It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Houston, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Absolutely pleasant experience: professionalism and thorough attention to details are what make this facility commendable.”
“Highly recommended! Owners were very responsive to our requests, and provided clear guidance and”
“Brindan excelente servicio a sus clientes.”
“Always Best cares for its Clients. The caregivers are not only highly professional but also”
“I cannot recommend Always Best Care enough for their outstanding care and service. They go”
“The level of service and care is exceptional! They are professional and kind! I would”
“I had the best experience. Everyone is very professional and helpful with my needs. I”
“Una experiencia muy agradable, y un trato personal muy amable. Muy profesionales en su materia, de”
“Staff is very caring and shows compassion in their work for the seniors. They’re always”
“They are consistent in there good services.”
“a great company to work with, you really feel part of them, the attention to”
“Me encanto la atención se siente un ambiente en familia super recomendado”
“Always Best care es una bonita experiencia trabajando con ellos se los recomiendo a todos”
“Son muy amable una experiencia maravillosa se lo recomiendo a todos gracias por la atención”
“Excellent Organization.”
“The entire organization is exemplary.”
“Everything about this Agency Is Great”
“Great company!”
“Absolutely pleasant experience: professionalism and thorough attention to details are what make this facility commendable.”
“Highly recommended! Owners were very responsive to our requests, and provided clear guidance and helpful information.”
“Brindan excelente servicio a sus clientes.”
“Always Best cares for its Clients. The caregivers are not only highly professional but also empathetic and patient. Communication with the team is seamless. They kept us informed about our loved ones well-being and were always available to address any adjustments needed. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate at home elder care.”
“I cannot recommend Always Best Care enough for their outstanding care and service. They go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of seniors in the comfort of their own homes. The staff is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to providing personalized care. The convenience of their mobile services makes it incredibly easy to get quality care without the hassle of travel. Their attention to detail and genuine concern for the seniors they serve really sets them apart. Thank you so much for making a positive difference in our lives!”
“The level of service and care is exceptional! They are professional and kind! I would recommend for anyone who has a love one that needs care!”
“I had the best experience. Everyone is very professional and helpful with my needs. I will definitely be recommending to everyone in my community”
“Una experiencia muy agradable, y un trato personal muy amable. Muy profesionales en su materia, de inmediato resolvieron con éxito las necesidades primordiales para mi retiro… con gusto los recomiendo a otras personas … Gracias y felicidades…”
“Staff is very caring and shows compassion in their work for the seniors. They’re always there when you need them and they even do follow up calls and visits after services have ended. They also visit you while in the hospital or rehabs. I definitely recommend them, you will not be disappointed.”
“They are consistent in there good services.”
“a great company to work with, you really feel part of them, the attention to customers and employees is incredible, thank you guys for the great work, thank you, gleen for the quality of person you are”
“Me encanto la atención se siente un ambiente en familia super recomendado”
“Always Best care es una bonita experiencia trabajando con ellos se los recomiendo a todos ,son muy amable,un excelente equipo de trabajo Debbie es muy dulce y muy atenta”
“Son muy amable una experiencia maravillosa se lo recomiendo a todos gracias por la atención tan linda”
“Excellent Organization.”
“The entire organization is exemplary.”
“Everything about this Agency Is Great”
“Great company!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Houston, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Houston, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Houston, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Butter chicken at Pondicheri Annie Mulligan / ContributorHouston’s large (and growing) South Asian population has helped make the city one of the country’s best places to explore the rich, diverse world of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. From smoky tandoori meats and fragrant biryanis to comforting dals and street-style chaat, Houston offers a remarkable range of regional specialties that reflect the complexity and depth of the subcontinent’s culinary traditions.Whether you’re in the mood for elegant fine...
Butter chicken at Pondicheri Annie Mulligan / Contributor
Houston’s large (and growing) South Asian population has helped make the city one of the country’s best places to explore the rich, diverse world of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. From smoky tandoori meats and fragrant biryanis to comforting dals and street-style chaat, Houston offers a remarkable range of regional specialties that reflect the complexity and depth of the subcontinent’s culinary traditions.
