Overview
- Judges selected winners across six categories after an online fan vote narrowed the field to 18 finalists.
- Darlin’s Fried Chicken won Best Fried Food for chicken-fried lobster, while Rousso’s Fat Bacon took Classic Fair Food with Dubai chocolate funnel cake fries.
- Cajun Cowboy earned Best Dessert for bacon jam beignets, with additional firsts for Asian Streetness’ K’Boom K-Dog, Richie’s brisket cheese curd tacos, and Rousso’s bacon jam brisket biscuit.
- Dubai chocolate made its rodeo debut in the prizewinning funnel cake fries, reflecting viral trends shaping this year’s menus.
- A Houston Chronicle writer sampled 38 items and mapped recommended stands with prices and locations across Rodeo Plaza, outside NRG Center and NRG Arena, near the Junction stage, and at the McNee Gate; the rodeo runs through March 22.