With the increase in health consciousness among the people, questions like, how much calories does it contain? Or How many grams of protein or fiber a single serving has? Have become very common. And not everything green looking, sprinkled with fruits can be considered a healthy option. Neither every dish at a restaurant is automatically healthy. The ingredients, cooking method, portion size and sauces can all make a difference.
When you think of Mediterranean food, you probably picture fresh vegetables, hummus, grilled seafood, herbs, olive oil and colorful mezze. And there’s a good reason Mediterranean-style eating is often associated with balanced, wholesome meals.
So, if you’re dining at a Mediterranean restaurant in Houston Heights, what should you order when you want something flavorful but on the healthier side?
At Spice in Heights, the menu offers plenty of choices that can work well for a balanced meal, from roasted vegetables and seafood to grilled proteins and Mediterranean-inspired mezze.
Is Mediterranean Restaurant Food Healthy?
It surely can be.
Mediterranean-style cuisine commonly features vegetables, legumes, seafood, herbs, spices, nuts and unsaturated fats such as olive oil. The key is knowing how to build your meal.
A plate centered around grilled seafood, roasted vegetables and a vegetable-based mezze will be a much better nutritional choice from a meal dominated by fried foods, creamy sauces, rich meats and large portions of bread.
That doesn’t mean you have to avoid richer dishes. Mediterranean dining is also about enjoying food, sharing plates and experiencing different flavors.
What are the healthiest options to order at Spice in Heights?
There isn’t one single “healthiest” dish for everyone. Your ideal choice depends on your dietary needs, portion size and what you’re looking for in a meal.
However, if your goal is a lighter, vegetable-forward or protein-rich meal, several dishes at Spice in Heights stand out.
1. Seared Red Snapper: A Seafood-Focused Choice
If you’re looking for a lighter entrée, the Seared Red Snapper is one of the dishes worth considering.
The dish combines red snapper with a tomato-coconut reduction and saffron vegetable couscous. It provides seafood as the primary protein while incorporating vegetables and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Fish can be a useful protein choice when you’re trying to create a balanced meal, and choosing a seafood entrée can also give your meal a different nutritional profile from heavier meat-based dishes.
2. Zahara: Put Vegetables at the Center
Vegetables don’t have to be an afterthought at a Mediterranean restaurant.
At Spice in Heights, Zahara features Arabic-style roasted cauliflower with sautéed sprouts, cashew coconut cream and garlic tahini.
Roasting brings out the natural flavor of cauliflower, while the sprouts add another vegetable component. The cashew coconut cream and tahini contribute richness, so this isn’t simply a plain vegetable side.
It’s a particularly interesting option for diners who want a vegetable-forward meal without sacrificing flavor.
3. Falafel: A Flavorful Vegetarian Option
Falafel is one of those dishes that can easily become part of a balanced Mediterranean-style meal, particularly when enjoyed alongside vegetables and other lighter mezze.
At Spice in Heights, the Falafel is served with roasted beetroot hummus, sumac onion, pomegranate and pepitas. That combination brings together legumes, vegetables, seeds and fruit-inspired flavors in one dish.
However, portion and preparation still matter. Falafel is traditionally fried, so if you’re specifically trying to keep your meal lighter, consider sharing it rather than making it the largest part of your meal.
4. Hummus and Mezze: Build Your Own Balanced Meal
One of the advantages of Mediterranean dining is the ability to combine several smaller dishes.
At Spice in Heights, mezze is an important part of the dining experience, with options including hummus and other Mediterranean-inspired shared plates.
Instead of ordering one large, heavy entrée, you can build a meal around a combination of:
- Hummus
- Vegetable-based dishes
- Roasted vegetables
- Seafood
- Grilled proteins
- Fresh herbs and salads
This style of dining also makes it easier to share different dishes with your table. The healthiest approach isn’t necessarily ordering the smallest dish, it’s creating a meal with variety and balance.
5. Grilled Chicken: A Protein-Rich Option
If seafood isn’t your preference, a grilled chicken dish can be another way to include lean protein in your meal.
Spice in Heights’ menu includes house-marinated and grilled kabobs, reflecting the restaurant’s emphasis on traditional Mediterranean grilling techniques.
Grilled preparation can also be a useful choice when you’re trying to avoid meals centered around heavily fried proteins. Pair a grilled protein with vegetables or a lighter mezze rather than automatically adding several rich sides.
The Bottom Line
Yes, Mediterranean restaurant food can be a healthy choice but what you order matters.
At Spice in Heights, you can build a balanced meal around vegetables, seafood, grilled proteins and Mediterranean-inspired mezze. The restaurant’s menu also includes richer dishes and indulgent desserts, giving diners plenty of flexibility depending on what they’re in the mood for.
So the next time you’re searching for healthy Mediterranean food in Houston Heights, don’t feel like you have to sacrifice flavor.
Choose your vegetables. Pick a protein. Share a few dishes. Enjoy the flavors. That’s the beauty of Mediterranean dining.