Whether you’re in the mood for elegant fine dining or casual neighborhood spots, the Houston Chronicle’s food team has curated a list of standout restaurants that capture just how vibrant the scene has become. Here are our top recommendations.
Note: The Chronicle pays full price for every meal consumed during restaurant visits.
Here are all of the Chronicle's other restaurant guides, in one handy place.
Anyone who’s eaten at this halal Indo-Pakistani spot on the northern edge of Stafford will likely tell you the same thing: order the goat chops. The fluffy biryanis and fragrant goat curries are always reliable, but it’s those chops — burnished with charcoal and cardamom — that have turned countless first-timers into loyal regulars (Aga’s bustling catering and takeout business is proof). Go with a group to sample more of the menu, though the leftovers are just as satisfying the next day.
The artful plating of scallops topped with caviar or lamb medallions laced with chile oil only enhances the fact that chef Jassi Bindra draws inspiration from flavors across India. His modern take on the subcontinent’s cuisine occasionally borrows from Italian, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian traditions. A whole duck, for example, is carved tableside as it would be in a Chinese restaurant, but here it’s paired with rumali pancakes. There’s also a stretchy naan spritzed with whiskey, perfect for soaking up a coconut sauce accompanying sea bass or a crowd favorite like garbanzo bean curry.
This modern Indian restaurant with Portuguese twists and a colorful patio overlooking the hike-and-bike trail is a zippy dining option in the Heights’ M-K-T development. Owners Shiva and Rick Di Virgilio offer delights for vegetarians and omnivores alike. On our recent visit we especially loved the crab-stuffed pani puri, root vegetables cooked in the tandoor and pork vindaloo. Chutneys, served with crispy papadum, seem to go with everthing. If sitting down for a meal isn’t in the cards, don’t forget about the cafe window where takeout-friendly menu items include paratha tacos and chai.
Vegetarians flock to this buffet inside a Hare Krishna temple, but even meat eaters will find Govinda’s worth a visit for lunch or dinner. The menu avoids garlic, onions and mushrooms, yet the flavors never fall flat. Try the bhindi masala with okra or the gluten-free–friendly saag paneer, where spinach is swaddled in a creamy sauce. Customers can also take a free tour of the temple before or after their meal.
A staple of the Mahatma Gandhi District, this restaurant has drawn celebrities such as the late Anthony Bourdain and consistent praise from food media year after year. Much of the credit goes to chef Kaiser Lashkari, whose confident cooking keeps North Indian and Pakistani fare fresh and inventive — whether it’s an Indian barbecue platter or his unique spin on pastrami. Former Chronicle critic Alison Cook once described the tava gosht of tenderloin tips as a “berserk boeuf bourguignon.” The fried chicken ranks among the city’s most popular, and wine lovers get an added perk: it’s BYOB.
The classics still shine at India’s, where tandoori chicken, onion kulcha and saag paneer remain standouts. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors line one wall, and a small statue of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god, anchors the corner of this enduring, old-school spot. Attentive servers deliver chicken tikka masala or sizzling platters of garlic shrimp with ease, and while portions are generous and service brisk, customers are never rushed. At lunch, a well-stocked buffet has helped sustain the restaurant’s loyal following for decades.
If the witty marquee outside this Upper Kirby/Montrose spot on Richmond doesn’t draw you into Khyber, the food will. Owner Mickey Kapoor — who once ran Taj Mahal, one of Houston’s first great Indian restaurants — takes Northern Indian cuisine seriously. The steady hum of the venting system is easy to forgive when it yields tandoori prawns and rolls of minced chicken studded with cashews and cheese, served with naan, pulao and cucumber salad. Can’t decide? Order a sampler platter. Other highlights include silky broiled eggplant braised with fresh tomatoes, ginger and garlic, or a set dinner featuring eight dishes for one — all for under $30.
