The Best of Deep-Fried Food: State Fair of Texas 2023 Food Award Winners

There is truly nothing in the world that compares to looking up at Big Tex eating a Fletcher’s corn dog and sipping an iced cold lemonade at the State Fair of Texas. This year, the fair will be open from September 29 - October 22, seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. on the weekends. Every year the Fair announces its Big Tex Choice winners, a variety of awards for different food categories such as sweet, savory, and creative. 

Savory

In the savory category, the winner was “Deep Fried Pho” by Michelle Le, which combines a traditional southern comfort treat with Vietnamese flavors. The dish includes noodles, beef, herbs, and sprouts that are all simmered in broth for a couple of hours. Each dish is also paired with an IPA served across fairgrounds, with the Deep Fried Pho pairing with Karbach’s Hopadillo IPA. 

Sweet

The winner in the sweet category was Biscoff Delight by Stephen El Gidi, a delicious pairing of a New York-style cheesecake coated in Belgian chocolate. The Biscoff cookies are caramelized and sprinkled on top for a perfect finish and pair with a Ziegenbock. Other notable finalists include Sweet Encanto, Tril-Ade, and Fried Cherry Pie in the Sky. 

Most Creative

Last up as the winner for the most creative dish is Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas by Cody & Lauren Hays. A beloved dish at most Tex-Mex restaurants across Dallas, this dish comes with vanilla-infused bananas with bourbon syrup and vanilla wafers all on top of that sweet and sugary sopapilla. It also pairs extremely well with a Ziegenbock and is the perfect sweet treat for a night at the fair. 

All winners and finalists can be found at booths across the fairgrounds, use this map to find your favorites! Grab a drink from the Magnolia Wine and Beer Garden and enjoy this year’s Big Tex Award winners. 

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