Rice Village hotspot introduces authentic West African flavors, richly spiced dishes and soulful foods designed for sharing
FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge, an ultra-chic gathering spot in Houston’s Rice Village neighborhood, is launching a new dining experience for the season; “FRNDS from Lagos,” celebrating the vibrant, aromatic, and soulful cuisine of Nigeria!
The new menu offerings reflect FRNDS’ passion for flavor exploration and cultural connection, and honors ALife Hospitality Group’s co-founder Mojeed Martins’ Nigerian roots, bringing bold West African traditions to Houston’s modern dining scene. Designed to share and savor, the “FRNDS from Lagos” menu items capture the essence of Nigerian cuisine with rich spices, grilled meats, and deeply layered stews.
Signature items include Beef and Chicken Suya, marinated in a blend of traditional spices and chargrilled for smoky intensity, and served with sliced onions and peppers. Guests can explore Pounded Yam with Egusi or Okra Soup, a quintessential Nigerian pairing of hearty textures and savory depth, customizable with tender beef, goat, or chicken. The menu also features Jollof Rice with Chicken and Beef Suya, a beloved West African favorite known for its bright tomato base and slow-simmered flavor.
For those eager to explore the comforting heart of Nigeria’s food culture, a trio of Meat Pies, Sausage Rolls, and Scotch Eggs captures both tradition and indulgence. The golden, flaky Meat Pies are generously filled with spiced minced beef and vegetables, a beloved staple of Nigerian home cooking. Sausage Rolls, rich with well-seasoned sausage wrapped in buttery pastry, offer a familiar yet distinctly local twist, and the Scotch Eggs – boiled eggs encased in spiced meat and fried to a crisp, amber finish – showcase the country’s flair for bold flavor and satisfying texture. Together, they tell a delicious story of British influence reimagined through Nigerian taste and creativity.
“FRNDS from Lagos” is the latest addition to the restaurant’s diverse lineup of globally inspired dishes, including shareables like Shrimp Deviled Eggs with sweet chili glaze and Parmesan Potato Croquettes, as well as premium entrées such as Grilled Lamb Chops with sweet chili jerk sauce and Sweet Chili Salmon with roasted pineapple. Together, they showcase FRNDS’ philosophy: food as a bridge between cultures and conversations.
The new seasonal Lagos menu addition pairs perfectly with FRNDS’ chic lounge setting, where friends, dates, and professionals gather regularly to enjoy handcrafted signature cocktails, contemporary beats, and the social energy that defines the Rice Village favorite.
FRNDS, located at 2441 University Blvd., continues to push Houston’s dining landscape forward by blending international influences with local creativity. “FRNDS from Lagos” is now available during regular dinner service, 5pm-10pm Thursday – Sunday, inviting guests to explore a culinary journey of rich flavor inspired by the heart of Nigeria. Reservations are recommended.
For reservations and more information, visit FRNDShtx.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Sherrie Handrinos at Sherrie@boostonemarketing.com or 734-341-6859.
ALife Hospitality Group is one of Houston’s leading hospitality groups with a diverse portfolio of multiple restaurants, bars & nightlife related concepts.
Founded in 2013 by Mojeed Martins and Jonathan Reitzell, ALife Hospitality Group has made their mark in the hospitality world. To date, the innovative group owns and operates Prospect Park Restaurants, Lost & Found, Kamp Houston, Stick Talk Cajun-Hibachi, FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge, and Bungalow Downtown Dining, with more memorable experiences and unforgettable events to come.
FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge is a posh venue located in the vibrant Rice Village neighborhood of Houston, Texas. The ultra-chic restaurant and lounge offers a unique social and culinary experience, where friends, professionals, and dining connoisseurs can come together to enjoy premium handcrafted cocktails, inspired shareable plates, live entertainment, and world-class service. With a commitment to excellence in every detail, FRNDS is dedicated to providing a unique elevated ambiance that fosters connections and creates lasting memories. For more information, please visit FRNDShtx.com.