Kiran Verma’s grand Upper Kirby restaurant is one of Houston’s culinary treasures, blending fine dining with a sense of fun. Consider the “naanzzas” — Neapolitan-style pizzas topped with inventive combinations like shredded lamb barbacoa, duck confit and chicken kebabs — easily among the city’s best pies. This is the spot for a lively feast, vegetarian or otherwise. Build your meal from a mix of classics (curries, biryanis, tandoor-grilled meats) and street foods (samosas, pakoras, pani puri), or opt for one of the tasting menus.
This stylish newcomer from the team behind Amrina fuses Indian flavors with global technique in playful, unexpected ways. Show-stopping lobster dumplings — served in a Malabar sauce infused with dried mangosteen and topped with caviar — set the tone for a menu that ventures into butter chicken ramen, spaghetti bolognese with lamb Hyderabadi keema, and inventive cocktails. Located near Sawyer Yards in the former home of celebrity chef Christine Ha’s trailblazing Xin Chao, Kitchen Rumors captures the spirit of modern Indian dining: rooted in tradition but brimming with contemporary flair. Don’t believe us? Try the chili cheese kulcha alongside a clever spin on the margarita, made with salted watermelon ice and Aperol “boba” garnishes.
In the same strip center as the better-known Himalaya in the Mahatma Gandhi District, London Sizzler deserves attention in its own right. The pub-inspired space leans into its British colonial influences — full bar included. The meat-heavy sizzler menu, which cautions diners to allow 30 minutes of cooking time, delivers standouts like lamb chops, their smoky char balanced by a slightly sweet dusting of masala. A charcoal tandoor turns out breads such as naan stuffed with ground lamb kebab or, for vegetarians, onions and cilantro — both perfect alongside paneer tikka masala, billed on the menu as “a British favorite.”
This bustling restaurant in a Hillcroft strip center specializes in epic vegetarian thali meals drawn from the regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It's like nothing else in Houston, with its all-you-can-eat ethos and its revolving slate of specialties. Some dishes are better than others, but overall the quality is good, and the parade of curries, dal, pickles, chutneys, flatbreads and desserts is both mind- and palate-expanding. Ordering your food "spicy" will make you sniffle happily instead of in pain.
Braving Galleria traffic to find Musaafer’s tucked-away mall entrance is well worth the effort: inside awaits a feast for the eyes and palate. The décor evokes a lavish Indian palace or five-star hotel, but it’s chef Mayank Istwal’s cooking that commands attention. Take the unfussy fish curry — a tender sea bass filet cloaked in velvety coconut sauce, absent of fussy foams or artful dots. Other standouts, from tandoori hen to Mithu’s coriander shrimp, live up to Musaafer’s name, which means “traveler” — fitting for a dining experience that carries guests from one exquisite dish to the next.
Chef Nirman Shah’s highly personal restaurant covers the bases from Delhi- and Mumbai-style chaat to substantial vegetarian and meat entrees. The vibe is warm; the colorful visual effects are captivating. Order up an aromatic masala tea, maybe some cooling raita, and give the vada pav a try: butter-grilled rolls sandwiching a fried potato cutlet and sprightly red onions. Bonus: Two locations, in Sugar Land and Richmond.
Chef Monica Nanda opened Cuisine of India in 1989 and built it into a staple for the Bay Area. After opening in a new space in Webster and rebranding as Noon Mirch Kitchen & Bar a few years ago, her son Navul and his wife Annika run the show. They’ve preserved favorites such as the tandoori meats and chicken dum biryani while adding on craft cocktails. The modern decor is reflects the creative fusion featured on the menu, too, from rich butter chicken futomaki rolls to Mexican masala cheese fries marrying touches from multiple cultures.
