Don’t Leave San Antonio Without Trying These 10 Foods
Not sure if San Antonio has signature dishes? Its list of iconic foods is something most tourists don’t know about.
San Antonio has a more diverse culinary scene than most people give it credit for. And the choice of what to eat in San Antonio can overwhelm many visitors.
But if you want a unique experience for your taste buds, there are some things that should make your list. In fact, San Antonio’s signature dishes may surprise you more than you know.
1.) Texas Quail on the San Antonio River Walk
If you don’t fancy trying the Texas quail, you’ll miss out on something amazing. As small as it is, the little pancetta-wrapped and sausage stuffed bird packs a wallop of flavor.
Have the pan-roasted bird with a side of fries to keep it as authentic as possible.
2.) Puffy Tacos on the Westside
If you’re looking for fun places to eat in San Antonio, give Ray’s Drive Inn a try.
This little eatery is actually a Westside landmark that makes San Antonio’s main signature dish – puffy tacos. Although many other venues praise their own as the best in the city, Ray’s has been on everyone’s list for a long time.
If the deep-fried taco shell doesn’t give you a true taste of San Antonio, few things will.
3.) Traditional Guacamole
Finding great guac isn’t as easy as you think. After all, not many people who have a hard time figuring out what to eat in San Antonio think about guac.
Eating guacamole can get ordinary after a while. But never with the traditional version prepared at your table and served in a molcajete.
Paloma Blanca is particularly noteworthy. One of the finest traditional Mexican cuisine venues in San Antonio, its version of guacamole will leave your mouth watering for more.
4.) A Side or Two of Sweet Potato Fries
Texans love their steaks, as do most Americans. But sometimes, a side dish can offer just as much satisfaction as a high-protein dinner.
Although not as famous as puffy tacos, sweet potato fries are a staple in San Antonio cuisine. Kitchens here even seem to care more about cooking sweet potatoes to perfection.
Give the crispy brown fries a chance and don’t forget your serving of Sriracha mayo to elevate the flavor further.
5.) The Best Part of a Tex-Mex Breakfast
Everyone probably has their own ideas of a great Tex-Mex breakfast. But there’s something about chilaquiles verdes in San Antonio that makes it a fine addition to our list.
Simply put, it doesn’t taste the same as everywhere else.
Give the ones at Regio Café a try if you want a powerful flavor, with just enough heat. The salsa used to soak the tortillas is divine and a great pick me up after a long night partying.
6.) Chicken on a Stick
Americans love putting anything on a stick and deep-frying it. And why not? It makes for excellent quick bites packed with flavor.
In San Antonio, one of the signature dishes is the Chicken on a Stick. You can get it from so many booth snacks, it’s impossible to leave town without trying it.
And if you want to feel like a local even more, make sure to grab a selfie on your first try. It’s what everyone else does to commemorate the moment.
7.) Pan Dulce for Your Sweet Tooth
San Antonio isn’t all about deep-fried spicy food. It also offers some sugary treats you don’t want to skip out on.
Try the pan dulce from the town’s best bakery and cafes in either Westside or Southside. You can have it as a post-meal dessert or even a full breakfast.
8.) The Iconic Big Red and Barbacoa
Okay, maybe this is a combination that can give the puffy taco a run for its money. If you don’t know what to eat in San Antonio, or what to drink, try the Barbacoa and Big Red. The locals even designed a festival for this specific combination.
You can also have it simple or rolled up in a taco. Either way, it’s a San Antonian pairing you have to try. It’s also not a bad hangover breakfast if you’re in need of fresh ideas.
This is a dish that most joints here get right, so you don’t have to scour the best restaurants in San Antonio to find the right mix.
9.) A Hearty Bowl of Fideo
Does it get any more Latino than this?
Fideo is a soup and a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s one of the best comfort foods you can order, although many consider it a side dish.
A creamy bowl of Fideo doesn’t just provide ample nourishment but also a powerful punch of flavor.
10.) The Decked Elote
San Antonio doesn’t just do corn on the cob. It takes the concept to a new level.
Corn on the cob in San Antonio comes with layers upon layers of toppings and crazy combinations.
It’s a favorite local treat and definitely something worth trying.
Food as Iconic as the Alamo
Sure, most people go to San Antonio for spring break, to see the Alamo, or to party all night. But this major Texas city also hides some fantastic culinary treats.
Some of its signature dishes may seem odd to visitors. While others may seem downright crazy. But if there’s one thing that San Antonio gets right every time, it is its unique take on Tex-Mex cuisine.
Whether you want something sweet, deep-fried, or fresh, you won’t have a problem finding what to eat in San Antonio.
