When my cousin moved to Texas over two decades ago from our home state of Michigan to pursue a position as a public adjuster in Waco, I was worried. All I had known recently was the tragedy that happened in Waco, Texas. It turns out they live further north near Dallas, and Waco wasn’t as bad as it is portrayed. It’s kind of like our great city of Detroit has been given a bad rap.
But I have always been intrigued to go and sample the tastes of Texas. Well, let’s be honest here; I’d like to sample food from all regions across our country and beyond! When I think of food in Texas, I think of chili, Tex-Mex, of course, and maybe some really good authentic Mexican if you’re in a town closer to the border, as well as a lot of fried southern specialties. However, I am not familiar with any of the foods below other than #5. Are you?
According to Southern Living, below are the top unique foods you can only get in Texas:
- Beaver Nuggets
- Peanut Patties
- Kolaches
- Movie Pickles
- Frito Pie
- Texas Caviar
- Big Red,”.
Okay, hold on a minute. I am a native Detroiter and have lived in Michigan all of my life; I know for sure that we call Frito Pie a Walking Taco, and it is typically served at little league baseball, soccer, football, and softball games, carnivals, and fairs or at the hockey rink. Let’s find out how they serve it.
Southern Living describes a Frito Pie as, “This Texas-sized snack is a staple at state fairs and football tailgates, and it’s not correct unless you’re serving it right out of the Frito bag and topped with chili that doesn’t contain any beans, since Texans famously reject any bean-laden chili. Some folks refer to this as a “walking taco,” however Frito pie is characteristically served with chili instead of taco meat,”.
What is the history of cowboy chili?
Apparently, the story has it that I chili found its start back in the 1800s as it was served as a staple food for cowboys, ruffians, prisoners in jails, and adventurers on the western frontier. Initially, out of necessity, it was made with dried beef, fat, and spices that were carried in saddlebags. Once they established camp, they could add a little water and cook it over the campfire. Chili served as an inexpensive, hearty, and filling dish for travelers of all types.
Wonderopolis® (a place where natural curiosity and imagination lead to exploration and discovery in learners of all ages) suggests this is the history behind chili, “An old legend holds that immigrants from the Canary Islands brought a recipe for chili with them when they settled San Antonio in the early 1700s. Historians do know that chili was a popular meal amongst cowboys and pioneers on the Western frontier. In the 1880s, chili stands became popular in San Antonio,”.
Let’s not forget the iconic Texas BBQ, which is an entire genre in itself! From beef brisket and ribs to jalapeño sausage, Texas BBQ is slow-cooked and wood-smoked to perfection. Lining up at joints like Franklin Barbecue in Austin or Snow’s BBQ in Lexington is a rite of passage for any barbecue enthusiast. Yummy, I want to go there now!
From sweet to savory, Texas offers a gastronomic adventure that promises to be as larger-than-life as the state itself.
Texas cuisine
Exploring these delightful and sometimes quirky foods exemplifies the rich and diverse culinary tapestry that Texas offers. Beyond the popular items mentioned earlier, Texas cuisine expands into a wide array of mouth-watering specialties that reflect its cultural melting pot.
For instance, the breakfast taco from Austin, Texas, is renowned for its handheld delights. They typically feature fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, fresh cheese, and salsa—all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a breakfast tradition so beloved that it’s become a cornerstone of the morning routine for many Texans. You can find variations everywhere, from roadside food trucks to eclectic local eateries.
Another culinary gem is Tex-Mex—a fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisines. This category includes dishes like enchiladas dripping in rich chili sauce, burritos stuffed to the brim with meats and spices, and the beloved queso dip, a creamy, cheesy concoction perfect for dunking tortilla chips. Every bite tells a story of cultural blending and innovation.
On the flip side of the culinary spectrum, there’s the Chicken Fried Steak. This dish features a tenderized steak, breaded and fried much like fried chicken, and typically served with a creamy, peppery gravy. It offers a hearty and comforting meal reminiscent of Southern home cooking.
Don’t forget the seafood scene, either. Texas has a long coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, which translates into a bounty of fresh seafood options. Gulf shrimp, red snapper, and catfish often grace the menus, prepared in both traditional and innovative ways. One standout dish is crab-stuffed jalapeños—spicy peppers filled with succulent crab meat and cream cheese, offering a flavor punch in every bite.
Lastly, Texas is also a haven for dessert lovers. One iconic treat is the Pecan Pie, utilizing the state nut of Texas. It’s a decadent, sugary dessert that usually features a filling made from butter, sugar, corn syrup, and a generous number of pecans, all encased in a flaky crust. It’s a classic Southern dessert that has made its way into the heart of Texas cuisine. However, I am not a fan – too sweet for me.
What food is popular in Texas?
In conclusion, the food scene in Texas is as diverse and expansive as the state itself. From savory barbecue meats, decadent desserts, and innovative fusion dishes, Texas has firmly established itself as a culinary powerhouse. Whether you’re a native or a visitor, the food in Texas invites everyone to pull up a chair and enjoy a taste of its vibrant hospitality and rich heritage.