The focus on seasonal ingredients at Pondicheri comes as no surprise to readers of chef Anita Jaisinghani’s weekly Houston Chronicle cooking column. Her inventive approach to Indian cuisine has produced favorites like mango pani poori, Madras chicken wings and an ever-changing array of thalis filled with curries, sides and breads. The menu is always evolving, offering both savory and sweet delights. A revamped bar adds new energy to the space, while the upstairs bakery and tearoom remain pure magic.
This casual South Indian counter-service spot off Hillcroft serves a vegetarian menu that’s as massive as it is affordable. Crisp pani puri — hollow puffs filled with spiced potatoes, tamarind water, and mint-coriander chutney — are just $5.99. Pav bhaji, with buttery buns ready to scoop up spiced mashed vegetables, runs $7.99. And don’t miss the dosas: thin crepes with impressive depth, a subtle tang, soft chew and lacy crisp edges. Shri Balaji Bhavan would be worth a visit even if it wasn’t one of the most affordable meals around.
This modern Indian restaurant feels like a calm, pretty secret in Upper Kirby. Talented chef Sunil Srivastava turns out upscale dishes that suit his well-heeled clientele, along with down-to-earth classics that can kick it with the feistiest Indian joints in town. Aromatic jackfruit biryani comes under a pastry dome, while lamb rogan josh tastes deep and lush. Is there a better eggplant dish than Kalongi Baigan, the whole baby specimens in tamarind-laced tomato gravy sparked with wild onion seeds? Doubtful. The personable attentions of the chef's wife Anupama Srivastava make it all feel like a worldly mom-and-pop, from Subcontinental-themed cocktails to jewel-like desserts. Chef's tasting menu available.
The explosion that rocked a hotel under construction on Texas Avenue near Daikin Park injured several construction workers, the Houston Fire Department said.HOUSTON — An explosion inside a hotel under construction in downtown Houston injured six people late Thursday morning, according to the fire department.The construction workers were rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center."They are going to be things like burns, lacerations, cuts, things along these lines of varying severities,"...
The explosion that rocked a hotel under construction on Texas Avenue near Daikin Park injured several construction workers, the Houston Fire Department said.
HOUSTON — An explosion inside a hotel under construction in downtown Houston injured six people late Thursday morning, according to the fire department.
The construction workers were rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.
"They are going to be things like burns, lacerations, cuts, things along these lines of varying severities," Houston Fire Department Communications Director Brent Taylor told KHOU 11. He said none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.
The blast blew out windows and part of the exterior walls on two sides are bulging out. Photos released by HFD show extensive damage inside the building and a large hole in the roof.
Thankfully, there weren't many people on Texas Avenue when shattered glass and debris rained down.
Uninjured workers said they ran downstairs and outside as soon as the explosion happened.
The intersection of Texas Avenue and Austin Street could be closed for days.
HFD said a bank of tankless water heaters exploded around 11:08 a.m. at a building located at 1319 Texas Avenue near Austin Street, just west of Discovery Green. They initially thought it was a boiler.
There doesn't appear to be much, if any, fire damage.
The building is a 17-story Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites hotel project that has been under construction since October 2023. The 275-room development was expected to open this month. It is one of the larger hotel projects underway in downtown Houston.
Fire officials said the explosion occurred near the top of the building and blew out windows and siding. Witness video and images from Air 11 showed visible damage at the roof level, with debris falling onto the roadway below.
Nearby resident Paul Navejar, who lives in the Catalyst high-rise, described the moment he heard the blast.
“Just after 11 o’clock, I was watching TV with my dog and I heard a loud boom,” he said. “So I went to the side where I could see the building, and at that point, I could see glass raining down and parts of the building like flapping in the breeze, and that’s when I knew there’d been an explosion.”
Navejar said he even spoke to some workers who ran out of the building.“A couple of the guys I talked to said that they were on the floor and that they, they believe parts of the building, you know, the ceiling collapsed in on them,” he said. “… So I asked, ‘did anyone get hurt?’ and they're like, ‘I don't know, we just ran out of there as fast as we could.’”
