If You’re From Texas, These 10 Classic Dishes Hit Home

If you grew up in the Lone Star State, you've probably eaten a ton of delicious food in your lifetime. Texas is famously known for its authentic Mexican and Mexican-inspired cuisine (also known as "Tex-Mex"), which combines a slew of rich flavors, spices, and traditions.

Whether you recall hitting up the same taco stand on the weekends or rushing downstairs to the kitchen to see that your mom made enchiladas (like I did), food makes up a large part of our childhoods here in Texas. Without further ado, here are 10 popular foods in Texas you likely grew up eating—and still indulge in today.

1. Fajitas

Did you know that fajitas actually originated here in Texas? The classic dish dates back to the Old West when Spanish ranchhands cooked beef and veggies over a fire—much like it's done today. Throw some cheese on there and stuff everything in a warm tortilla, and you're golden. Find fajitas at El Chaparral in Helotes, which has been family-owned and operated for more than 50 years.

2. Chicken-Fried Steak

We Texans are extremely picky about our chicken-fried steak, also commonly called "country-fried steak." If the meat isn't tender enough, the crust isn't crispy enough, and the gravy isn't the right consistency, most locals won't touch it with a ten-foot pole. Some of the best restaurants to find chicken-fried steak include Mary's Cafe in Strawn, Jake and Dorothy's in Stephenville, and Babe's Chicken Dinner House in Roanoke.

3. Burgers

You might be wondering what burgers are doing on this list since everyone in America eats them, but the first one ever was actually made here in the Lone Star State (and I'd like to think we still do them better than everyone else). From barbecue bacon burgers to mushroom and swiss and everything in between, you can find all sorts of burger varieties here in Texas. One of our favorite spots is Crow's Burger Shop in Temple.

4. Chili

Texas red chili is unlike any other. We do not include beans in our version—it's all meat or nothing! Of course, we throw in some tomatoes, onions, and spices (and include a thick slice of cornbread on the side), but no legumes will be found in our favorite recipes. Find some amazing chili at Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlour in Grapevine.

5. Frito Pie

Some states call this dish "walking tacos," because they mix the toppings directly into the Frito bag, but we call this Frito pie. Of course, you can throw some of your favorite taco ingredients into an individual corn chip bag and take it to go. But some of the best Frito pie is deliciously plated at some local restaurants and bars. Hat Creek Burger Company (with multiple locations across Texas) has one of the best.

6. Enchiladas

Texas was one of the first states to put cheese on top of our enchiladas instead of just using it as a filling. (Can you tell we really love our queso?) Whether you like your enchiladas with red or green sauce, or filled with chicken, carne asada, or carnitas, you can find it all baked to absolute perfection at local gatherings, events, and, of course, Tex-Mex restaurants. We love Mercadito y Taqueria in Galveston.

7. Breakfast Tacos

If eating tacos for breakfast is wrong, Texans don't want to be right. Bonus points if they're smothered in hot sauce or salsa verde. Most of us like to add eggs, cheese, and bacon, but sometimes you'll also find beans, seasoned potatoes, or sauteed peppers and veggies. They're the perfect on-the-go meal! Pick them up at hole-in-the-wall taco stands or trucks, or restaurants like Juan in a Million in Austin.

8. Brisket

The Lone Star State is obviously well known for its barbecue—and rightfully so. There are so many smokehouses and pits you can drive by to pick up the most delicious, tender meats around. Some of our favorites are brisket, smoked sausage, and pulled pork, with all kinds of homemade tangy barbecue sauce. A top BBQ joint in our book? The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood where you can also enjoy ice-cold beers with friends.

9. Queso

Did we mention we love cheese around here? Our queso dip is absolutely out of this world, and we put it on top of just about anything. Heat it, pour it over ground beef and tomatoes, and give us some crisp tortilla chips, and we're set. Some Austin-style dips will even include layers of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream—the perfect appetizer at any dinner (or just as a snack!).

10. Fried Okra

Let's be honest: we love any fried vegetable. But okra is definitely at the top of our list! This popular veggie is featured in all sorts of Southern cuisine, and is grown here in abundance, so it only makes sense to fry it up. Dip in ranch or any sauce of choice, and it makes the perfect bar snack. Find it at chains like Church's Texas Chicken in Kileen and Mutt & Jeff's in Vidor.

How many of these dishes did you eat growing up? Do you still indulge in these Texas classics today? If you're looking to reminisce with these iconic meals, consider taking a food-inspired road trip across the Lone Star State and try out Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your trip.