There’s no shortage of delicious food at the Most Texan Place on Earth®, the State Fair of Texas! In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and the Fair’s 140th year, we’re serving up some of the Fair’s best bites in three categories: something old, something new, and something special… with a gluten-free twist! We are highlighting eight concessionaires who bring us mouthwatering eats from each category.
Howdy’s
While longtime concessionaire Tom Grace has earned his fame through his famous pickle pizza and other Fair favorite creations, his most recent menu item for this year’s Fair scored him ‘Best Taste: Savory’ at the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards: Burger Chop Tater Tacos! This dish, along with loaded nachos, wings, and strawberry lemonade, are all gluten-free delights you can find at his stand ‘Howdy’s Hangout.’ Tom Grace is determined to bring fairgoers award-winning bites, no matter the dietary requirements!
HGG Tanghulu
Something new is coming to the State Fair of Texas – Tanghulu! With a crispy, juicy burst of flavor, HGG Tanghulu is here to satisfy. Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack that combines fruit placed on a skewer dipped in crunchy candy coating. Each treat variation offered by the vendor is not only gluten-free, but is sure to be refreshing!
Vandalay
The Fair has a strong legacy with many concessionaires returning for years to come. In 2005, Abel Gonzales, owner of Vandalay Industries, made State Fair history when his Fried Peanut Butter, Jelly & Banana Sandwich, which became the first-ever winner of the Big Tex Choice Awards for Best Taste. While fried foods may not fit the gluten-free palate, Abel’s creativity spans beyond fried foods! From delicious lemonades to strawberries drizzled with chocolate, Abel’s treats can satisfy every Fairgoers’ taste buds!
Eataly
Eataly began as a store front in Turin, Italy with its central idea to bring together a market, restaurants, and a place to learn about Italian food and traditions all under one roof. With Eataly returning once again to the Most Texan Place on Earth, cool down and enjoy their rich and velvety Gelato. Coming in many flavors ranging from chocolate, vanilla, and even mango, there is something for everyone on a gluten-free journey to love! Fairgoers can enjoy an Italian classic while exploring the flavors and cultures that make Texas and America such diverse food destinations.
Fruteria Cano
Before becoming a familiar concession stand at the Fair, founder Jose Cano’s story began in Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo, Mexico, where he grew up in a family of vendors. Today, Fruteria Cano offers Fairgoers a taste of Mexican and Hispanic food traditions through fresh fruit and colorful refreshing treats. For those who are gluten-free, fear not, almost all of the bites from Fruteria Cano fit your needs! At the State Fair of Texas, Fairgoers can experience the joy of heritage and the vibrant Hispanic culture that make up such an important part of Texas.
Sandoitchi
Sandoitchi is a Japanese-forward concept inspired by Japanese cuisine, with their own Texas twist. For gluten-free Fairgoers, the matcha drinks, first introduced at the Fair in 2023, are a particularly sweet and unique treat to enjoy. Sandoitchi sources and imports its ceremonial-grade matcha directly from Japan, which is the highest quality tier of matcha. Three of their ceremonial matcha flavors include Horchata Latte, Strawberry Latte, and Blueberry Latte. Each offers a fun and different twist on traditional matcha, adding in that special Texas flair!
Doc’s Street Grill
The Fair is not only about bringing families together, but also people from different cultures and all walks of life. Food can be a beautiful way to incorporate culture and showcase the love and passion people have for their culinary creations. Doc’s Street Grill brings the Fair tangible evidence of how food traditions come together in new ways. Founder Stephen Alade combines Jamaican and Caribbean flavors to create a masterpiece of flavor. The fan-favorite Jamaican Jerk Chicken on a Stick is sure to bring you the bold kick of flavor, with the added plus of being gluten-free!
Whether it is your first Fair or 50th, the Most Texan Place on Earth is guaranteed to bring you new fun and fresh flavors that will wow you each time. For the 2026 State Fair of Texas, we have the amazing and special opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th as well as our 140th anniversary. Reflecting on the rich history and culture not only in Texas, but the entire country as well, it is evident how special the people truly are, and the love and care that go into the treats they whip up are especially evident at the State Fair of Texas!