Houston Fire Department Communications Director Brant Taylor said six people were taken to Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center with burns, lacerations and cuts. He emphasized that none of the injuries are considered life-threatening.
All of the victims were construction workers.
It could have been much worse if the typically busy intersection below had been filled with Astros fans, other pedestrians or rush-hour traffic.
"If it's ever going to happen, if it's a good time to happen, would be now because there were really only workers in the area and people who live here walking their dogs and things like that and even the hotels across the street are pretty quiet," Navejar said.
Taylor said the explosion was initially reported as a boiler issue. Multiple groups are investigating, including the HFD Arson Division, the Life Safety Bureau inspectors, and City of Houston Public Works permitting inspectors. The federal agency OSHA, which oversees workplace safety, is expected to get involved as well.
Coincidentally, there's a banner on the construction zone fence that says, quote, "committed to zero accidents."
According to Taylor, the incident prompted a large-scale response beyond a typical high-rise fire, with hazmat teams also dispatched.
"So you've got kind of the standard response you have for a house fire or apartment fire, then that escalates with a high-rise — and then because there was a report of explosion, we also had hazmat that was added," Taylor said.
He said workers were the only ones inside when it happened. Some were able to evacuate on their own, while firefighters assisted others out of the building.
Explosion in downtown HoustonUPDATED Explosion in high rise Holiday Inn Express under construction in downtown Houston. Reports of multiple injuries. No fatalities at this point. Many agencies on scene. Developing situation. Avoid area; use alternate routes. Use Fannin and La Branch for southbound traffic. Avoid Texas,Caroline, San Jacinto and Austin Sts. #hounews Grizzy's Hood News KHOU 11 News KPRC2 / Click2Houston Univision 45 Houston Telemundo Houston ABC13 Houston
Posted by Office of Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Constable Precinct 1 on Thursday, October 2, 2025
Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s office said multiple agencies are assisting at the scene.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the downtown area near the blast site.
Taylor warned that surrounding streets may remain closed for hours or even days while the building’s structural integrity is assessed. He also said the closures are likely to affect Houston’s evening rush hour.
Chad Pinkerton is a personal injury lawyer who deals with commercial construction incidents. He says that if workers were closer to the tankless water heaters, there could have been life-threatening injuries or deaths.
“I’ve handled a case almost exactly like this that was much more catastrophic," Pinkerton said.
He says that explosions like this are usually from improper installations or poor inspections. A gas leak or excessive internal pressure could also lead to an explosion.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to investigate and review the site safety protocols, training and job hazards.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at and include the best way to reach you.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area declined 0.1 percent for the two months ending in August 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that a 2.1-percent fall in the energy index was the leading factor in the all items decrease. The index for food rose 0.4 percent over the same period, while the all items less food and energy index was unchanged. (Data in this report are not seasonally adjuste...
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area declined 0.1 percent for the two months ending in August 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that a 2.1-percent fall in the energy index was the leading factor in the all items decrease. The index for food rose 0.4 percent over the same period, while the all items less food and energy index was unchanged. (Data in this report are not seasonally adjusted. Accordingly, bi-monthly changes may reflect seasonal influences.)
The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area all items CPI-U increased 1.1 percent for the 12 months ending in August. The index for all items less food and energy advanced 1.3 percent and food prices rose 2.6 percent. Energy prices fell 3.4 percent over the same period.
Food prices rose 0.4 percent for the two months ending in August. Prices for food at home (grocery store purchases) increased 0.7 percent, with 5 of the 6 grocery categories contributing to the rise. The index for food away from home (restaurant, cafeteria, and vending purchases) was unchanged for the same period. Within the food at home index, the category for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs (+2.0 percent) led the rise, followed by dairy and related products (+2.9 percent) and nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials (+1.9 percent). The index for cereals and bakery products (-3.2 percent) declined over the two-month period.
