Craving something sweet? Make a stop by Raja Sweets on Hillcroft. (Raja Sweets)

Hillcroft, located west of the Galleria and running through Gulfton and Bellaire, is one of the most diverse stretches of Houston. Many of the city’s newest immigrants live in this thriving community full of delicious restaurants and shops. Sharan Gahunia with Raja Sweets, City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali, and executive producer Laura Isensee have all spent lots of time up and down Hillcroft, and share some of their favorite spots below.

Where To Eat

Almost no matter what you’re craving, you can find it on Hillcroft! If you want something sweet, head to one of Raheel’s favorites: Raja’s Sweets! He loves devouring the rasmalai, a milky dessert. When Laura was dating her now-husband, she discovered a new love for pupusas at different spots like El Puposodromo and Mama Rosa’s Pupuseria. If you want to switch up your lunch routine, then stop by Droubi’s Bakery Deli, a family-owned Mediterranean bakery, deli and general store with products from Lebanon, Egypt and Syria. Sharan of Raja Sweets, who was born in London, loves visiting London Sizzler, an Indian restaurant influenced by British colonialism and African spices.

What To Do

You can’t make a trip to Hillcroft without stopping by the Harwin Outlet Mall, known for its shops, good deals, and one-of-a-kind finds. PlazAmericas, also near Hillcroft and formerly known as Sharpstown Mall, has become a shopping destination for the community with over 150 stores. SW Trading is a fantastic place to find accessories that are trending, but easy on your wallet. While you’re along Hillcroft, stroll through the Fiesta Mart, where you can snack on elote and get hand-made fresh tortillas.

What’s your favorite part of Hillcroft? I want to know.

More Hillcroft food recs