Here in Texas, we take food seriously. From mouthwatering barbecue to some of the sweetest tea in the country, there are just some Texas foods you can’t beat. The following are 13 iconic foods the Lone Star State specializes in — and proudly so. When you’re traveling, they’re what make you long for home.
- Queso.
Flickr/haydn Sure, you can get it in other states, but those of us who are from Texas know that there’s something about the queso here that’s just unequivocal. The chips should be warm and perfectly salted, too, but we can let that one slide — after all, there aren’t many things that wouldn’t taste good dunked in gooey melted cheese.
- Our beloved Blue Bell.
Flickr/amyashcraft A surefire way to spot impostors is by asking people what their favorite brand of ice cream is. If their answer is anything other than Blue Bell, they’re not a true Texan. We’re so obsessed with this stuff, we even eat it during listeria outbreaks.
- Brisket (and barbecue in general, for that matter.)
Flickr/wallyg There’s no barbecue like Texas barbecue — even people from out of state know this to be true. It’s more than just food here; it’s a craft that must be mastered. Luckily, tons of restaurants across the state have done just that. You won’t find juicier, more tender, smokier, or more flavorful meat than in the Lone Star State.
- Sweet tea.
Flickr/via The sweeter, the better, as far as we’re concerned. If just looking at it isn’t enough to give you cavities, it probably isn’t sweet enough.
- Chili (without beans, of course.)
Flickr/via Chili originated here, so we get to make the rules. Beans do NOT belong, no matter what the cans in the grocery store might lead you to believe.
- Chicken-fried steak.
Flickr/davehensley It has to be cooked just right — a crispy crust giving way to tender, juicy meat on the inside and topped with creamy white gravy. Mmm, I can taste it right now. Only in Texas can you find it done like it should be.
- Breakfast tacos.
Flickr/tomspix We can eat tacos at every meal and it’s socially acceptable to do so. That automatically makes our state cooler than all the others. Seriously though, how does the rest of the country live without breakfast tacos? Luckily, we’ll never have to endure that level of suffering.
- Kolaches.
Flickr/kentwang Let’s get one thing straight: kolaches aren’t those nasty cylindrical things with sausage in the middle. Real kolaches are square and stuffed with fruit and/or cheese. Let’s clear that up once and for all, folks.
- Fried everything.
Flickr/jennlarsen We eat fair food year-round here in Texas and we aren’t ashamed of that. Just give us a deep fryer and you’ll be amazed at the kinds of things we can do with it.
- Dr Pepper.
Flickr/cyclonebill Ah, good old Dr Pepper. We guzzle the stuff more than water down here, not only because we’re the proud home of the soda but also because it’s just so darn delicious!
- Whataburger.
Flickr/thomashawk Our favorite fast food restaurant. The place we love so much, we take home our table numbers and collect them like souvenirs. What can we say? It doesn’t taste like fast food at all — it tastes like a home-cooked meal straight out of grandma’s kitchen.
- Frozen margaritas.
Flickr/mr_t_in_dc These originated in our state too, so that makes them awesome by default. Plus, who doesn’t like a fruity slush that gets you a little buzzed?
- Tex-Mex.
Flickr/barron I mean, come on, “Texas” is in the name! What would it even be called in other states? “California-Mex” just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, wouldn’t y’all agree?
Do you crave these foods when you’re away from Texas? What else would you add to the list? Let us know!
Flickr/haydn
Sure, you can get it in other states, but those of us who are from Texas know that there’s something about the queso here that’s just unequivocal. The chips should be warm and perfectly salted, too, but we can let that one slide — after all, there aren’t many things that wouldn’t taste good dunked in gooey melted cheese.
Flickr/amyashcraft
A surefire way to spot impostors is by asking people what their favorite brand of ice cream is. If their answer is anything other than Blue Bell, they’re not a true Texan. We’re so obsessed with this stuff, we even eat it during listeria outbreaks.
Flickr/wallyg
There’s no barbecue like Texas barbecue — even people from out of state know this to be true. It’s more than just food here; it’s a craft that must be mastered. Luckily, tons of restaurants across the state have done just that. You won’t find juicier, more tender, smokier, or more flavorful meat than in the Lone Star State.
Flickr/via
The sweeter, the better, as far as we’re concerned. If just looking at it isn’t enough to give you cavities, it probably isn’t sweet enough.
Chili originated here, so we get to make the rules. Beans do NOT belong, no matter what the cans in the grocery store might lead you to believe.
Flickr/davehensley
It has to be cooked just right — a crispy crust giving way to tender, juicy meat on the inside and topped with creamy white gravy. Mmm, I can taste it right now. Only in Texas can you find it done like it should be.
Flickr/tomspix
We can eat tacos at every meal and it’s socially acceptable to do so. That automatically makes our state cooler than all the others. Seriously though, how does the rest of the country live without breakfast tacos? Luckily, we’ll never have to endure that level of suffering.
Flickr/kentwang
Let’s get one thing straight: kolaches aren’t those nasty cylindrical things with sausage in the middle. Real kolaches are square and stuffed with fruit and/or cheese. Let’s clear that up once and for all, folks.
Flickr/jennlarsen
We eat fair food year-round here in Texas and we aren’t ashamed of that. Just give us a deep fryer and you’ll be amazed at the kinds of things we can do with it.
Flickr/cyclonebill
Ah, good old Dr Pepper. We guzzle the stuff more than water down here, not only because we’re the proud home of the soda but also because it’s just so darn delicious!
Flickr/thomashawk
Our favorite fast food restaurant. The place we love so much, we take home our table numbers and collect them like souvenirs. What can we say? It doesn’t taste like fast food at all — it tastes like a home-cooked meal straight out of grandma’s kitchen.
Flickr/mr_t_in_dc
These originated in our state too, so that makes them awesome by default. Plus, who doesn’t like a fruity slush that gets you a little buzzed?
Flickr/barron
I mean, come on, “Texas” is in the name! What would it even be called in other states? “California-Mex” just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, wouldn’t y’all agree?
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