The food index rose 2.6 percent over the year. The indexes for food at home and food away from home both advanced, up 2.5 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively, since August 2024. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs contributed most to the 12-month increase in the food at home category, rising 9.5 percent.
The energy index decreased 2.1 percent for the two months ending in August. Prices paid for gasoline fell 0.7 percent for the same period.
From August 2024 to August 2025, energy prices declined 3.4 percent. The index for gasoline decreased 9.4 percent over the year.
All items less food and energy
The index for all items less food and energy was unchanged during the two-month period. Among the index’s components, prices were higher for owners’ equivalent rent of residences (+0.6 percent), apparel (+5.3 percent), and motor vehicle maintenance and repair. In contrast, prices were lower for education and communication (-3.7 percent), lodging away from home, and household furnishings and operations (-0.6 percent).
The index for all items less food and energy advanced 1.3 percent over the year. Components contributing to the increase included owners’ equivalent rent of residences (+1.5 percent), medical care services, and household furnishings and operations (+4.9 percent). In contrast, prices were lower for education and communication (-4.5 percent).
The October 2025 Consumer Price Index for the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area is scheduled to be released on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Technical Note
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services. The Consumer Price Index for Houston is published bi-monthly. The set of components and sub-aggregates published for regional and metropolitan indexes is more limited than at the U.S. city average level; these indexes are byproducts of the national CPI program. Each local index has a much smaller sample size than the national or regional indexes and is, therefore, subject to substantially more sampling and other measurement error. As a result, local-area indexes are more volatile than the national or regional indexes. In addition, local indexes are not adjusted for seasonal influences. NOTE: Area indexes do not measure differences in the level of prices between cities; they only measure the average change in prices for each area since the base period.
The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas, Core Based Statistical Area includes the counties of Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller.
Refer to the national CPI news release technical note or the Handbook of Methods for more information.
Information in this release will be made available to individuals with sensory impairments upon request. Voice phone: (202) 691-5200; Telecommunications Relay Service: 7-1-1.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The community has once again shown that it supports its teachers like no other through the 2025 Share Your School Supplies Drive, benefiting the Houston Food Bank's School Programs.It's not too late to pitch in. You can fulfill the food bank's Amazon wish list here, text "SYSS2025" to 71777, or give online.So far, together we've raised $42,862.13 in cash and school supply donations in Houston, Galveston, Richmond/Rosenberg, Spring and Sugar L...
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The community has once again shown that it supports its teachers like no other through the 2025 Share Your School Supplies Drive, benefiting the Houston Food Bank's School Programs.
It's not too late to pitch in. You can fulfill the food bank's Amazon wish list here, text "SYSS2025" to 71777, or give online.
So far, together we've raised $42,862.13 in cash and school supply donations in Houston, Galveston, Richmond/Rosenberg, Spring and Sugar Land. Not to mention, some locations filled two school buses worth of supplies.
Volunteers with the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Beaumont also chipped in, putting together a truck of supplies.
Once again, everything stays local for teachers in our region.
Now in its second year, the 2025 drive, sponsored by Amazon and Terry Bryant, featured Eyewitness News anchors and reporters going live across southeast Texas from multiple school supply collection sites Friday morning.
In 2024, we united as a community to raise nearly $30,000 in cash and individual school supply donations.
The drive comes at a critical time. The food bank said it's facing $11 million in cuts in federal funding, also telling ABC13 the loss significantly impacts how it can help those in need.
The food bank said that, on average, teachers spent $800 - $1,000 of their own money on school supplies in Fiscal Year '24.
Find the full list of needed school supplies and school districts who will benefit by visiting this page or at the bottom of this page.
The drive benefits the Houston Food Bank's School Programs, which provide resources for teachers in low-income schools.
According to the food bank, teachers are eligible to receive help if they're in urban schools in which 90% of students are on free or reduced-price lunch or teachers in rural schools in which 70% of students are on free or reduced-price lunch and who participate in Houston Food Bank's Backpack Buddy Program or School Market Program.
