10 Iconic Texas Foods & The Best Places To Find Them

Texas believes it does everything bigger and better, and that certainly includes its food. From hearty barbecue to sweet and savory treats that celebrate the state’s rich history, Texas cuisine is a flavorful journey through diverse cultures and traditions.

Influences from Czech, German, Mexican, and Southern cooking have shaped some of the most beloved dishes in the Lone Star State, creating a food scene that’s as bold as the people who call Texas home.

Are you already asking, What food is Texas known for? Well, let’s examine the most iconic Texas foods Texans love, explore their origins, and discover the best places to try these foods in Texas. Whether you’re a lifelong Texan or just passing through, these culinary classics will surely satisfy your comfort food cravings.

1. Kolaches

Kolaches are one of the unique Texas foods with a European heritage.

If you’ve spent time in Texas, you’ve probably encountered kolaches (pronounced ko-LAH-cheez). These pastries have deep roots in the Lone Star State, brought over by Bohemian and Moravian Czech immigrants who settled in Texas during the mid-to-late 1800s.

They established what is now known as the Czech Belt, a stretch of East and Central Texas that became home to many Czech communities. Along with their customs and traditions, these immigrants brought over their culinary heritage, and the kolache became one of their most well-known contributions to Texas cuisine.

Kolaches are Czech pastries made of soft, pillowy yeast dough and traditionally filled with fruit or cheese. The original fillings were simple but flavorful, with poppy seed, apricot, prune, and sweet farmer's cheese as the most common options.

As the Texas-Czech communities flourished, the flavors and fillings evolved to incorporate local favorites, like pineapple, blueberry, strawberry, and cream cheese.

It’s important to note that some Texans (and visitors) may think of kolaches as savory, meat-filled treats. These are actually called klobasnek, which translates to "little sausage." While kolaches remain sweet and fruity, klobasnek feature savory fillings like sausage, cheese, or jalapeños wrapped in that same delicious dough.

Despite the difference, many places across the state simply call both of these foods of Texas "kolache" for convenience, and the name has stuck for both types of pastries.

Where To Try the Best Kolaches in Texas

For a taste of history, you’ll want to head to West, Texas—the city, not the area. There you’ll find Czech Stop, right off I-35 at Exit 353, about 20 minutes from Waco.

Czech Stop is a gas station filled with more kolache flavors than one could imagine. As the most well-known kolache stop in the state, the lines here often stretch out the door.

Another great option is stopping in at Naegelin’s Bakery in New Braunfels. Naegelin’s is not only the oldest bakery in Texas, it’s famous for its savory kolaches too.

2. Texas BBQ

Texas BBQ at Goldie's — What is Texas known for? Some of the best barbecue in the USA, for sure!

Few things unite Texans like barbecue. It’s not just food; it’s a culture and a point of pride for the state.

According to Daniel Vaughn, the barbecue editor at Texas Monthly, Texas is home to some of the oldest barbecue joints in the country, with Southside Market & Barbeque, which opened in 1886, holding the title of the oldest continuously operating barbecue restaurant in Texas.

Texans have long celebrated their mastery of BBQ, and this love for smoked meats even starts young: There’s a high school BBQ circuit where students compete to see who can create the best brisket, ribs, or sausage.

Texas barbecue is the product of cultural fusion. Food writer Robb Walsh notes that southern African American cooking customs and German meat markets primarily shaped modern Texas BBQ.

Additionally, the term "barbecue" is tied to the Spanish word barbacoa, a method in which meat is wrapped and cooked in a pit of coals—a tradition rooted in South Texas.

And like the other great American barbecue hotspots of North Carolina, South Carolina, St. Louis, and Tennessee, Texas has its own brand of barbecue. But, since everything’s bigger in Texas, the state’s barbecue actually comprises four distinct regional styles, each with its unique flavor profile and history:

Central Texas BBQ: This style originated with German and Czech immigrants arriving in the 1800s. They brought their expertise in meat smoking and preservation, which resulted in a BBQ style focused on slow-cooking meats over indirect heat, seasoned only with salt and pepper, to let the meat speak for itself. Central Texas is where you’ll find the kings of Texas BBQ: beef brisket and sausage.

