Winners unveiled for Big Tex Choice Awards 2023

Dallas - In anticipation of the upcoming Texas State Fair, set to kick off on September 29, the Big Tex Choice Awards panel announced this year's culinary winners on Sunday afternoon, Dallas Metro News reported.

This much-anticipated food competition has been a highlight of the State Fair of Texas since 2005, where vendors showcase their unique and delectable creations in hopes of securing a finalist spot.

This year's freshly crowned winners will soon offer fairgoers a chance to taste their award-winning dishes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the classic American fair experience.

2023 Savory Winner: Deep Fried Pho

Michelle Le has skillfully blended Southern cooking with classic Vietnamese comfort food in her creation of Deep Fried Pho. This fusion dish combines the flavors of Southern-fried cuisine with the refreshing ingredients of traditional pho. Inside the crispy roll, you'll find vermicelli noodles, tender beef slices, and a mix of fresh herbs and bean sprouts.

The dish is perfectly rounded out with a serving of pho broth, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, a cilantro sprig, and hoisin and sriracha sauces—each a standard feature in authentic Vietnamese pho restaurants.

2023 Sweet Winner: Biscoff Delight

The 2023 Sweet Winner has been awarded to Biscoff Delight, a luxurious dessert created by Stephen El Gidi.

This indulgent treat takes the classic New York-style cheesecake to a new level by infusing it with the rich flavors of Belgian chocolate and Biscoff cookies. Each slice is generously coated in a layer of crumbled Biscoff cookies and elegantly drizzled with Biscoff spread. The dessert doesn't just tantalize the taste buds; it's also visually striking, making it perfect for social media snaps, thanks to a carefully placed Biscoff cookie as garnish.

2023 Most Creative: Burbon Banana Carmel Sopapillas

The 2023 Most Creative award has been given to Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas, a bold twist on the traditional sopapilla, crafted by Cody and Lauren Hays.

This inventive dessert takes the classic sopapilla's airy, fried charm and enhances it with a mix of caramel-infused bananas, rich bourbon syrup, and crushed candied pecans. The lavish creation is further adorned with dollops of sweetened mascarpone cheese and crumbled Nilla Wafers, all topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. This dessert promises to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, State Fair of Texas