Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo transforms NRG Park into a bustling hub of entertainment, education, and culinary delights. Running until March 23, this grand event showcases a diverse array of activities, including unique food offerings from dozens of vendors. To help visitors navigate the extensive menu, a panel of local personalities, chefs, and food enthusiasts evaluates the best dishes in six categories: fried food, food-on-a-stick, classic fair food, most creative, best new flavor, and dessert. This year's winners highlight the innovative and traditional treats that make the Houston Rodeo a must-visit culinary destination.

A Feast of Fried Delights

The category for best fried food was fiercely competitive, with Asian Streetness taking the top spot with their Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls and Shrimp Chips. The combination of crispy egg rolls and crunchy shrimp chips offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Second place went to Rousso’s Fat Bacon for their Bacon Jam and Cheesy Pickle Fries, where the smoky bacon jam pairs perfectly with tangy pickles and melted cheese on fries. Lastly, Yoakum Packing Company’s Chicken Fried Bacon secured third place, providing a savory twist on a classic favorite.

In-depth exploration reveals that the judges were particularly impressed by the inventive use of ingredients and cooking techniques in each dish. The Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls stood out for their perfect balance of sweet and savory, while the Bacon Jam and Cheesy Pickle Fries showcased an exceptional blend of flavors that tantalized the taste buds. Chicken Fried Bacon offered a hearty and indulgent experience, making it a crowd-pleaser. These winning dishes not only met but exceeded expectations, setting a high bar for future competitions.

Stick-Tastic Treats and Sweet Confections

Among the food-on-a-stick options, Munch-oes Bakery’s Texas Praline Caramel Apple emerged as the winner. Its rich caramel coating and crunchy praline topping create a delightful treat on a stick. Corndog With No Name’s Midnight Cowboy Corndog took second place, offering a unique twist on the classic corndog. Paradise Burgers’ Tater Kegs on a Stick rounded out the top three, presenting a novel way to enjoy potato-based snacks.

The dessert category was equally impressive, with The Original Minnieapple Pie’s Minnie Cookie Dough Pie claiming first place. Its gooey cookie dough filling encased in a flaky crust made it a standout choice. Casa de Yummy’s Churro Ice Cream Sundae and Munch-oes Bakery’s Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich also received accolades for their creative twists on traditional sweets. Each dessert brought a unique element to the table, ensuring that visitors had plenty of delicious options to satisfy their sweet tooth. Overall, the variety and quality of the food-on-a-stick and dessert offerings at the Houston Rodeo truly set it apart as a premier culinary event.