GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE

About

Gold Buckle Foodie Awards are awarded to the very best dishes across the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, showcasing the very best in fair food innovation and tradition. This prestigious competition features six distinct categories, each highlighting the creativity and flavor of the vendor. In each category, three finalists are selected, representing a diverse array of dishes that are sure to delight any foodie.

Judges embark on a delicious journey as they sample an impressive lineup of entries, from the indulgent chicken fried bacon to the bold and zesty chicharron nachos, and the sweet, sticky goodness of caramel apples. Each bite is a testament to the skill and imagination of the vendors behind these unique creations. After savoring these delectable dishes, the judges cast their votes, eagerly anticipating which culinary masterpieces will emerge as the champions.

2025 VOTING

Three weeks prior to Rodeo, the public is invited to participate in the voting process available on rodeohouston.com and social media.

The top three from each category are selected to advance, showcasing the very best of what the competition has to offer. Local personalities and food content creators serve on the judge’s panel, tasting dishes from the 18 finalists, ultimately picking the year’s Good Buckle Foodies.

FOLLOW THE 2024 GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE TRAIL

Embark on the ultimate Rodeo Foodie adventure by following the Gold Buckle Foodie trail on our interactive map! Visit each finalist’s booth, where you can taste their delicious creations and determine your top picks.

2025 VOTING

Three weeks prior to Rodeo, the public is invited to participate in the voting process available on rodeohouston.com and social media.

The top three from each category are selected to advance, showcasing the very best of what the competition has to offer. Local personalities and food content creators serve on the judge’s panel, tasting dishes from the 18 finalists, ultimately picking the year’s Good Buckle Foodies.

FOLLOW THE 2024 GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE TRAIL

Embark on the ultimate Rodeo Foodie adventure by following the Gold Buckle Foodie trail on our interactive map! Visit each finalist’s booth, where you can taste their delicious creations and determine your top picks.

THE 2024 WINNERS

BEST FRIED FOOD

THE ULTIMATE MINNEAPPLE PIE

The Original Minneapple Pie
Best Food-on-a-Stick

Brunch Pops

CornDog with No Name
Classic Fair Food

Big Fat Bacon on a Stick

Big Fat Bacon
MOST CREATIVE FOOD

The Barbalicious Float

Candy Factory
BEST NEW FLAVOR

Chili Mac Attack Potato

Saltgrass Steak House
BEST DESSERT

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake on a Stick

Big Fat Bacon

To learn more about these winners and the other 2024 finalists, click here!

PAST WINNERS

Click the articles below to learn more about previous Gold Buckle Foodie winners!