Rib Sandwich | | Photo By Raquel Seymone for Black Girl Meets World

Final Thoughts on Kulture

Chef Dawn Burrell clearly has no problem stretching her imagination regarding which foods can and should be elevated and why foods of the African Diaspora are most deserving to be explored through deconstruction and elevated approaches.

Good drinks, delicious food, friendly staff and great vibes put Kulture Houston on my Five-Star #BGMWEats list.  Be sure to visit!

Until Our Next Adventure,

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Note: Kulture is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There's been no word on its reopening, so check their social media for the most up-to-date information.