The countdown to the State Fair of Texas is officially on, and the energy is as electric as the midway lights. Every fall, Dallas transforms into a playground of fried fantasies and wild culinary experiments, but nothing stirs more excitement than the Big Tex Choice Awards. This competition has become the heartbeat of the fair, where food vendors dream up outrageous creations that are equal parts delicious and daring—and this year’s lineup may just be the boldest yet.
In the savory category, expect comfort food turned on its head. Think Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels with smoky meat tucked inside pillowy dough, or golden Crab & Mozzarella Arancini that ooze with molten cheese at first bite. There’s even a mash-up for taco lovers—Deep Fried Deli Tacos, crunchy shells filled with sandwich-inspired goodness—and playful picks like the Vietnamese Crunch Dog, a fair-food spin that layers Asian flavors over an American classic. For those who want indulgence in bite-size form, the Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders might just be the most Texas thing on the menu.
As always, sweets steal the spotlight. Fairgoers will have to save room for treats like the tangy Candy Lemon Sour Face, the icy Chill & Thrill Delight, and the show-stopping Tex’s Toast à la Mode—a decadent spin on classic Texas toast that becomes a dessert centerpiece. But it’s the Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake and Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries that have become the talk of the midway. Drenched in rich, glossy chocolate and designed for spectacle, these desserts are over-the-top in the best way. Are they a gimmick? Absolutely. But that’s the beauty of the fair—where gimmicks are celebrated, photographed, and devoured with joy.
This year also marks the debut of a new “Sipper” category, proving that beverages can be just as wild as fried food. Sip your way through a frothy Cookie Chaos Milkshake, a tropical Coconut Quadruple, or a tart Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up. If you’re craving something a little stronger, the Poppin’ Boba Rita and the cheeky Nevins Dirty Red Bull Tex-arita are ready to keep spirits high.
Choosing a favorite is nearly impossible, but the Dubai Chocolate creations claim the crown. They embody everything the State Fair stands for: big flavors, bigger fun, and the unapologetic thrill of indulging in something you’d never find anywhere else. Close behind are the Vietnamese Crunch Dog and the Cookie Chaos Milkshake, proof that this year’s competition is stacked with winners no matter what direction your taste buds take you.
Of course, the State Fair isn’t just about food. There will be concerts, rodeos, parades, carnival rides, and all the tradition Texans hold dear. But let’s be honest: food is the fair’s main attraction, and in 2025, the culinary creativity is set to make history once again. Whether you’re chasing chocolate-covered decadence, sipping your way through outrageous drinks, or digging into savory bites with Texas-sized flair, this year’s fair promises to be a feast for all the senses—and one we’ve been counting the days to devour.
