The State Fair of Texas is back, and with it comes the highly anticipated Big Tex Choice Awards 2025. Each year, food vendors compete to create the most inventive and crave-worthy dishes, from savory bites to decadent sweets and refreshing sippers. These finalists showcase the best of fairground creativity, and the winners set the standard for must-try foods across the fairgrounds.
Plan your fair day tasting the top contenders, discovering new flavors, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that makes the State Fair of Texas a true tasty playground.
Big Tex Choice Awards 2025 – Winners
The Big Tex Choice Awards 2025 crowned the most inventive and delicious dishes at the State Fair of Texas. Visitors can now enjoy these award-winning foods while exploring Fair Park.
Best Taste – Savory: Crab & Mozzarella Arancini – Stefan T. Nedwetzky
They are a mix crab, mozzarella, and fresh herbs inside rice balls. Coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden. Each ball is served with marinara sauce, which makes every bite crisp and tender. The handmade process ensures fresh, flavorful portions.
Best Taste – Sweet: Chill & Thrill Delight – Tony & Terry Bednar
This delight is a mix of diced tropical fruits with fresh watermelon juice and topped with shaved mango sorbet. This combination creates a light, fruity treat that works perfectly on a warm fair day. You can also share it while walking the grounds.
Best Taste – Sipper: Cookie Chaos Milkshake – Brad Weiss
This glorious milk shake is a mix of cookie butter with snickerdoodle and Oreo chunks. Then it is topped with whipped cream, a Biscoff cookie, and cookie butter drizzle. This shake delivers a rich, indulgent flavor.
Most Creative: Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders – Kendall Williams
Wagyu patties topped with cheddar and applewood bacon. Sandwiched between fried deviled egg halves. The sliders combine a crispy exterior with a creamy, tangy interior. Making it a memorable savory snack while walking the fair.
With these winners in mind, you can plan your food route to taste the top contenders and discover new favorites.
Savory Finalists
Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels – Glen & Sherri Kusak
Soft pretzel dough filled with smoked brisket and cheddar beer cheese. Baked to golden perfection. The outside tastes salty while the inside stays gooey.
Deep Fried Deli Tacos – Brent & Juan Reaves
Corn tortillas filled with pastrami, mashed potatoes, and cheese. These tacos are fried until crisp and served with a creamy green sauce. The dish delivers a unique mix of New York deli and Dallas flavors.
Vietnamese Crunch Dog – The Le Family
Marinate meat, coated in panko and bánh mì crumbs. Fried to a golden finish. They top it with sriracha mayo and pickled vegetables, giving each bite crunch and bold flavor.
Sweet Finalists
Candy Lemon Sour Face – Chef Heather J. Perkins
Lemons coated in candy to balance sweet and tart flavors. A very unique, refreshing and playful snack.
Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake – Stephen El Gidi
Chocolate, pistachio cream, and cheesecake chunks in a cup. Each bite delivers rich flavor, smooth texture and indulgent satisfaction in every spoonful.
Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries – Isaac & Joey Rousso
Golden funnel cake strips drizzled with chocolate and pistachio cream. The combination delivers a sweet, crunchy, indulgent treat.
Tex’s Toast á la Mode – Michelle & Jayse Edwards
French toast with vanilla ice cream, caramel, maple syrup, and cinnamon cereal crunch. This dessert is perfect for friends or families looking for a cozy sweet snack.
Sipper Finalists
Coconut Quadruple – Binh Tran & My Vo
Fresh coconut with a coconut slushy and soft-serve ice cream. They sprinkle coconut flakes on top for a tropical touch. This drink will cool you down on hot fair days.
Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up – Tom Grace
Lemonade with honey and jalapeño. They rim the glass with chamoy and Tajín and add real honeycomb on top. This drink provides a bold, refreshing twist with a Texas kick.
Nevins Dirty Red Bull Tex-Arita – Josey & Tami Jo Nevins Mayes
Watermelon and blueberry Red Bull margaritas with cream liqueur. Topped with Pop Rocks and fresh fruit. For adults seeking a playful treat.
Poppin’ Boba Rita – Justin Martinez
Lime margarita with wine-infused boba pearls. Each pearl bursts with tropical fruit flavor.
Enjoy the award-winning flavors and discover your favorites at the Big Tex Choice Awards 2025 during the State Fair of Texas. Then continue exploring other attractions to complete your fair experience. Enjoy!
