The fall edition of My Top 5 series continues, showcasing talented local culinary leaders, table-setters and community providers—and asking them to reveal their own recipes for enjoying life in Houston to its fullest, when they’re not busy fulfilling their life’s work.
This week we’re pleased to highlight Chef Lena Le, founder and owner of both Lena’s Asian Kitchen fresh meal home delivery service and Lena’s Foundation, a nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking.
In advance of her Alchemy of the Garden dinner event—a special 5-course wine dinner and art experience she’s hosting at Archway Gallery on Saturday, November 15, 2025 that benefits the work of her foundation—Lena took a moment to reveal her favorite Houston go-tos.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Chef Lena Le
1. Coming Home to Houston Food – I work to travel, and I mean that literally. Each year I take two to three long trips and several shorter ones—exploring new corners of the world fuels my spirit. I was born and raised in Vietnam, spent my college years in the UK, and now proudly call Houston home. After 10 years here, this city of gumbo and barbecue has grown deep in me. You must try Blood Bros BBQ and for the best smoked duck gumbo ever, it’s The Roux Pour. Honestly, I can’t imagine living anywhere else—and even if I did, I’d still come back from December to July for crawfish season.
2. Rescue Dogs & Agencies That Help Them – Animals are my heart. I’ve rescued three dogs—one saved from the euthanasia list—and they’ve completely stolen my life (and my couch). They’re spoiled, loved, and my constant companions. I support several local shelters including K-9 Angels Rescue, my go-to no-kill rescue, as well as Golden Beginnings: Golden Retriever Rescue and the Houston Humane Society.
3. Art Inspiration – During the pandemic, I discovered a hidden talent for painting. What started as a way to pass time became a passion for abstract and impressionist art—from acrylics to oils, from gentle brushwork to bold palette knife textures. Every painting in my home is my own creation. Painting has even taught me about color structure and how to plate food more beautifully. I love that Houston offers so many ways to experience art—from local gems like Archway Gallery to world-renowned exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. We’re truly lucky to have one of the best museum districts in the country.
4. Murder by the Book – When I’m not cooking, I unwind with a good novel or a marathon of crime dramas like The Lincoln Lawyer, Criminal Minds, or Dexter. I’ve always been fascinated by psychology—understanding how people’s backgrounds shape who they become. Houston even has a bookstore dedicated to murder mysteries called Murder by the Book—the perfect spot for my inner detective, when I can find the time to visit.
5. Family-owned Restaurants – I love eating out, sometimes I do want to try new places, but I am an old soul who loves and respects raw businesses by passionate families or individuals who build it from scratch. My fav places are Viet Soul Kitchen in my hood, Kin Dee Thai (i love their Tom Ga Khai), and J.A.M Viet Kitchen (the best pomelo salad).
About Chef Lena Le
Chef Lena Le (Trang Le) is a Vietnamese American chef and owner of Lena’s Asian Kitchen, a Houston-based business that provides healthy Asian meal prep and catering. She is also the founder of Lena’s Foundation, which supports survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking.
Le is a well-known culinary and philanthropic figure, having won a $10,000 prize on Food Network’s Chopped, appeared on Beat Bobby Flay, and been recognized as a James Beard Thanksgiving Table winner and one of the Top 50 Unsung Heroes.
Born and raised in Vietnam, Lena’s fondest food memories are embedded in her grandma’s cooking methods, where she used whatever was available in her garden, and on her farm which will be incorporated into Alchemy of the Garden, a 5-course wine dinner and art experience Le is hosting at Archway Gallery on Saturday, November 15, 2025, benefitting Lena’s Foundation. Reserve a spot now.
You can meet Lena at the Alchemy of the Garden dinner of follow her at @lena_trang on Instagram.
Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!
Subscribe to our free Weekend Guide newsletter and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston, hitting your inbox on Thursday.
Don’t want to miss anything? Opt in for our Daily Updates to discover new things happening in Houston and receive special updates and offers, every weekday.
