If you haven’t checked out The Blind Goat yet, it’s time to head over to Spring Branch and give it a try. This modern Vietnamese restaurant is the creation of Christine Ha, a MasterChef winner, and her husband, John Suh, who together have turned their dream of sharing flavorful, comforting food into a reality. The menu is a fresh mix of Vietnamese classics with a twist— infused with Southern and Tex-Mex flavors, it’s a reflection of Christine and John’s unique journey and background.
A Name with Personal Meaning
The name The Blind Goat has a special significance to Christine. After winning MasterChef Season 3, she became known as the “Blind Chef.” The name of the restaurant honors her experience with blindness and her story of overcoming challenges. Christine’s blindness, which she’s lived with since she was a young adult, is part of what makes her cooking journey so inspiring. The name also ties in with her birth year, the Year of the Goat in the Chinese zodiac. While some people may associate “GOAT” with “Greatest of All Time,” Christine finds that interpretation fitting as well, and it ties in beautifully with her personal and professional journey.
From Home Cook to Restaurant Owner
Christine’s path to opening The Blind Goat didn’t happen overnight. After winning MasterChef, she spent several years learning more about the food industry through pop-ups, a Canadian cooking show, and even writing a cookbook. It wasn’t until Christine felt confident that she could run a restaurant—thanks to her husband John’s entrepreneurial drive—that they opened their first spot in a downtown food hall. Eventually, they found a more permanent home for the restaurant in Spring Branch.
The Bumpy Start
Opening a restaurant for the first time is no easy feat, and Christine and John faced their fair share of hurdles. From managing inventory and staffing to making sure they had enough food for the growing number of customers, the early days were stressful. One of the biggest challenges was running out of food too quickly, with customers driving in from out of town only to find some items out of stock. While it sounds like a good problem to have (after all, a packed restaurant is a sign of success), it was still frustrating. But through it all, the couple learned a lot, refined their processes, and grew from those early days.
Why Spring Branch?
When it came time to pick a location for their restaurant, Christine and John didn’t have to look far—Spring Branch was the perfect fit. Christine, originally from the area, felt a strong connection to the neighborhood, which is full of potential and growth. It’s a place where different cultures and cuisines are celebrated, and they wanted The Blind Goat to add to that diversity. For them, Spring Branch felt like home— and it’s where they want to build long-term roots, both personally and professionally.
A Menu with Heart
At The Blind Goat, the menu reflects Christine and John’s backgrounds and experiences. Christine grew up eating traditional Vietnamese food, but instead of trying to replicate what’s already out there, she wanted to create something new. The menu is all about blending Vietnamese flavors with a mix of Southern, Tex-Mex, and Cajun influences— all inspired by Christine’s journey as a second-generation Vietnamese-American.
One of the standout dishes is the crawfish and garlic noodles, a fusion dish that blends the rich flavors of Vietnamese fish sauce with buttery garlic noodles and crawfish. The dish is inspired by a version from San Francisco and has become one of the most popular items on the menu. It’s a perfect example of what The Blind Goat is all about: taking classic flavors and giving them a unique twist that’s all their own.
Looking Ahead
While Christine and John don’t have plans to open more locations anytime soon, they do have some exciting goals for the future. They’re looking to expand their catering services and even explore selling some of their products through consumer packaged goods. They also want to keep making The Blind Goat a special place for the community, hosting more fun events and creating new ways to bring people together. Christine is also working on a second cookbook and a documentary about her life story, sharing her journey as a blind chef and immigrant entrepreneur.
Why Spring Branch Needs More Restaurants Like The Blind Goat
The Blind Goat isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a perfect example of how small businesses can make a big impact on a community. By offering something unique, with a menu that blends flavors and celebrates culture, Christine and John have created a space that feels like home. The restaurant has become a gathering spot for locals, a place where people can try something new, enjoy great food, and feel part of the community.
Christine and John’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and a deep connection to their roots. As Spring Branch continues to grow and change, businesses like The Blind Goat will play a big role in shaping its identity, offering a taste of diversity and a fresh perspective on what makes this neighborhood special.
Visit The Blind Goat
If you’re ready to check out The Blind Goat for yourself, you can find them at 8145 Long Point Road in Spring Branch, right at the intersection of Long Point and Huge Oaks. For more details, visit their website at TheBlindGoat.com or follow them on Instagram at @TheBlindGoatHTX. It’s definitely worth the visit!
