Celebrating AAPI Month with Member Cathy Podell and Houston Asiatown Tours
Discovering Houston’s Cultural Gems with Cathy Podell and Houston Asiatown Tours
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we're proud to spotlight Cathy Podell, founder of Houston Asiatown Tours, whose vibrant and inclusive work is making a delicious and meaningful impact across Greater Houston.
Cathy launched Houston Asiatown Tours three years ago with a vision that was as bold as it was heartfelt: connect people to the rich diversity of Asian cultures in Houston through immersive food and cultural experiences. “I thought if you build something great, people will just come—but it's not that easy,” Cathy reflected in a conversation with the Chamber. “People are overwhelmed with information. It’s hard to break through the noise.”
But Cathy has broken through—by focusing on what brings people together: good food, good company, and shared learning.
A Tour with Heart and Flavor
Houston Asiatown Tours is far more than a culinary excursion. Yes, you’ll savor everything from dim sum to South Indian dosas. But you’ll also learn the stories behind the food, explore vibrant temples like the one in Stafford, and even try on a sari with the help of local shopkeepers.
Each tour is a unique journey through the many Asian cultures represented in Houston—from Vietnamese bakeries and Korean BBQ joints to the bustling Mahatma Gandhi District. It’s not uncommon for Cathy’s guests to walk away with a full belly, a new appreciation for a culture they may never have experienced before, and bags full of goods from markets like the iconic Hong Kong Market.
Inclusion on Every Level
While Cathy doesn’t position her business as an LGBTQ+ tour company, inclusion is embedded in everything she does. “Everybody loves to eat,” she laughs, explaining how her tours naturally attract people from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community. “We don’t just eat—we learn. And that curiosity and openness brings people together.”
Cathy’s work bridges communities, often creating first-time connections between people who may never have stepped foot in Asia Town. Through partnerships with groups like Harris County's senior bus program, she's also bringing cultural enrichment to older adults from far outside Houston’s urban core—many of whom, Cathy says, are discovering things they never knew existed just an hour from home.
A Chamber That Walks the Walk
For Cathy, joining the Chamber was a deliberate choice. “I’ve been part of different chambers, but this one really walks the walk. They support their members and actually put their money where their mouth is.” Through grant funding from the Southwest Management District, Cathy has been able to expand her business, showcasing how tourism can also be a driver of economic development.
Building Bridges, One Bite at a Time
Houston Asiatown Tours isn't just about exploring culture—it's about experiencing it together. Whether you're part of a corporate team, a book club, a church group, or a family just looking to try something new, Cathy’s tours offer an authentic, engaging, and joy-filled way to connect with one of Houston’s most dynamic communities.
So if you’ve never tried dim sum, tied a sari, or wandered the aisles of Hong Kong Market—Cathy’s got just the tour for you.
Support local. Celebrate culture. And bring your appetite.
Learn more about Houston Asiatown Tours
Learn more at https://www.asiatowntourhtx.com/
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsiatownTourHTX/