About Us
Immersive and Interactive
Our outings are fun for both out of town visitors and locals. We highlight the perfect combination of Houston Asiatown highlights, and off the beaten path locations. We talk about history, art, food, the people that influenced the past and helped make this area what it is today.
Get out of the van! Rather than a standard driving or hop-on-hop-off bus, our guides take you into places that a big bus can't go. We never just drop you off-we’re with you the whole time so you can hone in what is extraordinary about that stop and learn what makes it unique.
No matter the size of your team, we’re prepared to give them an experience they won’t forget! We’ll accommodate groups anywhere from 10 to 50 people, from mom and pop operations to Fortune 500 companies, and everyone in between. We can perform VIP tours, day tours, evening tours, and company offsites. We can even bring a workshop or cultural experience to your place of business.
Our Team
Dr.Jayati Sengupta
Hello, this is Jayati. I was Born, raised, and educated in Kolkata, India; but my professional life, first as a scientist and then as a teacher in public schools, has been staged in Houston. I love to tell the world about the art, culture, and rich heritage of India. Over a span of 30 years, I have showcased India through lectures, workshops, interactive classes, and presentations. I have had the privilege to work at Children’s Museum of Houston, Chinese Community Center, Asia Society, corporate offices, schools, and other educational organizations. Two passions rule my life, teaching and travelling. In my wanderings around the globe, I have imbibed so many cultures, and learned so much, that I feel I am now a citizen of the world. I am friendly, cheerful, enthusiastic, and ready to jump into any new creative venture.
Kolkata, India
Luis Chen
Luis M. Chen was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Paraguay as a teenager. After relocating to San Jose, California, he joined the United States Army. After serving two years of active duty in San Antonio, Texas, he joined the Army Reserves in California.
When he moved to Houston and became involved with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation and promotion, Luis created a foodie meetup event known as the Chinatown Crawl.
Luis helped found the Asian Pacific American (APA) ERG (Employee Resource Group) Houston Chapter for Comcast in 2017. He has also served on the Board of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) since 2019.
Since the CoVid-19 pandemic, he learned new ways to promote AAPI culture and diversity, by pivoting to virtual events such as Lunar New Year CelebrASIAN, Monthly APA Happy Hour, Virtual Dumpling Party, Virtual Sushi Party, Online Diwali Festival of Lights, Online Holi Festival of Colors,
Luis is passionate about making Houston Chinatown a tourist destination.
Taiwan
Cathy Podell
Cathy has been working with the Asian Community for several years to help promote economic development through tourism, by creating awareness of this amazing cultural destination in the City of Houston.
Most recently she has worked with the Asia Society Texas Center to create a virtual Asiatown tour, with a grant funded by the City of Houston, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA).
Her company, Houston Asiatown Tours was created in 2021 to continue to educate, support, and bring people from Texas and beyond to explore Houston’s Asian Community.
Philadelphia, PA
Asaeda Badat
Asaeda, a fan of dim sum and chicken 65, also has a sweet tooth for most dessert shops in Houston's Asiatown and Hillcroft area! He works with Cathy behind the scenes to provide marketing and photography that keeps our tour-lovers and foodies in the know.
He comes from a marketing, photography, and retail management background, but his heart lies in a multidisciplinary art practice that centers around his South Asian heritage.
Asaeda enjoys Dim Sum King and Mochinut in Bellaire!
Houston, TX