RESTAURANT & FOOD NEWS

RESTAURANT & FOOD NEWSChicken-fried lobster and Dubai chocolate funnel cake fries among winners at Houston rodeo's 2026 Gold Buckle Foodie AwardsDubai chocolate funnel cake fries and chicken-fried lobster were among the winners at the Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, which returned to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for its 18th year.
The food competition gives rodeo vendors a chance to showcase new foods in the following categories: fried food, food-on-a-stick, fair food, most creative, new flavor and dessert. Each category had three entries, which were narrowed down from a longer list in an online fan vote ahead of the in-person tasting.
Here are the winners, which you can find at the Houston rodeo. Each can be found on the rodeo grounds.Best Fried Food
1st: Chicken fried lobster, Darlin's Fried Chicken
2nd: Minneblueberry Pie, The Original Minneapple Pie
3rd: Deep fried edamame with spicy garlic sauce, Asian StreetnessBest Food On a Stick
1st: K'Boom K-Dog, Asian Streetness
2nd: Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog, Pioneer Wagon
3rd: Chicken Bacon Ranch Waffle Stick, Waffle ChixClassic Fair Food
1st: Dubai chocolate funnel cake fries, Rousso's Fat Bacon
2nd: Pork-kind lua sliders, The Finer Diner
3rd: Loaded cowboy fries, Pioneer WagonMost Creative
1st: Brisket cheese curd tacos, Richie's Cheese Curd Tacos
2nd: Skillet Potato Melt... Plus!, Texas Sized Pizza/Burger & Chili Shack
3rd: Loaded Cowboy Corn, Fields of CornBest new flavor
1st: Bacon jam brisket biscuit, Rousso's Fat Bacon
2nd: Crunchy sushi balls, Asian Streetness
3rd: Torta, Go Tejano DinerBest Dessert
1st: Bacon jam beignets, Cajun Cowboy
2nd: Chill & thrill delight, Mamacitas
3rd: Strawberries & cream waffle stick, Waffle Chix