Kolaches are a Texas staple, and there’s no better place to explore the many sweet and savory varieties than in Houston, where the city’s culinary diversity is well represented… even in its stuffed breakfast pastries. The pillowy soft handheld, made with a sweet or savory filling, is the product of Czech immigrants who settled in Texas. While meat-filled varieties are specifically referred to as klobasnek, the term “kolache” is often broadly used in Houston to encompass both sweet and savory versions.
Kolaches are a mainstay in doughnut shops, bakeries, and even gas station convenience stores across the state, so it’s no surprise Houstonians are quick to point out favorite flavors and which of the many rank at the top of their list. From time-honored bake shops to innovative newcomers, these are the best places to visit in Houston when a kolache craving hits.
The Original Kolache Shoppe
This family-owned Czech bakery, which has serviced Houstonians since 1956, features an open kitchen with views of its kolaches being prepared daily. Traditional fruit-filled options like apricot and blueberry ($3) sit alongside imaginative flavors like poppy seed and pina colada, while savory flavors include sausage and cheese and sausage and cheese with jalapeno ($4). Pair with a cup of Zeppelin coffee, roasted daily by the Kolache Shoppe’s sister company. 5404 Telephone Rd., Houston, originalkolache.com
Koffeteria
At this James Beard Award-nominated bakery in Downtown, chef Vanarin Kuch draws inspiration from his Cambodian heritage and Texas roots to create a special menu with Asian flair. The beef pho kolache ($7) is among the house favorites. A milk roll serves as the cradle for tender beef brisket stewed in pho. Served with hoisin and sriracha sauces, the handheld is a delicious and unexpected tribute to Vietnamese cuisine. 1110 Hutchins St. #102, Houston, koffeteria.com
Shipley’s
Shipley’s is an institution for good ol’ fashioned doughnuts and bear claws, but it’s safe to say the iconic Houston-based bakery has just as much of a following for its savory, meat-filled kolaches. Sticking to the basics, Shipley’s keeps offerings simple with varieties limited to sausage; sausage and cheese; sausage, jalapeno, and cheese; and ham and cheese. With more than 300 Shipley’s locations across the state, it’s among the most convenient options in town. Multiple locations, shipleydonuts.com
Koala Kolache
It is well worth the drive to Cypress to get a taste of one of Koala Kaloce’s famed concoctions. Traditional fruit varieties like apple pie and blueberry shine alongside adventurous creations like black bean enchilada with fresh mozzarella; halal gyro kolache with tzatziki sauce and feta; and the Thanksgiving dinner kolache, which packs in all of the nostalgic flavor of the festive season. 14502 Spring Cypress Rd. #300, Cypress, enjoykoalakolache.com
Christy’s Donuts & Kolaches
This Montrose mainstay, open until 2 p.m. daily, is known by the kolache faithful for its oversized iterations of the popular pastry. Find simple savory options like sausage and cheese ($2); and sausage and cheese with jalapeno ($2); alongside spicy boudin ($4) and smoked Chappel Hill sausage ($4). 1103 W Gray St. Ste. C, Houston
Buc-cee’s
Like the countless shelves of prepared goods and aisles upon aisles of sweet and salty snacks, Buc-cee’s bakery counter is well-stocked, with kolaches proudly displayed along cookies, muffins, and more. The sausage, cheese, and jalapeno kolache pairs American cheese with a smoked pork, beef and jalapeno sausage; while the boudin kolache packs a hint of Cajun spice from its pork sausage, rice, and herbs. Multiple locations, buc-ees.com
Red Dessert Dive
This beloved Heights bakery, which recently opened a second outpost in Garden Oaks, showcases a number of fresh baked goods in imaginative flavors, including scratch-made kolaches. Red offers a refreshing alternative to traditional flavors, with its bacon, chive, and cream cheese kolache ($5), topped with poppy and sesame seeds. 1045 Studewood St., Houston, reddessertdive.com
Kolache Shoppe
This fast-growing Texas chain is known for its scratch-made kolaches, made with the same dough recipe that has been used since 1970. Along with regular varieties like classic apricot, poppy seed, and jalapeno kielbasa, Kolache Shoppe partners with local chefs and restaurants to produce seasonal specials that break free from tradition. A recent collaboration between Kolache Shoppe and Craft Pita featured a Lebanese sausage and cheese kolache, made with hot Soujouk beef sausage link and Akkawi cheese, and seasoned with Za’atar. Multiple locations, kolacheshoppe.com
