Wherever you’re from, there are certain foods and food combinations that you eat on a regular basis and have accepted as normal. You’ve probably never stopped to consider that people from out of state would give you crazy looks for dipping a tortilla chip into liquefied cheese or eating a hearty portion of deep-fried steak. But it’s true. As awesome as our cuisine is in Texas, many of our food traditions have managed to stay within state lines. Here are 15 strange food combinations in Texas that locals have come to love.

1. The best BBQ in America
Flickr/wallyg
Now, while BBQ may not be exclusive to Texas, the way we do it sure is. Slow smoked and rubbed with the perfect spices - the meat is so tender, you won't even need barbecue sauce!
2. Fried everything
Flickr/branditressler
A good way to make anything taste better is throwing it in a fryer. Fortunately, we've got that covered in Texas. We fry anything and everything. This is a fried peanut butter, jelly, and banana sandwich. Need we say more?
3. Chili without beans? Uh, what?
Flickr/via
Flickr/djsteen
Don't question our chili game - it's our official state dish. More room for meat, am I right?
4. Chicken Fried Goodness
Flickr/imelda
This is probably the most stereotypical Texan food there is. But do we care? No. We can't hear your opinions over the crunch of deliciousness surrounding mouthwatering steak.
5. Taco cleanse, anyone?
James via Flickr
Why hasn't anyone else jumped on the bandwagon of dumping the best meal of the day into a food vehicle for easy transportation to your mouth?
6. Kolaches
Flickr/kentwang
These fruit or meat filled pastries may be available elsewhere, but we're their proud mama state with the Czech Shop in West. Other states ain't got nothin' on our kolaches. To learn more about our favorite Czech bakery, read our feature article here.
7. Frito Pie
Rachel via Flickr
Can you believe this popular concession stand snack originated here in Texas? We can't imagine it not existing everywhere else.

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8. The Holy Grail (AKA queso)
Flickr/imelda
We absolutely cannot fathom not being able to dunk our chips in a vat of melted cheesy goodness every time we want Mexican food. Everyone else is missing out, y'all.
9. Cheese Enchiladas
Flickr/pyxopotamus
They aren't enchiladas unless they're covered in cheese, okay?
10. Alcoholic Icees (or frozen margaritas)
Flickr/mr_t_in_dc
These delicious drinks were invented in Dallas. Be careful, they're addicting!
11. Corn dogs!!
Flickr/intangible
More fried food! German Texans actually developed these upon learning that Texans were keen on sausage. 'Twas a revolutionary idea, we must say.
12. Texas Caviar (much better than fish eggs)
Flickr/johnnystiletto
You won't find any unborn baby fish here - and your bank account won't suffer either! It's just a bean salad of sorts made up of black eyed peas, corn, avocado and mango.
13. Chimichangas
Flickr/jeffreyww
Try to say that 3 times fast. Leave it to Texans to fry a burrito. Legend has it that this glorious creation came about when a restaurant worker accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep fryer. Genius mistake.
14. Pecan pralines
Flickr/stuart_spivack
If your state doesn't have crunchy slabs of caramel, brown sugar, and pecans, y'all aren't doing it right.
15. And any and every food combination is bigger here in Texas.
Flickr/Lulu's
Just head to Lulu's in San Antonio for giant cinnamon rolls or The Big Texan in El Paso for epic steaks. Us Texans don't like to go home hungry.

Have you eaten any of these strange food combinations in Texas? What are some other classic foods we have here in the Lone Star State? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you know a magnificent restaurant in Texas, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

There are so many great things about living in Texas, including these 10 amazing restaurants that define what it means to live in the Lone Star State.

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strange food combinations in Texas

Elisa Regulski | July 04, 2020

What kind of food is Texas known for?

Texas cuisine is as rich and diverse as our gorgeous landscape. You’ll find exquisite Tex Mex restaurants in every major city, and you can chow down on tender BBQ in every single small town. We even have some of the most delicious authentic Asian cuisine! Take a road trip to Houston and pop inside the numerous mom and pop Korean, Chinese, and Thai restaurants. No matter where you go, you’ll be met with mouthwatering fare you won’t be able to stop thinking about.

What are the best parts of living in Texas?

Living in Texas is one of the most incredible privileges in the world. Our state has almost every kind of landscape, so there’s no shortage of stunning sights to see. Our state parks are vast, gorgeous, and enchanting. The stars shine bright in West Texas and the city lights gleam in Dallas. You can party at a rodeo in Fort Worth and paddle along the river in Austin. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind adventures or relaxing getaways, Texas will certainly fill your heart with happiness.

What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?

There are so many famous restaurants in Texas. If it’s barbecue you’re after, visit The Salt Lick in Driftwood. From the moment you walk in, the smell of smoky and flavorful meat will greet you. In fact, there’s a giant BBQ pit located right in the lobby! You can’t help but get excited when you enter this iconic establishment. Ninfa’s in Houston is another well-known restaurant. They have mastered the art of Tex Mex cuisine, and everything on their menu is spectacular. Whether you’re in the mood for a fajita burger or a heaping bowl of queso, you’ll fall in love with their wonderful flavors.

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