13 things only real Texans love to eat and drink

1. BBQ without the sauce

A photo posted by Robert Sierra (@sspitcrew) on Apr 18, 2016 at 1:43pm PDT

It should come as no surprise BBQ is at the top of the list for most Texans. Vegetarians can have free reign over Austin, but most of us invade the rest of the state seeking smoked meat.

2. Dr. Pepper

A photo posted by Bethany Toney (@bethanytoney) on Oct 21, 2016 at 12:26pm PDT

Did you know this tasty concoction was invented in Waco over a hundred years ago? It took longer than that before 7-11 was stocking Dr. Pepper Slurps, but Texans were still drinking it left and right. Now, you can even find it in vending machines around Shinjuku.

3. All kinds of steak

A photo posted by Krystofe 83 (@cris_badillo_) on Feb 7, 2017 at 9:02am PST

…as long as you don’t order it well done. Seriously, why would you put beef through that? Texas is known for its diners serving up chicken fried steak, and the 72-oz steak challenge in Amarillo.

4. Blue Bell ice cream

A photo posted by annahawkins (@anna_hawkins) on Jul 3, 2015 at 2:21pm PDT

Ben and Jerry’s? Go back to California. All genuine Texans love the great taste of ice cream from Brenham, listeria be damned.

5. Corn dogs

A photo posted by Wienerschnitzel (@wienerschnitzel) on Dec 29, 2016 at 2:18pm PST

If there’s one food that brings back childhood memories of road trips and throwing darts at the Texas State Fair, it’s a good corn dog. Just add a mustard and you’ll never go back to regular hot dogs again.

6. Chips and salsa

A photo posted by @mizzwetwet420 on Jan 26, 2017 at 11:26pm PST

Why even order main courses when most Mexican places around Texas offer unlimited chips and salsa?

7. Tex-mex

A photo posted by Torchy’s Tacos (@torchystacos) on Feb 7, 2017 at 8:56am PST

Burritos, fajitas, tacos… it’s a minor miracle we’re not in food comas all the time.

8. Shiner Bock

A post shared by Shiner Beer (@shinerbeer) on Nov 12, 2016 at 1:01pm PST

What better way to wash down some of that salty food with a sweet (meaning delightful, not the flavor) Texas beer? You might even be ready to Two Step afterwards.

9. Tamales

A photo posted by Courtney Bullard (@court_bullard) on Dec 27, 2016 at 3:45pm PST

For me, there’s no finer memory than riding in the backseat of my parent’s car and heading to such an unassuming place to eat like the Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory.

10. Pecan Pie

A photo posted by Tiny Pies (@tinypies) on Dec 6, 2016 at 9:14am PST

Depending on where you live, there might be a pecan tree littering your backyard with the nuts.

11. Chili

A photo posted by Molina’s Cantina (@molinascantina) on Dec 7, 2016 at 7:16am PST

No list of Texas delicacies would be complete without tried and true chili. There’s a famous cookout in Terlingua in November, but none of us need to drive that far to get just the right mix of beef and peppers, maybe with a little cornbread to cut down on the spiciness.

12. Kolaches

A photo posted by Texas Highways Magazine (@texashighways) on Nov 12, 2016 at 8:03am PST

Tamales aren’t the only foods that make Texans line up outside the door. Just outside of Waco on any given day we have to make a run to the Czech Stop Bakery and devour some of these eastern European baked goods.

A post shared by ZZQ | Texas Craft Barbeque (@zzqrva) on Mar 1, 2017 at 6:43am PST

13. Texas toast

A photo posted by Delilah Chavez (@dee_lalah) on Dec 24, 2015 at 11:45am PST

Texas toast reminds me of bread in Japan: double the thickness, and rarely wheat. Once you’ve had some of this as French toast (Texas French toast? French Texas toast?), you’ll never go back.

Featured image: DaMongMan