SAMAK — Restaurant in Katy

I popped into Samak Seafood Market & Cuisine last weekend after a friend swore it was the closest thing to eating on the Alexandria corniche—and wow, they weren’t kidding.

What I loved: • Pick-your-catch fun. The seafood is laid out on ice like a mini fish market. I went for a red snapper singari style and a half-kilo of jumbo shrimp. The staff cleaned and seasoned everything right in front of me, so I knew it was fresh. • Flavor that hits home. The snapper came sizzling, butterflied and drenched in garlic-lemon sauce with peppers and herbs. The shrimp had that perfect smoky char. I could’ve made a meal out of the Sayadeya rice alone—rich, fragrant, and dotted with caramelized onions. • Warm, genuine service. Everyone was patient while I peppered them with questions (and tried out my rusty Arabic). They checked on me just enough without hovering. • Easy on the wallet. My feast—fish, shrimp, rice, salad, and a can of mango juice—ran about $25 per person. For seafood this fresh, that’s a steal. • Relaxed vibe. It’s casual and spotless, with the aroma of the grill drifting through the dining area. Felt more like a seaside shacks back home than a strip-mall spot in Katy.

Pro tip: Ask for the house tahini and a squeeze of lime on the side—absolute game-changer with the grilled shrimp.

I left stuffed, happy, and already planning my next visit (thinking of trying the squid with spicy red sauce). If you love no-frills, ultra-fresh seafood served with a smile, give Samak a go—you...

I recently visited this newly opened gem—just a few days into its soft launch. A quick search revealed it to be the only Egyptian seafood spot currently in Houston, and it proudly lives up to that distinction.

I tried the grilled Bazinga ( with Radda) and was instantly transported to the shores of Alexandria—rich, smoky, and remarkably authentic. The fried shrimp and calamari followed, both delightfully crisp and flavorful, though leaning slightly on the salty side.

Service was warm and attentive, with the staff offering generous complimentary touches like a fresh green salad and a perfectly balanced tahini.

Their next step, I hear, is launching a dedicated dinner service—and with such a strong start, I have no doubt it’s going to be a resounding success. A promising newcomer to Houston’s culinary scene that’s well...

As an Egyptian living in the USA, I always miss the unique flavors and hospitality of our culture — and this seafood place brought it all back for me! The owners are Egyptian, and you can truly taste the love and tradition they put into every dish. The seafood was incredibly fresh, perfectly seasoned, and reminded me of the coastal flavors back home.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff treated us like family — exactly how it should be. I highly recommend this place to anyone craving fresh seafood with an authentic Egyptian touch. It’s a must-try for Egyptians in Texas or anyone who wants to experience real Egyptian hospitality through amazing food.

Can’t wait to come back again — thank you for making me feel at...