Rodeo Houston 2026: Gold Buckle Foodie Award Winners Announced

The Houston Livestock Indicate and Rodeo’s most creative and crowd-favorite dishes were honored at the 2026 Gold Buckle Foodie Awards. Eighteen finalists competed, showcasing the best in fair food innovation and tradition.

Award Categories and Winners

A panel of judges, comprised of radio personalities, social media influencers, chefs, and local media members, tasted each dish across six categories. Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 winners:

Best Fried Food

• 1st Place: Chicken Fried Lobster – Darlin’s Fried Chicken (RP130)
• 2nd Place: Minneblueberry Pie – The Original Minneapple Pie (CD202)
• 3rd Place: Deep Fried Edamame with Spicy Garlic Sauce – Asian Streetness (AR603)

Best Food-on-a-Stick

• 1st Place: K’boom K-Dog – Asian Streetness (AR603)
• 2nd Place: Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog – Pioneer Wagon (CD205)
• 3rd Place: Chicken Bacon Ranch Waffle Stick – Waffle Chix (CD204)

Classic Fair Food

• 1st Place: Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries – Rousso’s Fat Bacon (RP125)
• 2nd Place: Pork-King Luau Sliders – The Finer Diner (RP47)
• 3rd Place: Loaded Cowboy Fries – Pioneer Wagon (CD205)

Most Creative Food

• 1st Place: Brisket Cheese Curd Tacos – Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos (J403)
• 2nd Place: Skillet Potato Melt… Plus! – Texas Sized Pizza / Burger and Chili Shack (RP35)
• 3rd Place: Loaded Cowboy Corn – Fields of Corn (J400 + L0066)

Best New Flavor

• 1st Place: Bacon Jam Brisket Biscuit – Rousso’s Fat Bacon (RP125)
• 2nd Place: Crunchy Sushi Balls – Asian Streetness (AR603)
• 3rd Place: Torta – Go Tejano Diner (RP40)

Best Dessert

• 1st Place: Bacon Jam Beignets – Cajun Cowboy (RP55)
• 2nd Place: Chill & Thrill Delight – Mamacita’s (AR602)
• 3rd Place: Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick – Waffle Chix (CD204)

Rodeo guests can sample many of these award-winning foods throughout the grounds during the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.