South Texas BBQ (Barbacoa): Drawing from earlier Mexican and Spanish culinary traditions, barbacoa, as mentioned earlier, is typically made by wrapping the meat (often beef or goat) and cooking it in a pit of coals. This low-and-slow technique creates tender, flavorful meat and has become a hallmark of the region.

East Texas BBQ: African American traditions are strong in East Texas, where BBQ is often slow-cooked until it falls off the bone and gets covered in a rich, tomato-based barbecue sauce. After emancipation, these cooking customs spread throughout Texas, deeply influencing the region's flavor and style of BBQ.

West Texas BBQ (Cowboy BBQ): Unlike the case in other regions, West Texas BBQ is cooked over an open flame. It’s a rustic style, born from the cattle drives and ranching culture, where meats like beef and goat were—and still are—grilled quickly rather than smoked.

At the heart of Texas barbecue is brisket, a notoriously tough cut of beef that, when cooked low and slow, transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Mastering this culinary alchemy is the ultimate challenge for pitmasters, with cooks tending the meat for 16 hours or more to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and smoky flavor.

And when it comes to size, beef ribs are another Texas specialty—massive, flavorful, and often referred to as "brontosaurus ribs" for their sheer size.

Of course, when you’ve got 16 hours of cooking ahead of you, you might need something to tide you over in the meantime. Enter sausage, another crucial component of Texas barbecue.

Thanks to the arrival of German, Czech, and other Central European immigrants, Texas has a rich tradition of smoked sausages, and this Texan food is often served as a snack or a complement to the main event of brisket or ribs.

Where to Taste the Best of Texas Barbecue

There are countless legendary spots to choose from if you’re looking to dive into Texas BBQ. Here are a few standout locations:

Southside Market & Barbeque (Elgin)

The oldest BBQ joint in the state, Southside Market has been perfecting its craft since 1886. This historic spot is a must-visit for such famous Texas foods as smoked sausage and tender brisket.

Franklin Barbecue (Austin)

This world-famous BBQ joint has become synonymous with the best brisket in the state. Be prepared to wait in line for hours for this popular Texas food, but rest assured that the payoff will be worth it.

Snow's BBQ (Lexington)

Another top contender in the Texas BBQ scene, Snow’s has garnered a cult following for its brisket and ribs, smoked to perfection by pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz.

Goldee’s BBQ (Fort Worth)

A newer addition to the Texas BBQ landscape, Goldee’s has quickly risen to fame, earning recognition for its perfectly smoked brisket and sausages. The restaurant’s blend of classic BBQ techniques and bold flavors has placed it at the top of many BBQ lovers’ lists.

3. Chili

Texas Chili — Texas chili is loved in the Lone Star State and imitated everywhere else.

Chili is synonymous with Texas, and its roots run deep in the state’s rich history.

The story began in the 1700s when Canary Islanders settled in San Antonio, bringing cooking traditions that would evolve into the chili we know today. Food historian Robb Walsh said Canary Island women prepared a tangy-like stew with meat, cumin, garlic, chili peppers, and wild onions.

This dish was cooked outdoors in copper kettles, and it bore a spice blend resembling the Berber seasoning style from Morocco, with heavy use of chiles and cumin. The prominence of chiles in the stew is what led to it becoming known as “chili."

In the 1860s, women selling this type of stew on the streets of Military Plaza became known as Chili Queens. They set up stands, cooking hearty batches of chili for laborers and locals.

The dish became a quick and reliable meal for the working class, sold in bowls or over tamales. If you think about it, their approach was not much different from how food trucks operate today.

One thing might surprise modern chili lovers: The original Texas chili recipe didn’t include beans or tomatoes. Both ingredients were impractical for the time, as they didn’t travel well.

Even today, there are Texas chili purists who frown upon including beans in this Texas dish, sticking to the traditional meat-heavy recipe with a focus on bold, smoky spices.

As a result, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that in Texas, chili con carne (Spanish for “chili with meat”) typically refers to chili that includes tomatoes and beans, whereas just plain chili may or may not contain these ingredients.

In any event, chili con carne has won such a revered spot in the heart of Texans that in 1977 this famous Texas food was named the official state dish, and it’s definitely a Texas state food you do not want to miss during your visit.

