In America, everyone only eats unhealthy fast food! That is one of the sayings we hear again and again. To alleviate this prejudice a little, we would like to contribute something to the topic. And “fast food” just means “quick food,” – which also works in other ways than burgers and the like.
Delicious food is not only uplifting for the body and mind (although this is not always beneficial for the body) but also often reflects the culture of a country or region. This is also the case here in Texas, except that in addition to the famous burgers, you can enjoy many dishes with a predominantly Mexican influence. And then, of course, there is the world-famous BBQ and the most diverse international varieties of food.
During our first visits to the USA, especially here in Texas, we noticed the countless fast-food restaurants and food trucks, but we didn’t dare to go there at first. Also, our prejudices against Mc Donalds, Burger King & Co, wanted to keep us from trying them. But hunger is sometimes stronger than reason, so we slowly dared to go there as well.
The “classics”
We start with the classic: Mc Donalds! After Matthias’ initial disappointment that there is no Mc Ribb here, we quickly learned that the Bacon Cheese Quarter Pounder tasted good, and you were still full of it an hour later (or the rest of the day). Until we have tried this at Burger King passed but over a year 🙂 Of course, there are also KFC or Subway, but also hundreds of chains that do not exist in Europe – Whataburger (our favorite), Terry’s boring), Freddy’s (hmmm, Philly Cheese Sub, very good!!!), Lildoddy’s (ok, eco, but also delicious)… and each has its special extra, and nowhere tastes the same.
But let’s move on to the more exciting topic:
Texas BBQ
Here, that doesn’t just mean barbecue meat; it’s more of a science! Wikipedia quotes or translates it this way: “Texas barbecue refers to preparation methods for barbecue that are unique to Texas cuisine. The most popular dishes are beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. The term may also include side dishes traditionally served with smoked meats. The European tradition of smoking meat was brought to Central Texas by German and Czech settlers in the mid-19th century. Traditionally, butchers smoked the leftover meat that was not sold so that they could store it longer without spoiling. As these leftover meats became popular with immigrants in the area, several meat markets began specializing in smoked meats.” (But don’t panic, the average consumer can buy ordinary bratwurst at the supermarket).
Meat is eaten from paper, not from a plate, accompanied by the local sauce and usually cabbage or potato salad, bread, or fries. A “small family plate” usually lasts us several days.
Here are a few links to the best-known BBQ pits to whet your appetite:
Rudy’s Salt Lick BBQ Black’s BBQ Donn’s BBQ …
Food Trucks
In Germany, hardly known (or, let’s say, more inconspicuous and less creative) are the colorful and shapely food trucks found on every corner here! Here you can find everything: from ice cream trucks and Tex-Mex to Thai, Indian, Greek, and Creole… Usually, you have several trucks of different food regions together, with seating around or in between, and actually, most of them are also always well attended. Our personal favorites here are Jamaican, Mexican, or Thai. And yes, we also have “Döner Kebab King Karl” – a German couple with a food truck that serves Schnitzel one week and Döner & Co the next. (by far not as in Germany, but still).
No matter which food truck you eat: Everything is always freshly prepared and super tasty! And all the food also looks excellent and is usually nicely arranged.
(And yes, strict hygiene controls exist here, and every food truck and restaurant must have a valid license).
Again, just a link for info: Austin Food Trucks
Tex-Mex
As the name suggests, Tex-Mex food is a mixture of Texan-Mexican cuisine: so we had to learn many new words. What in Germany was just a wrap here is a burrito, taco, soft taco, crunch wrap, enchiladas, quesadilla, … Nachos with Queso, Jalapenos, Salsa and Guacamole, may not be missing and everything please beautifully hot! In addition, it may then also like to be a margarita or tequila!
German food?
When we feel like German cuisine, we cook ourselves. Alternatively, we have the “Scholz Biergarten” in downtown Austin, a pseudo-German restaurant (ok, there are worse), or drive about 45 min to New Braunsfels or Fredericksburg – two cities with former German settlers. There we find enough “German” (and run by Germans) localities. Here we have roulade with dumplings, goulash or bratwurst with sauerkraut and German cake in some cafes. About an hour north, in Harker Heights, there is a super German bakery and butcher shop, and many like to go to ALDI in Georgetown. For us, it’s too much of a hassle. We know where we can get German products if necessary and are pretty satisfied with what we get in the typical supermarket.
Summary
We won’t go hungry here, and trying so many different food options is exciting.
By the way, the average Texan likes to get his food often at food trucks, BBQs, or the ever-popular fast food chains. But, especially in the evenings (during the week or on the weekend), it regularly jams up at the drive-through windows. Breakfast all day long is also not uncommon; if one restaurant is closed, the next one is open within 100m.
(And yes, in other states, you feel strange if it is not so there…)
Well then … bon appétit!