Here Are The 14 Dishes You Have To Eat In Texas Before You Die

Chips and queso, smoky brisket, kolaches -- these are just some of the best meals in Texas. We don't know how you consider yourself a Texan if you haven't had all of these foods at least once. Here are 14 dishes you HAVE to eat in Texas before you die. It's just not optional.

1. Barbecue

We can't think of one food more iconic to Texas than juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender beef. The photo above features the famous BBQ pit from The Salt Lick Barbecue in Driftwood. It doesn't get much more heavenly than this.

2. Burgers

As if you needed an excuse to grab a good ol' burger in the first place (you don't), but they taste better in Texas since we invented them. Trust us, it's science.

3. Sweet tea

If you live in Texas and sweet tea has never passed your lips - honey, we are so sorry. And your grandma needs a stern reprimand.

4. Blue Bell

Yeah, it's that good. So delicious, in fact, that we nearly lost our minds when they flew off the shelves for a few months. We'll never take this creamy sweet treat for granted ever again.

5. Queso

Because Mexican food just wouldn't be the same without liquefied cheese.

6. Tex Mex

Thank God for Tex-Mex, because sometimes we want a vehicle other than tortilla chips for shoving the melty goodness into our mouths as fast as possible.

7. Dr Pepper

Okay, this isn't a "dish" per se, but c'mon...where would our lives be without Dr Pepper? This wonderful beverage was invented in Waco, Texas. The next time you're in the area, pop by the Dr Pepper museum and enjoy a refreshing glass of your favorite soda. It just seems to taste better in the city where it was born.

8. Chili

As long as it doesn't have beans, we can still be friends.

9. Chicken fried steak

Ain't nothin' wrong with being a meat and potatoes kind of person.

10. Kolaches

If you've never had an authentic kolache from West, Texas, you're seriously missing out. Whether you like things sweet or savory, there's a kolache that'll knock your socks off.

11. Fair food

The Texas State Fair is known for their creative fried concoctions. From fried beer to the classic funnel cake, we can't get enough of these indulgent eats.

12. Breakfast tacos

Because is there anything better than Mexican food and breakfast food? We think not.

13. Pecan pie

Setting: grandma's kitchen on Christmas morning. Pecan pie is one of those foods that's laced with nostalgia in every bite.

14. Whataburger

So maybe this isn't a specific dish...but it's Whataburger, so I think we can look past that small detail.

Of the best meals in Texas, which one is your favorite? What other dishes are obligatory when you live in the Lone Star State? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know a hidden gem eatery in this great state, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Craving some classic Texas eats? Check out our previous article: These 12 Barbecue Joints In Texas Will Leave You Begging For More.