In the heart of Meyerland, Texas, sits the only kosher Chinese restaurant that locals can find in Greater Houston: Saba’s Grill & Wok.
Behind the searing smoke and vibrantly colored platters that emerge from its kitchen, co-owner Natalie Cohen says there exists a distinct passion to provide not just dietary-friendly cuisine to its clientele, but a menu that satisfies cravings of all kinds.
“We want to be a one-stop shop for all of our customers,” Cohen said. “We don’t want to give them a reason to go anywhere else. I have everything here: burgers, wraps, salads, Chinese [food], grilled steaks. If you can name it, we got it.”
The history
Established in January 2016 at 5413 South Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Saba’s Grill & Wok was created as a spin-off restaurant of Saba’s, whose history serving Houston’s Jewish community dates back long before husband-and-wife duo Oren and Natalie Cohen entered the picture.
“My husband—he bought Saba’s. He’s owned it since ‘99, so going on 27 years now,” Cohen said, before recalling how they had met. “When I got introduced to my husband, he already had Saba’s… and our story just kind of began.”
Cohen, who describes the ownership dynamic with her spouse as something akin to a ‘power couple,’ said that her husband handles the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of both restaurants while she manages front-of-house.
Together, the pair seeks to make kosher food more accessible to Houston residents observing the kosher lifestyle, while at the same time creating an entirely new meal experience centered around variety.
Saba’s Grill & Wok’s cooking methods are defined by open grilling and high-temperature wok stir-frying techniques. (Courtesy Saba’s Grill & Wok)
Main course
Saba’s Grill & Wok—”Saba” meaning “Grandfather” in Hebrew—follows a counter-service layout set within a family-oriented atmosphere.
It is certified as a Glatt Kosher meat restaurant under the Houston Kashruth Association and the Mehadrin Kashrus of Texas, and offers a thoughtful range of dishes beyond traditional Israeli grill food, per its website.
Cohen’s personal favorites from the menu include:
Saba’s Spicy, a restaurant signature featuring gluten-free battered chicken, beef or tofu stir-fried with broccoli and green onions, all before being tossed in a tangy sweet and spicy glazeSchnitzel Plate, a crispy spread of breaded, fried chicken breast
The kosher Chinese hub’s cooking methods are defined by open grilling and high-temperature wok stir-frying techniques, Cohen added.
Going forward
After 10 years of occupying its shopping center location, Saba’s Grill & Wok is currently in the process of relocating to a new space further down the road at 5427 South Braeswood Blvd., Houston, If all goes according to plan, the transition is anticipated to be completed between the end of September and early October.
Co-owner Natalie Cohen’s journey in the dining industry began during her teenage years at her first jobs as a waitress. (Emily Lara/Community Impact)
Cohen told Community Impact that the business and its customers have outgrown its long-time space, despite how many memories are associated with it.
With this change, the couple looks to enhance the customer experience through a larger dining area, updated kitchen and the additions of a patio and private rental room for special events. Most of all, Cohen hopes to continue serving the community that has remained loyal to their brand for nearly three decades.
“As we’ve grown, our customers have grown too. It’s been a very beautiful thing to see,” Cohen said. “It’s a little bit nostalgic leaving the old shopping center… but I feel like it’s a good change, and our customers deserve it.”
More details
Once Saba’s Grill & Wok has relocated, Saba’s will also be uprooted from its location at 9704 Fondren Road and move into the grill’s former space.
However, at no point during these transitions will either of the locations be temporarily closed, Cohen confirmed.
Current Saba’s Grill & Wok location: 5413 South Braeswood Blvd., HoustonNew location: 5427 South Braeswood Blvd., Houstonwww.sabasgrillandwok.com