Must-try foods at the State Fair of Texas according to fairgoers

From cold beer to deep-fried delicacies, here’s what food items you should indulge in at the State Fair of Texas.

FTW-State Fair of Texas

Come hungry because you’ll be tempted by every food booth you walk by. | Photo by FTWtoday

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There’s no doubt that one of the biggest attractions at the State Fair of Texas is the food. We were at Fair Park on opening day so we could find out what food items you should try to make the most of your visit.

Here are five foodie favorites recommended by fairgoers.

FTW-The Armadillo State Fair

The Armadillo was recommended as a way to cool off from the Texas heat. | Graphic by FTWtoday, photo via State Fair of Texas

The Armadillo

Voted Best Taste in the 2021 Big Tex Choice Awards, this cookie sandwich is still a fan favorite. The filling is a made-from-scratch cookie butter ice cream that is drizzled with cookie butter and sandwiched between two deep-fried Armadillo-shaped cookies. Plus, a dusting of powdered sugar tops it off.

  • Find it: Inside the Midway arch, near the Cotton Bowl
Biscoff Delight

The Biscoff Delight was created by Stephen El Gidi.

Photo via State Fair of Texas

Biscoff Delight

The 2023 winner of the Big Texas Choice Awards sweet category, the New York-style cheesecake is coated in Belgian chocolate with a layer of crushed Biscoff cookies, drizzled with Lotus Biscoff spread, and topped with a Biscoff cookie.

  • Find it: Inside the Tower Building Food Court at Drizzle Cheesecake on a Stick.
FTW-Fried cacio e pepe

The fried pasta dish was noted as the best thing this fairgoer had all day. | Graphic by FTWtoday, photo via State Fair of Texas

Fried Cacio e Pepe

A perfect bite of Italian pasta tossed with cacio e pepe sauce, deep fried to crispy perfection, and topped with a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s served with a side of homemade marinara sauce.

  • Find it: At Eataly’s booth outside of Grand Place
FTW_state-fair-texas

We went for a classic corny dogs but there are lots of flavors to try.

Photo by @FTWtoday

Fletcher’s Corny Dog

Arguably the most iconic fair food, the hot dog link is dipped in a cornbread batter, deep fried, and topped with mustard.

  • Find it: Right by Big Tex and throughout the fairgrounds
FTW-Fried Cookie dough

The Kilgore Rangerettes recommended the fried cookie dough. | Graphic by FTWtoday, photo via State Fair of Texas

Voted Best Taste in the 2007 Big Tex Choice Awards, the dish is made with fresh cookie dough, pecans, chocolate chips, and coconut, lightly battered and deep fried. It’s then topped with chocolate syrup or whipped cream.

  • Find it: At the Vandelay Industries stand on Nimitz

Pro tip: On Thursdays — October 5, 12, and 19 — participating food vendors will offer one of their signature menu items at a reduced price.

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