Dallas isn’t just about cowboy boots and football. It’s a city where food tells a story, and every neighborhood has its own flavor. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, Dallas has a food scene that always finds new ways to surprise you.
So if you’re hungry and wondering what you absolutely have to try in the Big D, here’s a guide to the top 10 must-try dishes that define the city’s dining culture. From hole-in-the-wall gems to buzzy favorites, this list highlights what makes the best food in Dallas Texas worth talking about.
1. Birria Tacos from Trompo
If you’re on a mission to find the best Mexican food in Dallas, start in Oak Cliff at Trompo. Their birria tacos are messy, rich, and packed with flavor. The crispy tortilla, slow-cooked beef, and consommé dip combo hits just right.
You’ll want to eat these hot and fresh, ideally with a Mexican Coke on the side. Late night food in Dallas doesn’t get more satisfying than this.
2. Brisket from Pecan Lodge
No Dallas food list is complete without barbecue. Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum is known across the state for its juicy, smoky brisket. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget about sides entirely.
If you’re planning a food tour, go early. The line gets long, but it moves fast, and the brisket is worth the wait. It’s often ranked among the best dishes in Dallas, and for good reason.
3. Duck Fat Fried Chicken from Whistle Britches
Crispy skin. Juicy meat. Just the right amount of spice. The duck fat fried chicken at Whistle Britches takes a Southern classic and levels it up.
They serve it with house-made pickles and hot honey, and if you’re dining with friends, get the bucket. You’re going to want leftovers. It’s one of the best food experiences in Dallas Texas when you’re craving comfort food with a twist.
4. Elote Pizza from Cane Rosso
Yes, pizza. But make it Texas. Cane Rosso’s Elote pizza takes street corn, adds some jalapeño heat, and layers it on a Neapolitan crust. It’s not traditional, but it works.
This dish proves that even when Dallas does Italian, it can’t help but mix in some Mexican influence. For something unexpected but still local, this one’s a must.
5. Chicken Biryani from Kalachandji’s
Hidden inside a Hare Krishna temple, Kalachandji’s is one of the most peaceful dining spots in Dallas. Their vegetarian buffet rotates daily, but if you time it right, the chicken biryani is unforgettable.
It’s fragrant, hearty, and full of layered spices. You don’t have to be vegetarian to appreciate the love that goes into every plate. It’s easily one of the best dishes in Dallas when you’re looking for something soulful and slow-cooked.
6. Breakfast Tacos from Resident Taqueria
For a casual breakfast or a midday bite, Resident Taqueria in Lake Highlands serves up simple but delicious tacos. The potato, egg, and cheese taco is a solid go-to, but you can’t go wrong with their seasonal specials either.
When people talk about the best Mexican food in Dallas, Resident usually comes up. It’s a neighborhood favorite that delivers flavor without fuss.
7. Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy from TJ’s Seafood Market
You might not think of seafood when you think Dallas, but TJ’s proves you should. Their fried shrimp po’ boy is crispy, buttery, and perfectly dressed with lettuce and tomato on a toasted roll.
Pair it with their homemade chips and a cold beer. It’s the kind of meal you grab on a warm day when you want something filling but fresh. For fans of the best food in Dallas Texas that’s not barbecue or Tex-Mex, this one’s a sleeper hit.
8. Korean Fried Chicken Wings from bbbop Seoul Kitchen
If you’re out late and need something bold, bbbop’s Korean fried chicken wings are the answer. Glazed, sticky, and just spicy enough, they hit the spot every time.
Dallas has a growing Korean food scene, and this place keeps things casual but always delivers. It’s a top contender for late night food in Dallas that feels like more than just a snack.
9. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Palmer’s Hot Chicken
This isn’t just heat for the sake of heat. Palmer’s balances their spice with creamy slaw and pickles, all tucked into a soft bun. The result is a hot chicken sandwich that’s crunchy, tender, and full of flavor.
If you’ve been searching for one of the best dishes in Dallas that brings the Southern fire, this is the one to beat. It’s also a great pick when you want a handheld meal that still feels elevated.
10. Sopapillas from El Fenix
Finish strong with something sweet. El Fenix has been a Dallas staple for decades, and their sopapillas keep the tradition alive. Puffy, golden, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these fried pastries come with honey for dipping.
When you’re exploring the best Mexican food in Dallas, it’s easy to focus on the tacos and enchiladas. But don’t skip dessert. These sopapillas are simple, nostalgic, and absolutely worth saving room for.
Final Bites: Eat Your Way Through Dallas
There’s no single definition of the best food in Dallas Texas. That’s what makes eating here so much fun. The city brings together Southern traditions, global flavors, and late-night cravings in a way that feels effortless.
Whether you’re chasing the best Mexican food in Dallas or on the hunt for late night food in Dallas that actually delivers, there’s always something new to try. Each dish on this list has earned its spot, not just because it tastes great, but because it reflects the culture, creativity, and heart of the city.
Hungry yet? Join us on an Incloodie Food Tour to discover your own favorites. We’ll show you where to go, what to eat, and why Dallas is one of the best food cities in the country—one bite at a time.