According to the National Education Association, the largest teacher's union, over 90% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies.
In 2023, educators in Texas spent nearly $300 million of their own money for pencils, folders, notebook paper and other tools their students need to succeed.
Some families are also struggling to provide school supplies for their children. The Kids in Need Foundation's 2023-2024 Impact Report found that 62% of students arrive without the necessary supplies on their first day; 62% of students did not have access to necessary supplies at home and 69% of students did not have second semester replacement supplies.
A 2022 CNN Business report further breaks down the sharp increase in supply costs:
Meanwhile, Adopt A Classroom's Spring 2025 survey found that teacher spending out of pocket is still high at $895 during the 2024-2025 school year. Teacher out-of-pocket spending has also increased 49% since 2015.
Twenty percent of teachers also reported working a second job -- a number up 25% since 2023.
When it comes to supplies that were needed the most, 82% of teachers listed the essentials: paper, pencils, and markers.
The report found that Texas teachers were among those spending the most, $935. Per the report, Kentucky teachers spent the most out-of-pocket at $1,328.
Simply put, compassionate teachers want their students to thrive and have a more productive, efficient learning experience.
Teachers reported to the Kids in Need Foundation that when students had the right supplies, students' ideas flourished, their confidence grew, and their genuine interest in learning began to develop. At least one teacher reported that being able to provide materials for her students put all the kids on equal ground. Bullying was also reduced as students could focus on the work at hand.
While the reassurance for students is necessary, teachers need to feel the support.
Forty-five percent of Kids in Need Foundation survey respondents nationally said they considered leaving teaching as a profession in 2023 as a result of feeling under-resourced and under-supported.
But we have an opportunity to change that.
The Houston Texans saw one of their top defensive backs in C.J. Gardner-Johnson go down with a serious leg injury during Thursday's training camp scrimmage, ultimately leading to the veteran safety being carted off the field, and putting his status for the season ahead in a bit of limbo.It's never easy to see any player go down with such an injury, especially during a training camp practice, before Gardner-Johnson's even seen a snap in preseason. The 27-year-old was traded to Houston earlier this offseason from the Philadelphia Eagles...
The Houston Texans saw one of their top defensive backs in C.J. Gardner-Johnson go down with a serious leg injury during Thursday's training camp scrimmage, ultimately leading to the veteran safety being carted off the field, and putting his status for the season ahead in a bit of limbo.
It's never easy to see any player go down with such an injury, especially during a training camp practice, before Gardner-Johnson's even seen a snap in preseason. The 27-year-old was traded to Houston earlier this offseason from the Philadelphia Eagles, sitting days away from the Texans' preseason debut.
Following Thursday's practice, head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about Gardner-Johnson's injury, calling the events "heartbreaking" to watch unfold.
“It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that and doesn't get up quickly. I'm always nervous as a head coach any time I see somebody hit the ground. It's tough to watch. We’ll see, we'll evaluate where he is, but no update at this time."
After Gardner-Johnson was down and in pain, the field went silent, and players surrounded one another in prayer for a few moments– a meaningful message from the Texans, and one that Ryans noted as a truly heartfelt one.
"It's heartfelt because we're a team," Ryans said. "We're all in this together, and you see the emotion from our team. I've been on teams where you just, 'Hey, coaches, just move the ball up, and keep practicing.' I think that's very insensitive. So, we're going to take the time there, guys take a knee, pray for him, just make sure they send their teammate off well."
"That's what it's about. It's about that moment, for me, to make sure we care for each other. It's not just some slogans that we throw up or just toss around. Like, we truly care about each other. So that's why you see, if something like that happens in practice, we're going to take our time, then we have to hit reset– it's a tough message– but we have to hit reset, and then we have to get back going."
It remains to be seen what the status on Gardner-Johnson's health holds while awaiting results on his MRI, but it appears more than likely the veteran will be set to miss some time.
713.485.5000
