The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the United States. And if you’ve ever searched for “what food is Dallas known for,” you’ll find many choices of Dallas cuisine to experience. So, it’s no wonder that many North Texans also like to hit the treadmill or jogging/biking trails all around our area!

We love our food here – especially our zest for spice – and aren’t ashamed that if it’s not fried, spicy, salty, or gooey, it’s probably not on our favorite foodie lists. Here are 14 iconic foods and drinks that promise to leave even the most discriminating North Texan satisfied:

1. Chile con queso and chips (with a side of salsa, of course)

It's a popular appetizer and bar food, and North Texans love it if it's done right! Light, crispy chips are a requirement to make this appetizer a favorite!

2. Tex-Mex

We could go on and on, but Tex-Mex would undoubtedly be the designated food of choice, even if we had to just name one. After all, Tex-Mex is said to have been invented right here in Dallas!

3. Frito Pie

Frito Pie also originated in Dallas. It's an easy-to-make favorite: take your tastiest Texas chili recipe and place it on top of Fritos chips. Add cheese, onions, jalapeños, and/or pickles and you have a filling... and delightfully crunchy... meal.

4. Chicken-fried steak and fried okra

Texas created this Southern favorite, and it's so good that there is an official day dedicated to the delicious entrée. It's best when served with peppered cream gravy and a side of Southern-fried okra. Pure bliss!

5. Pecan pie

The pecan tree was adopted as the official state tree of Texas in 1919. Our official nut? Pecan, of course. So it's not hard to see why we make the best pecan ever from our local produce.

6. Pecan pralines

We also love our pecan pralines, which are sold at most Tex-Mex restaurants and are made as a holiday favorite in many households.

7. Fletcher's Corny Dog

Did you know that these batter-covered, deep-fried creations were initially made just for Texans? Yep! Now, it's practically illegal to go to the State Fair of Texas and NOT have a Fletcher's Corny Dog. They even have a jalapeño version as well as the best-selling classic. It comes with all the mustard you can eat!

8. Frozen margarita

It's no surprise that the frozen margarita machine was created in Dallas; it's the perfect complement to all of the tasty Tex-Mex options around here.

9. Fajita meat served any which way

Fajita meat, which is made from beef skirt, originated from Spanish ranch hands from Texas. We all love classic fajitas (served skillet-style with vegetables and heaped on a flour tortilla), but we have become quite inventive with the tasty meat, serving them on nachos, quesadillas, and tacos.

10. Fried food

Whether it's fried butter, fried beer, fried Twinkies, or even fried hamburgers, the State Fair of Texas has it all. We love to see the creative new fried-food winners every year from the coveted Big Tex Food Awards.

11. Dr. Pepper float (made with Blue Bell, of course)

This duo is unbeatable. Take Texas' Blue-Bell vanilla ice cream and pair it with Waco-based Dr. Pepper. It is drink/dessert nirvana!

12. Chimichanga

Stories tell that the chimichanga was an accident waiting to happen: a cook accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep-fat fryer... from there, a food favorite was born!

13. Stuffed jalapeños

Could a cheese-stuffed hot jalapeño wrapped in bacon be any more Texan?

14. Barbecue and Texas T-bones

There's just too much savory meat goodness in the Metroplex to list them all separately. Not only do we grill the best Texas T-bones, but our slow-cooked brisket, pork, and chicken are drool-worthy, too!

Wanna see a food tour around Dallas? Check out this YouTube video by Fantabulous Travels highlighting some of the best places to eat in the area.

https://youtu.be/UOYF-v7IloU

With so many robust flavors and a diverse variety of foods available throughout the Metroplex, this is by no means a full list of Dallas cuisine. Rather, think of it as an appetizer. What other iconic foods in Dallas would you add to this list? Share your suggestions in the comments! We love to find new food experiences!