And we can’t forget an incredibly popular food in Texas that’s a beloved spinoff from Texas chili: Frito Pie. In its most basic form, it’s simply a bag of Fritos corn chips sliced down the middle and topped with chili. However, the most common Texas recipe includes adding shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions too.

Although next-door NM claims that this Texas famous food is a famous New Mexico food as well, you can certainly find Frito Pie just about anywhere in the Lone Star State. While it’s a staple at concession stands at high school football games, it also gets fancied up and makes its way onto restaurant menus too.

But back to chili: A great way to experience chili at its finest is to check out the Terlingua International Chili Cookoff. This annual event draws chili lovers from all over the world. Held in Terlingua, Texas, on the first Saturday of November, this cookoff celebrates the best chili recipes while staying true to the dish’s rich history.

Where To Try the Best Chili in Texas

For those looking to dive into a bowl of authentic Texas chili, here are a few of the best spots at which to enjoy this famous food in Texas:

Goode Company Armadillo Palace (Houston)

Known for its excellent Texan cuisine, the Armadillo Palace serves a deliciously hearty chili with the perfect blend of meat and spices.

Texas Chili Parlor (Austin)

An iconic spot for chili lovers, the Texas Chili Parlor has been serving bowls of spicy goodness for decades, offering a variety of heat levels for this traditional Texas food and amassing a cult following in the capital.

Fred’s Texas Cafe (Fort Worth)

Fred’s is a local favorite in Fort Worth, known for its down-home atmosphere and mouthwatering Texas-style chili.

If you’re looking to make a full-flavor, heart-healthy chili at home, try my turkey chili recipe.

4. Chicken-Fried Steak

Few dishes capture the essence of Texas comfort food like chicken-fried steak (also spelled unhyphenated: chicken fried steak).

Its origins are debated, but it undoubtedly holds a special place in Texans' hearts (not to mention stomachs). Some historians believe the dish arrived in Texas with German and Austrian immigrants in the 19th century.

These immigrants brought with them their beloved Wienerschnitzel, a popular dish made with breaded and fried veal. They later adapted their recipes to use the more readily available beef from Texas and Oklahoma.

Others credit Jimmy Don Perkins, a short-order cook from Lamesa, Texas, for accidentally inventing chicken fried steak in 1911. As the story goes, Perkins was cooking a steak and was confused about his orders, so he fried the meat as if it were chicken.

He served it with fries and cream gravy; the rest is history. Lamesa celebrates this culinary legacy yearly with an annual chicken-fried steak festival.

As the dish spread across Texas, different regions developed their take on chicken-fried steak. According to Robb Walsh, there are three distinct versions:

East Texas: This version resembles Southern fried chicken, with the steak dipped in egg and flour before frying. The result is a crispy, flavorful crust that complements the tender meat.

Central Texas: Drawing from its German roots, Central Texas chicken-fried steak is coated with breadcrumbs rather than flour, making it more akin to Wiener schnitzel.

West Texas: The West Texas version skips the egg and flour entirely, instead frying the meat pan-style. This method harkens back to cowboy cooking, where simplicity was key. The finished dish is often called pan-fried steak instead of country-fried steak.

Where To Try the Best Chicken-Fried Steak in Texas

For anyone looking to experience the ultimate comfort food, here are some of the best places to try chicken-fried steak in Texas:

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill (Austin)

Known for its Southern comfort food, Moonshine's chicken-fried steak is a beloved staple, served with creamy gravy and a side of Texas hospitality.

Ellen’s (Dallas)

A modern take on traditional comfort food, Ellen’s serves up a mouthwatering chicken-fried steak that has become a local favorite.

Mary's Cafe (Strawn)

Often regarded as the gold standard of chicken-fried steak, Mary’s Cafe is a Texas institution. The portions here are massive, and the flavor is unforgettable.

5. Tex-Mex

Tex Mex nachos — Tex-Mex dishes offer a delectable fusion of Texan and Mexican ingredients and flavors.

Born from the blending of traditional Mexican dishes with local Texas ingredients and cooking styles, Tex-Mex is beloved by many a Texan, even those far from the Rio Grande Valley, where this fusion cuisine was founded.

Its roots can be traced back to the Tejano culture, where Mexican and Spanish settlers began incorporating beef, wheat, and dairy—staples of the Texas ranching lifestyle—into their traditional meals.

