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10 iconic and new foods to try at the State Fair of Texas 2025

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/10 .. oods-to-try-at-the-state-fair-of-texas-2025.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 7:00 GMT by Austin American-Statesman
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Taste of Tradition: The 2025 State Fair of Texas Celebrates Food, Culture, and the Red River Rivalry

The State Fair of Texas has long been a cornerstone of Dallas‑area culture—an annual gathering of families, food lovers, and fans of everything from carnival rides to country music. In 2025, the fair’s 93rd edition is poised to be a culinary tour de force, with more than 70 food trucks, 15 specialty vendors, and a special nod to the storied Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. While the headline headline buzz revolves around the 2025 state fair’s food scene, the article from The Statesman goes beyond the sugar‑coated popcorn to explore how the fair’s gastronomic offerings reflect Texas pride, fan culture, and a long‑standing college‑football rivalry that has shaped the state’s identity.

A Fair That Feels Like a Statewide Food Festival

The fair’s “Food Fest” section—anchored by the State Fair’s official website—presents a menu that is a mouth‑watering reflection of Texas’s regional diversity. From classic barbecue to experimental fusion cuisine, the line‑up showcases the best of the Lone Star state.

Barbecue Beyond Brisket

Barbecue is the heart and soul of any Texas state fair, and this year’s highlight is the “Oklahoma‑style Smoked Brisket” prepared by the award‑winning chef, Tom “Smokey” Martinez. His brisket, which is smoked for 14 hours over mesquite and finished with a house‑made smoky‑sweet rub, is available in both sliced and pulled variations. “It’s a tribute to the state’s culinary heritage, and it really shows how Texas and Oklahoma have a shared love for barbecue,” Martinez told the Statesman. A side of creamy baked beans, smoked pork rinds, and a fresh coleslaw complete the package.

Red‑River Rivalry Edition

For fans of the Texas vs. Oklahoma football game, a new “Red River Rivalry Burger” is on the menu. The burger is topped with cheddar, crispy onion rings, jalapeño‑pickle salsa, and a secret sauce that was “inspired by a recipe from a former Oklahoma head coach’s family.” The Statesman interviewed a group of OU (University of Oklahoma) tailgaters who claimed that the burger was “the best thing I’ve ever tasted while rooting for my team.”

The burger’s counterpart, the “Texas‑Tide Slider,” is a mini‑sandwich featuring brisket, BBQ sauce, and Texas‑style potato salad. The slider is served on a fresh, lightly toasted bun that’s coated with a special spice blend. “These burgers give fans a reason to get excited beyond the on‑field action,” the Statesman notes.

Innovative Vegetarian Options

Despite the barbecue focus, the fair is making a concerted effort to offer vegetarian and vegan choices. One standout is the “BBQ Jackfruit Tacos” served with smoky cabbage slaw, avocado crema, and a lime‑infused cilantro‑salsa. The Statesman quotes local food blogger, Lisa Green, who describes the jackfruit tacos as “an explosion of flavor that even non‑vegetarians will want to try.”

Other vegetarian staples include the “Texas‑style Chili” (made with a blend of black beans, pinto beans, and sweet corn) and the “Sautéed Greens with Grilled Halloumi.” Both dishes come with a side of freshly baked cornbread.

More Than Just Food: A Cultural Celebration

Beyond the mouth‑watering cuisine, the 2025 State Fair of Texas is a vibrant cultural tapestry that celebrates Texas history, music, and arts. A dedicated “Cultural Village” houses a live demonstration of the state’s traditional “Lassos & Longhorns” show, a “Texas Trail” where visitors can learn about the state’s historical trade routes, and an “Artisans’ Alley” that showcases local craftspeople.

Live Music and Entertainment

The fair’s music lineup is no less spectacular, featuring a blend of country, blues, and contemporary Texas rock. The Statesman reports that the “Big Top” stage will host an encore performance from country legend, Kelsey Collins, a Texas native who’s been touring the state since she was a teenager. Fans of the Red River Rivalry will have a chance to catch a live performance by the “Oklahoma State Marching Band,” which will be performing a halftime routine to celebrate the football rivalry.

Official Sources and Further Exploration

Readers interested in a deeper dive into the fair’s culinary offerings can consult the official State Fair of Texas website, which provides a detailed menu for each vendor and a downloadable recipe book featuring the fair’s signature dishes. To explore the specifics of the 2025 Texas vs. Oklahoma football matchup—including team stats, coaching staff bios, and ticketing information—fans can visit the University of Texas Athletics page and the Oklahoma Sooners website.

The Statesman article also cites a local food festival guide that includes a “Food Truck Radar” app, allowing visitors to locate the best trucks in real time. For those who want to replicate the state fair’s culinary experience at home, a “State Fair Recipes” page on the Texas Food Network provides step‑by‑step instructions for making BBQ brisket, smoked pork rinds, and the “Red‑River Rivalry Burger” in the comfort of their own kitchens.

Closing Thoughts

The 2025 State Fair of Texas is more than an annual event—it’s a celebration of the state’s heritage, its people, and the shared love of great food and spirited competition. The Statesman’s article underscores how the fair’s menu goes beyond simple indulgence, offering a culinary narrative that ties Texas’s barbecue tradition to the excitement of the Red River Rivalry. As visitors line up for the “Texas‑Tide Slider” and the “Oklahoma‑style Smoked Brisket,” they are not just tasting food; they’re savoring a slice of Texas culture that continues to evolve, adapt, and thrive year after year.