Authentic Vietnamese Comfort Food in Houston Chinatown: Clay Pot Kitchen (Com Nieu)

Clay Pot Kitchen in Houston’s Chinatown is our new gem for authentic Vietnamese comfort food! This family-owned spot, known locally as Com Nieu, specializes in clay pot cooking—a traditional technique that captures the essence of homemade meals straight from the heart of Vietnam. We loved how their menu includes items you could find in most Vietnamese households, like the Ca Kho To (braised catfish) and Rau Muong (water spinach). 

The menu at Clay Pot Kitchen is a love letter to Southern Vietnamese cuisine, and we couldn’t get enough of their signature dishes. The Canh Chua Ca Bong Lau is a standout—a sweet and sour tamarind soup with tender catfish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory. It’s the ultimate nostalgia dish and great for cold days. If you’re into rich, caramelized flavors, the Ca Bong Lau Kho To (braised catfish) is a must-try. Cooked to perfection in a clay pot, this dish is rich with flavor and pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice.

For a fun and interactive meal, we loved the Combo Ca Nuc Nuong—a grilled mackerel wrap platter that lets you build your own fresh, flavorful spring rolls. It’s great for sharing and perfect for anyone looking to try something new!

The ambiance at Clay Pot Kitchen is as inviting as the food. It’s a warm, family-friendly space where the owners’ passion for traditional cooking shines through in every detail. The clay pots used to prepare many of the dishes add an old-school flair and locks in flavor– it’s what gives the food its signature depth and authenticity. Clay Pot Kitchen is a great spot for home-style cooking and we’d recommend it to any fans of Vietnamese food or those curious to explore.

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