As a result, dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and tamales evolved to include ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese, ground beef, and sour cream, creating the bold and flavorful Tex-Mex we know today.

Another Tex-Mex staple is chile con queso, often just called queso. This melted blend of various cheeses and chile peppers is eaten as an appetizer dip with warm tortillas or tortilla chips, enjoyed as a side, or added as a sauce to other elements of the meal.

Though sometimes confused with traditional Mexican cuisine, Tex-Mex is a collection of popular Texas foods with their own unique shared identity. The food continues to evolve as chefs experiment with new flavors while honoring the rich heritage of Tex-Mex gastronomy.

Best Places To Eat Tex-Mex in Texas

Ninfa’s on Navigation (Houston)

Known as one of the original Tex-Mex establishments, Ninfa’s has been serving iconic dishes like fajitas and enchiladas since the 1970s. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Tex-Mex with a side of history.

Matt’s El Rancho (Austin)

A Texas institution since 1952, Matt’s El Rancho is famous for its queso, enchiladas, freshly homemade corn tortillas, and margaritas. It’s a go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking classic Tex-Mex fare.

Mi Tierra Café y Panadería (San Antonio)

In the heart of San Antonio, Mi Tierra has been serving Tex-Mex dishes 24/7 since 1941. From its vibrant atmosphere to its flavorful chile rellenos, tamales, and chorizo plates, this café is a Tex-Mex gem.

6. Tacos

Texas tacos — Texas craves tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Everyone knows that tacos are one of the favorite foods of Mexico, but tacos have also become a quintessential part of Texas cuisine, offering endless variations that reflect the state’s rich cultural diversity.

The history of tacos in Texas dates back to the early interactions between Mexican and Texan communities. Tacos blend traditional Mexican street food with Texas ingredients. Whether stuffed with barbacoa, carnitas, or brisket, Texas tacos perfectly embody the region’s culinary fusion.

In Texas, tacos are enjoyed at any time of day, with breakfast tacos holding a special place in the hearts of locals. Flour tortillas filled with eggs, chorizo, cheese, and potatoes can be found at nearly every Tex-Mex joint in the state. For my own spin on this delicious wake-up food, try my breakfast street tacos recipe.

Lunch and dinner tacos often feature savory fillings like marinated meats, fresh salsas, and various toppings that showcase the best of both Mexican and Texas flavors.

Best Places To Eat Tacos in Texas

Torchy’s Tacos (throughout Texas)

What started as a small taco truck in Austin has grown into a Texas institution. Known for its creative take on tacos, Torchy’s serves everything from classic fillings to unique combinations like fried avocado and queso-topped tacos.

Taco Palenque (South Texas)

With several locations in South Texas, Taco Palenque offers authentic street-style tacos with bold flavors. Their al pastor and carne asada tacos are local favorites, served with fresh homemade tortillas and traditional toppings.

7. Beaver Nuggets

Buc-ee's convenience store in Texas — Buc-ee's, the home of Beaver Nuggets

If you’ve ever taken a road trip through Texas, chances are you’ve stopped at Buc-ee’s. This iconic Texas-based chain of convenience stores is known for its massive locations, spotless bathrooms, and unbeatable selection of snacks—including their Beaver Nuggets.

Beaver Nuggets are a deliciously addictive snack that falls somewhere between corn puffs and caramel corn. Specifically, they’re caramel-coated corn puffs that can be likened to a bigger, fluffier version of Cheetos—but with a sweet, caramel twist.

It’s a snack that’s both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth soft, making it a must-try for any Buc-ee’s visitor.

While the original plain Beaver Nuggets remain the fan favorite, Buc-ee’s has expanded its offerings to include an array of flavors. You can now find Beaver Nuggets in Sea Salted Caramel, Bold N Spicy, Milk Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate versions.

For those who like a kick, there’s also White Cheddar Habanero, and for the sweet tooth, the Cinnamon Sweet flavor is a perfect choice.

Buc-ee’s might be famous for its brisket sandwiches, jerky, and squeaky-clean restrooms, but Beaver Nuggets have solidified their place as a must-have Texas road trip snack. And with Buc-ees now operating in eight other states in the southern U.S., Beaver Nuggets are a favorite food from Texas you can enjoy anywhere in America’s Buc-ees Belt.

8. Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper is not just a soft drink—it’s a Texas legend. Created in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas.

Dr Pepper is the oldest major soft drink brand in the United States. Alderton originally formulated the drink at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store, mixing the 23 unique flavors that would become the foundation of this iconic soda. The drink was an instant hit and quickly gained popularity beyond Waco.

Unlike other household-name sodas, Dr Pepper is known for its distinctive flavor profile, including hints of cherry, licorice, and caramel. Over the years, Dr Pepper has become synonymous with Texas culture, and its loyal fans continue to savor the soda’s bold, complex taste.

Where To Experience Dr Pepper in Texas

Dr Pepper Museum (Waco)

For a deep dive into Dr Pepper's history, a visit to the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco is a must. Located in the brand’s original bottling plant, the museum offers a fascinating look at Dr Pepper’s origins and evolution.

The museum’s collection includes vintage ads, diverse types of memorabilia, and even a working soda fountain where visitors can enjoy making their own Dr Pepper flavor or trying out an old-fashioned Dr Pepper float.

9. Texas Wine

Texas wine tasting at ReRooted — Texas is home to more than 400 wineries.

Texas may be best known for its barbecue, but its wine scene is worth exploring. In fact, Texas is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the United States, with vineyards planted here more than a century before they appeared in California.

Today, Texas ranks as the fourth-largest wine-producing state in the country, with over 440 wineries as of November 2023. The Texas Hill Country has gained international recognition for its wine production. In 2014, Wine Enthusiast magazine named the region one of the ten best wine travel destinations, cementing Texas as a must-visit location for wine lovers.

Best Wineries To Visit in Texas

Urban Wine Trail (Grapevine)

If you want to explore wine closer to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Grapevine’s Urban Wine Trail is a fantastic option. The town’s historic district is home to numerous wine-tasting rooms and wineries, offering a variety of styles and flavors to suit every palate.

Spicewood Vineyards (Spicewood)

Known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices, Spicewood Vineyards is a well-known spot among wine lovers. Mediterranean-style grapes are the focus here, and the onsite winery produces a wide range of varietals that showcase the unique terroir of the Texas Hill Country.

10. Blue bell Ice Cream

Blue Bell ice cream from Texas — Blue Bell has been treating Texas taste buds to amazing ice cream since the early 1900s.

Few Texas favorites are as iconic as Blue Bell ice cream.

Founded in 1907 by a group of local businessmen in Brenham, Texas, the company started as the Brenham Creamery Company, making butter from excess cream sourced from area dairy farmers.

It wasn’t long before the creamery ventured into ice cream production, delivering its refreshing treats to neighbors by horse and wagon. In 1930, the company changed its name to Blue Bell Creameries, inspired by the native Texas bluebell wildflower, a symbol of beauty and simplicity.

Blue Bell is committed to using the freshest ingredients. The cream used during each production run is always less than 24 hours old, and all production and packaging occurs within Blue Bell’s facilities.

Blue Bell is famous for its variety. It produces more than 25 flavors of ice cream that are available year-round, and almost a dozen flavors that are made on a seasonal basis. In addition to ice cream, Blue Bell also produces frozen yogurt, sherbet, and an array of frozen treats on a stick.

Forbes named it the best ice cream in the United States in 2001. In Texas, most ice cream shops scoop Blue Bell for their customers, and even big-name restaurants like The Yard Milkshake Bar, which has over 31 locations, use this beloved brand to make their customers happy.

Final Thoughts on Texas’ Unique Foods

Have I set you straight on what to eat in Texas? I certainly hope so.

Texas cuisine reflects the state’s rich cultural history, blending influences from across the globe into iconic dishes that are now staples of everyday life. From the pit-smoked barbecue to the sweet indulgence of Blue Bell ice cream, each dish tells a story of tradition, community, and innovation.

Whether you’re exploring the flavors of a Texas road trip or just looking for a taste of Texas at home, the foods from Texas always deliver, and they’re an incredible testament to Texas’ diverse heritage and love for big, bold, unforgettable flavors.

If you’ve already been to the Lone Star State and tried some Texas famous foods, I’d love to know which were your favorites. If you’re looking forward to a Texas trip, I’d love to hear what Texas culinary treasures you’re most excited about trying during your visit. Either way, write me in the Comments section below.