The countdown is on for this year’s State Fair of Texas. We’re already excited for the rides and live music offerings + now our mouths are watering for some fair food. The good news is this year’s winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards were just announced, giving us a taste of what’s to come.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Big Tex Choice Awards, it’s an annual competition among concessionaires to see who can make the best fair food in three different categories — Best Taste: Savory, Best Taste: Sweet, and Most Creative.
A few of the past winners include fried Coca-Cola (Most Creative 2006), State Fair Cookie Fries (Most Creative 2016), Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger (Best Taste: Savory and Most Creative 2017), and Big Red Chicken Bread (Best Taste: Sweet 2019).
Enough of the past — allow us to introduce you to this year’s State Fair of Texas must-eats.
Best Taste: Savory — Deep Fried Pho
A very Texan rendition of a Vietnamese classic, this recipe deep fries noodles, beef, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts after they’ve been simmered in rich pho broth. The deep fried pho is served with a side of broth for dipping, hoisin sauce, sriracha, jalapeños, lime, and cilantro.
Best Taste: Sweet — Biscoff Delight
Just when you thought cheesecake couldn’t be any better, this dish was invented. It’s a New York-style slice of cheesecake coated in rich Belgian chocolate and a layer of crushed Biscoff cookies, drizzled with a drizzle of Lotus Biscoff spread, and topped with a Biscoff cookie.
Most Creative — Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas
These traditional sopapillas feature vanilla-caramel-infused bananas, sweet bourbon syrup, crushed candied pecans, sweetened mascarpone cheese, crumbled Nilla Wafers, and dusted with powdered sugar. Need we say more?
If you’re looking for more information about this year’s state fair, check out our guide + stay tuned for an updated map so you know where to find these delicious treats.
