Matt James Reveals His Top 10 Must-Try Foods At The 2025 State Fair Of Texas

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Offering us an insider’s perspective from The Bachelor, Matt James gave us his list for 2025 State Fair of Texas food offerings that feature 10-worthy creations for new decadent foodie places. His video takes viewers to the backstage of the high decadence of offerings such as spiked frozen Dr. Pepper and deep-fried carbonara. What better gastronomic preview could one have than a checklist to use as a map for the giant and often overwhelming menu selection of the state fair?

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State Fair of Texas is an annual spectacle, but for many, it is the food that matters at the event. Matt James hit social media to cut through the noise and share with his followers a quick summary of the most noteworthy new items. These selections are fast-food creations, definitely not for the faint-hearted; he is all about those maximalist creations that define the fair culinary culture pushing a little bit too far.

The tour got started at Fernie’s, a stand that prides itself in good old-fashioned funnel cake action, recommending the spiked frozen Dr. Pepper as a must. Next stops; Dickies, showing off the Dubai Chocolate Dream Dessert or Big Back Expo, while Sanduichi was recommended for both the Deep Fried Mochi Sandwich and a Mochi Flute to go along with it.

Matt gave the strongest backing to a cinnamon-roll operation. “I’ve never seen so much butter and so much sugar used to create a cinnamon roll,” James told viewers on screen. “And that is why I will be back to Shugs every year.” A real, enthusiastic reaction like that formed a deep connection with his audience.

That certainly gastronomic list was not all sugar bombs, though. The Deep Fried Carbonara at Eatily called him: “Pasta dippers that are incredible.” Passionate pleas led to Bacon-Filled Cannolis at Rousseau’s Fat Back: “One of my top bites.” He wanted to make certain you had theirs’ Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fry.

More on the worthy list were: Russell’s Deep Fried Sweet Potato Pie; Tony’s Taco Shop for their Guacarones (crispy pork skins served with fresh guacamole); and Gulf Coast Grow for Cajun Stuffed Pasta with Cajun Alfredo sauce on the side, which he liked so much that he commented, “I could drink by itself.” He finished off with Cornbread Donuts topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, promising a second visit to the fair and inviting suggestions.

Reactions poured in lexically in feelings of excitement, shared panic, and pragmatic inquiry. A user summed up the sentiments of many other viewers: “That all looks SOOOOOOO GOOOOOD.” Another user was already plotting a trip: “Saving this for my next trip to the fair… didn’t have much time Friday to get around,” thus highlighting James’ guides’ practicality for any visitor running short on time.

The comments were filled with jokes about an eventual reckoning for the sheer amount of indulgence. “The real question is how much did you spend 😂.” “All looks so good but probably cost you like $250,” joked another. “I want a calorie count on this Sunday Funday,” said yet another, emphasizing the absurdity of the fair’s food culture.

The post spurred feelings of regional food envy. “I need a review like this for the Virginia State Fair!” exemplifies the reach of James’s influence beyond the Texas borders. Another more astute viewer observed the sartorial choice, “Not you wearing a full jean outfit in this Texas heat,” bringing some relief laughter to his gastronomic tour.

The vendors in the video joined the fray as well. The official Dickies Meats account replied, “We’re so glad you stopped by! Our team had a blast with you!” Obviously, this exchange will be mutual.

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Thanks to a personally curated list from experience, Matt James has truly rendered a great service to the fairgoers. This video is more than just a review; it is a carefully crafted experience, a roadmap guiding you through arguably one of the largest and tastiest state fairs in the country. Matt pledges to return, cementing him further as the ultimate guide to deluxe fair food. His culinary adventures also include top pizza spots in Chicago and he recently discovered a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. For those interested in other state fair guides, he has previously shared his must-eat foods at the Minnesota State Fair and even toured a legendary cafeteria in Wake Forest.