The State Fair of Texas announced a robust lineup of 40 new food and beverage selections for this year’s Fair, which runs from September 25 through October 18. Organizers highlighted the variety of flavors and concepts, from sweet treats to savory bites, all available across the Fair’s many booths.
Sweet and refreshing favorites
Among the standout desserts is the Candy Watermelon from Chamoy Treats, located on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The treat features a chilled watermelon slice wrapped in Fruit by the Foot, then coated with sour chamoy and a dusting of Tajín. It’s a messy but refreshing option that many visitors say will be a hit on hot Fair days.
Another crowd‑pleaser is the Limonata Fresca Float, served by Granny’s by the Coliseum and Foot Long Corn Dogs on Grand Avenue. The drink blends Italian lemonade with fresh watermelon purée, topped with lemon sorbet, a sugar‑rimmed cup, and mint garnish.
Savory bites and creative twists
Food‑truck favorites include the Rude Boy Yaki Noodles from Doc’s Street Grill on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The dish combines stir‑fried yakisoba noodles, shrimp, carrots, scallions, ginger, and bell peppers in a spicy fusion sauce.
For a daring take on a classic snack, Smokey Johnz Deli in Cotton Bowl Plaza offers hollowed‑out Twinkies filled with slow‑smoked brisket, bacon, fresh jalapeños, and cream cheese, then battered, coated in panko, deep‑fried, and drizzled with raspberry chipotle sauce.
Chris Waits, who attended the new‑foods tasting event in the Tower Building, praised the Focaccia alla Porchetta e Salsa Verde from the EATALY booth in Cotton Bowl Plaza. The soft focaccia is layered with slow‑roasted porchetta and finished with a bright salsa verde.
Hearty sandwiches and indulgent desserts
The Tower Building also hosts the The Niece from Smith Spot BBQ, a grilled‑cheese brisket sandwich served on French toast, topped with bacon, scallions, powdered sugar, and bourbon sauce—a modern spin on the Monte Christo.
Highland Park Soda Fountain presents the All Shook Up milkshake, a banana‑pudding ice cream blend with peanut‑butter sauce, a peanut‑butter cookie, crispy bacon, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and a cherry.
Other notable desserts include the Matcha Parfait from Sandoitchi, a sponge cake layered with matcha and seasonal fruit, and the Deep Fried Thai Tea Tres Leches Cake from Fusion BBQ & Wings, a sponge cake soaked in Thai‑tea‑flavored tres leches and fried to a golden finish.
Cool drinks to beat the Texas heat
For those seeking a cold beverage, the Fair offers several options. The Frozen Ranch Water 250 from The Beer Barn in Cotton Bowl Plaza comes in original, blueberry, or strawberry flavors, or a swirl of all three. The Midnight Ruby Rush from Tony’s Taco Shop in the Tower Building mixes hibiscus, fresh strawberries, frosted foam, and mint, finished with a chamoy rim.
Other inventive drinks include the Ferris Wheel Fizz from Cajun Swamp Treats and the Dr Pepper Dippin’ Dots creation, a cold Dr Pepper topped with coconut drizzle, lime, whipped cream, red sprinkles, and a Dr Pepper jellybean.
Where to find the new offerings
Most of the new items are concentrated in the air‑conditioned Tower Building, making it a convenient hub for visitors who want to sample multiple dishes without braving the outdoor heat. The Fair’s official website provides a full map of booth locations, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. corridor, Cotton Bowl Plaza, Grand Avenue, and the Funway.
With 40 fresh options added to the menu, the 2026 State Fair of Texas promises a culinary adventure for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy classic Fair favorites alongside bold new creations.
Original reporting: Focus Daily News — read the source article.
