I’ll admit, I am a new-ish resident to Texas, but I’m a quick learner and observer of the food around me. Exploring new cultures is especially exciting when food is involved and Texas definitely has its own food culture. Since living here, here are a couple realities I’ve come to know.
1. You’re either a Torchy’s Taco or Velvet Taco fan
Photo courtesy of @TorchysTacos on Instagram
Choose your side wisely. I’ll give you a hint, the right side is Torchy’s.
2. There’s nothing like a plate BBQ with brisket, coleslaw, and potatoes
Photo courtesy of @houbbq on Instagram
It’s best right out of the smoker. Make sure to visit one of the best BBQ spots in Texas.
3. Donuts are filled with meats, cheeses, and eggs instead of jelly and cream
Photo courtesy of @foodbeast on Instagram
Kolaches are everywhere and are filled with eggs, meat and even sweet jams.
4. You will find tortilla chips in your breakfast
Photo courtesy of @adair_kitchen on Instagram
Traditional foods like migas and chilaquiles are made with eggs, fried tortilla strips and various meats and veggies.
5. There’s only one “-mex” and that’s Tex-Mex
Photo courtesy of @come_eat_with_me on Instagram
You will be served beans and cheese, always refried, always cheesy.
6. At some point, you will eat Texas
Photo courtesy of @x_olivejuice on Instagram
Pride runs deep y’all.
7. You’ll wonder who Pappas is
Photo courtesy of @kamckinnor on Instagram
Pappas got all of your cuisines covered. There’s Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappasitos, Pappadeaux, Pappas Bros and Pappas Burgers.
8. A road trip is not complete without a stop at Bucee’s
Photo courtesy of @scotthoutx on Instagram
The best rest stops sell BBQ grills, home goods and thousands of snacks.
9. People will wait in line for good BBQ no matter the temperature
Photo courtesy of @alvinwayne on Instagram
Even if it’s over 100°F, people will still line up for food.
10. Central Market is Whole Foods on steroids
Photo courtesy of @centralmarket on Instagram
What could be better than a grocery store that has a food festival almost every month? One that is cheaper than Whole Foods.
11. When you leave, you will crave Whataburger
Photo courtesy of @whataburger on Instagram
Better than McD’s and open 24 hours.
12. But not only the burgers, the ketchup too
Photo courtesy of @whataburger on Instagram
They don’t call it fancy for nothing.
13. Anything edible can and will be deep fried at the Rodeo
Photo courtesy of @bigfoodies on Instagram
Butter, ice cream, Pop Tarts, cheesecake, and even Nutella.
14. Come summertime, you will find people floating down the river with a cooler
Photo courtesy of @niaboms on Instagram
Your cooler will need its own float. Here’s how to fill it up for the weekend.
15. Queso
Photo courtesy of @ouratx_official on Instagram
It’s not Velveeta. Step aside salsa and guac, there’s a new dip in town.
16. Sweet tea is the default
Photo courtesy of @hotchickentakeover on Instagram
It’s a given when you’re in the South.
17. Country Fried Steak will make you feel real Southern
Photo courtesy of @ycc_0811 on Instagram
It’s like fried chicken, but better.
18. White bread will always be served with good BBQ
Photo courtesy of @macsbarbq on Instagram
You gotta have something to soak up the extra BBQ sauce.
19. There is no other ice cream choice except Blue Bell
Photo courtesy of @bluebellicecream on Instagram
There may have been a listeria outbreak last year, but they’re still the best around.
20. Forget about shrimp boils, you’re in Crawfish Country
Photo courtesy of @josephkeith on Instagram
Mini lobsters or giant shrimp? Warning, you’re going to want to wear a bib when you eat these.
21. Breakfast Tacos are the sh*t
Photo courtesy of @torchystacos on Instagram
I’m still confused as to why the rest of America doesn’t know about these bad boys.