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All the United States Texas Houston United Sisters
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

United Sisters

West African flavors shine at this unassuming strip mall spot in southwest Houston.

Houston, Texas

Added By
Dan Q. Dao
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Slow-braised meats form the basis for the stews here.   Johnny Luu for Gastro Obscura
Slow-braised meats form the basis for the stews here.   Johnny Luu for Gastro Obscura
Set in a nondescript strip mall, United Sisters is a gathering point for Houston’s West African community.   Johnny Luu for Gastro Obscura
Plantains, rice, and greens make for excellent accompaniments to any of the hearty stews.   Johnny Luu for Gastro Obscura
Soups and swallows are on the menu here.   Johnny Luu for Gastro Obscura
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About

In Houston, immigrants from the African continent make up nearly seven percent of the foreign-born population, with many coming from West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Jollof rice—a one-pot dish of long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes and chilies—which is claimed as both Nigerian and Ghanaian, may also today be claimed as Texan or at least Houstonian. 

While there are several new-school West African restaurants in the Bayou City, United Sisters is a humble, unornamented go-to for familiar Nigerian dishes. Set in a nondescript strip mall, the restaurant’s interior is well-worn but homey. Southern Nigerian specialties also make an appearance on the menu: try creamy egusi soup, made from the egusi melon seed, and edikaikong soup—an earthy soup of seafood and pumpkin leaves. 

The standout dish is jollof rice paired with goat stew or chicken stew along with plantains and vegetables. Those who are looking for a more meat-centric meal may also seek out the suya, a skewered Nigerian kebab dusted with a proprietary spice blend with groundnuts, chiles, garlic, and other seasonings. Portions are generous and affordable, and food comes out quickly. 

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Pounded yam, a typical swallow, makes for an ideal accompaniment to any of the soups on the menu. Pinch off a small ball and dip it in the flavorful broth. 

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Added By

Dan Q Dao

Published

June 27, 2024

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United Sisters
8731 W Bellfort Ave
Houston, Texas, 77071
United States
29.654967, -95.528968
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