Kenny and Ziggie's — Review by Food Network
Houston, United States — Jewish Deli
Kenny and Ziggie's brings authentic New York deli traditions to Houston with exceptional corn beef and traditional Jewish comfort food. Owner Ziggy Kuber, third generation in the business, crafts everything from scratch using family recipes and authentic techniques, including a meticulous 30-day brining process for their corn beef that rivals New York establishments.
What was great: Authentic New York style deli, incredible corn beef sliced to order, creplach, matzo ball soup, Hungarian goulash, fresh rye bread, traditional Jewish comfort food prepared using family recipes passed down through three generations, authentic 30-day brining process for corn beef
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Kenny and Ziggie's menu showcases authentic Jewish deli fare with creplach taking center stage as a standout item. This traditional dumpling features a filling made from boiled and roasted brisket, ground with caramelized onions, combined with eggs and seasonings, then wrapped in dough, boiled, and sometimes fried. The creplach arrives with both applesauce and sour cream, delivering a satisfying crunch paired with savory meat filling. The matzo ball soup, referred to as mish mash soup, provides authentic comfort with perfectly executed dumplings.
The corn beef sandwiches are exceptional, sliced fresh to order at 10 ounces per sandwich with tender, perfectly thin slices that melt in the mouth. The Zella Gabetski sandwich offers massive proportions stacked with quality ingredients. A Reuben variation features corn beef and Swiss cheese melted on fresh rye bread with quality mustard. The Hungarian goulash paired with kasha varnishes demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to traditional Jewish cuisine. Kasha, the buckwheat grain, is toasted with eggs and combined with caramelized onions and mushrooms, then served with a rich gravy made from brisket broth.
The Experience
The atmosphere reflects an authentic deli setting located in a shopping center, contrary to expectations for Houston. Service is friendly and engaging, with owner Ziggy himself interacting with customers. The restaurant welcomes regulars who have developed strong loyalty, with patrons mentioning they visit frequently and even emailing about the establishment. The energy is warm and familial, reflecting Ziggy's passion for maintaining his grandfather's legacy.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing was not discussed in detail, though the generous portions and quality ingredients suggest strong value. The corn beef production runs 25 to 45 sandwiches daily, indicating consistent demand and customer appreciation for portion sizes that are as big as a customer's head or bigger.
Notable Moments
I thought New York was good. This is the top. It's incredible.
That corn beef brother deserves to be on its own. Bread by itself.
That's as good as any deli I've had in New York. That's actually better.
The episode featured an extensive kitchen segment where Ziggy demonstrated the creplach-making process from scratch, discussing how his grandfather taught him the craft. He revealed the restaurant's proprietary corn beef cure formula, developed by a laboratory, explaining the rigorous 30-day brining process where briskets are rotated through multiple five-day intervals in pickling solution.
The Verdict
Kenny and Ziggie's stands as a remarkable find for anyone seeking authentic New York Jewish deli in Houston. The restaurant succeeds by maintaining traditional recipes and techniques passed through three generations, refusing to compromise on quality or authenticity. This establishment is perfect for those craving genuine Jewish comfort food, from creplach to Hungarian goulash, prepared with the kind of care and knowledge that only comes from deep family tradition. The corn beef alone warrants a visit, rivaling and potentially exceeding the quality found in established New York delis.