Houston, Texas – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo crowned its 2026 Gold Buckle Foodie Award winners after a mouthwatering showdown among the event’s most inventive vendors. Eighteen finalist dishes, first narrowed down by public voting on social media, were judged by a panel of radio personalities, social media influencers, chefs and local media members across six categories.
This year’s competition spotlighted over-the-top fair food creativity, with everything from chicken fried lobster and brisket-stuffed biscuits to crunchy sushi balls and chocolate funnel cake fries. Top honors included Chicken Fried Lobster from Darlin’s Fried Chicken for Best Fried Food and the K’boom K-Dog from Asian Streetness for Best Food-on-a-Stick. Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries from Rousso’s Fat Bacon took first in Classic Fair Food, while Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos won Most Creative Food with their Brisket Cheese Curd Tacos.
Rousso’s Fat Bacon also claimed Best New Flavor with its Bacon Jam Brisket Biscuit, and Cajun Cowboy’s Bacon Jam Beignets were named Best Dessert. Rodeo guests can find these award-winning bites and more all across the grounds during the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, sampling the bold, creative flavors that keep Rodeo food a fan favorite year after year.
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