Best Vegan and Vegetarian Foods at the 2025 State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas isn’t just a paradise for meat lovers—it’s also a destination for anyone craving delicious vegetarian fare. While fair food has long been synonymous with indulgence and nostalgia, today’s fairgrounds are embracing plant-based dining that go way beyond salad. From deep-fried favorites to creative veggie twists, vegetarians and vegans can join in on the fair food fun without compromise. Get ready to dig in—here are some of the must-try meat-free eats you’ll find on the fairgrounds in 2025!
FLETCHER’S ORIGINAL CORNY DOGS
If you’re hankering for a corny dog, Fletcher’s has two meatless choices: the Veggie Dog (12 coupons) and Cheezy Pup (10 coupons). There isn’t a hot dog or veggie in the cheezy pup at all. Instead you’ll find soft, melty American cheese wrapped in the traditional Fletcher’s batter. It’s called a “pup” for good reason – it’s about half the size of a regular Fletcher’s corny dog. The Veggie Dogs is a LightLife Smart Dog Jumbo #1 - the best-selling veggie dog in America. NOTE: This product is non-gmo soy and pea protein and is cooked in the same oil as the Original Corny Dogs.
Photo c/o Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs
STIFFLER’S CONCESSIONS
Before your time at the Fair comes to an end, be sure to grab a Fair favorite at the sweetest spot on the Funway. Enjoy a rich and decadent order of Fried Double Stuffed Oreos, generously dusted with powdered sugar, while watching the fireworks light up the sky. Or maybe a Fried S’More, a deep-fried version of the classic campfire dessert. They are made by encasing a marshmallow and chocolate square within graham cracker crumbs, then deep-frying the creation until golden brown and gooey.
If savory is what you are looking for, the Sweet Spot also offers Fried Smokey Elote Corn Ribs - corn on the cob sliced lengthwise battered and fried topped with a smokey creamy sauce, cotija cheese and sprinkled with cilantro. Another fan favorite is the Fried Stuffed Olives on a Stick stuffed with herbed cream cheese and served with creamy jalapeño ranch or honey mustard. The olives are huge and plump and are very generously stuffed with cream cheese. If spicy is your thing, you can also get them with fried jalapeños.
You’ll find these items and other treats at Stiffler’s Sweet Spot on Admiral Nimitz Circle at Keating (N-9F) and on the Fun Way on the Midway (FW-9F)
Photos c/o Thomas Garza
ZABLE’S BELGIAN WAFFLES
For over six decades, the Zable family has delighted fairgoers with their signature culinary creations at Texas’ most iconic fairs and festivals. The tradition began in 1964 when Norman Zable discovered Belgian Waffles at the New York World’s Fair. Enthralled by their irresistible flavor, he introduced them to the State Fair of Texas - where they quickly became a beloved staple. They remain one of the Fair’s best-selling foods to this day!
Belgian Waffles (12) are lighter, pastry waffles with deeper pockets than American waffles. The batter is poured into a waffle iron with deep square grooves, creating waffles with a golden exterior and airy interior. The Zables top their Belgian Waffles with fresh whipped cream, strawberries, and confectioner (powdered) sugar. The waffles are baked, not fried, and only have 196 calories.
Zable’s Belgian Waffle stand also offers NEW! Strawberries with Belgian Chocolate (8), Chocolate Covered Strawberry Waffle Ball (10), and Nachos with Cheese & Jalapeños (10).
LOCATION:
Between the automobile and Centennial buildings at the end of the Esplanade, in front of the Hall of State (G39F)
Photos c/o Thomas Garza
FERNIE’S FUNNEL CAKES
The Winter family started as a vendor for the State Fair of Texas in 1969 selling nachos - which they call Nachitos (5) - but their status skyrocketed when they introduced Funnel Cakes (10) to Fairgoers on the 80’s. You can also enjoy a Fried Grilled Cheese with cup of tomato soup (9).
LOCATION:
The Dock (corner of Nimitz & Keating inside Embarcadero Building) N10
Fernie’s Funnel Cake Factory (In front of The Old Mill Inn) G1
WAFFLE WORKS
This concept debuted in 2024 with Waffle Stix – a warm, sweet, fluffy waffle on-a-stick dipped in the finest Belgian milk, white, or dark chocolate. Your creation is then hand-rolled in your choice of candy toppings such as crunchy salted caramel pearls, chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, marshmallows, or candy sprinkles, adding a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. NEW to the menu this year is Deviled Strawberries - strawberries filled with a cheesecake filling and topped with graham cracker crumble.
LOCATION:
Inside the Tower Building/Food Court
Photo credit: Thomas Garza