Looking to get a taste of REAL Texas? Then ask a Texan. I’m sharing some of my favorite tastes from one of my favorite Dallas spots: the Dallas Farmers Market. Thanks to Ozarka® Brand Natural Spring Water for partnering with mamachallenge.com for this fun sponsored post. #FromHereforHere

I love Texas for 1000s of reasons.  Let me count the ways…

Actually, it’s a REALLY long list. 

But when visitors come to town, I’m always asked where should they go to get a real taste of Texas.

We wanna eat like Texans.”

There are tons of places and products that come to mind from all across The Lone Star State that will give you a taste of Texas. And, when you’re in Dallas, we could be here forever narrowing down the best Mexican vs. Tex-Mex, steakhouses vs. BBQ. 

So instead of trying to decide on just the RIGHT ones, if you head to the Dallas Farmers Market, you can actually sample many the flavors that make Dallas, Texas so dang good. 

The Dallas Farmers Market is a central hub of local produce, crafts, restaurants, and purveyors in near downtown Dallas. While it’s been a part of the Dallas history since 1940s, recent renovations are proof that the community values its local farmers and producers; selling food that is grown and sourced locally on a constant basis. 

One of the biggest renovations, includes the air-conditioned/indoor space, The Market, Dallas’ first ever Food Hall in a 26,000 square-foot space (formerly known as Shed 2), filled with dozens of merchants, food vendors and restaurants. So on any day of the week (even in the rest of the market is closed and it’s super hot outside.) 

There’s tons to experience within The Market, from fresh seafood from Rex’s Fresh Seafood Market, Caribbean cuisine from the Caribbean Cabana, broths and soups from Stocks and Bondy, and of course, real deal tacos from Taqueria La Ventana. But that’s not all! You can get beautiful finds from around Dallas, and even beautiful authentic pottery from our southern border, Mexico. 

Whether you only have an hour to spend or a whole day to leisurely stroll from booth to booth, the Market at the Dallas Farmers Market makes for a must-do and must-go while in Big D. 

While you could sit down to eat at any of the anchor restaurants or even Mudhen, the newest restaurant in the DFM-area that sources local produce for unique eats right outside The Market, if you’re in a rush, you can still get a real taste of Dallas at The Market with this list of must-stops! 

TASTE THE MARKET FAVORITES

Start your trip by trying a few new cheeses at Scardello and take home my favorites like Eagle Mountain Cheese (Granbury) and discover new ones like Latte da Dairy (Flower Mound) or Caprino Royale (Waco)  for a delicious charcuterie board at home (or you can come sit down for a wine and cheese tasting too if you have the time.

If you have kids, Doc Popcorn is worth the stop. Just make sure to get two, you’ll taste theirs and want one for yourself. Of course, the samples here are plentiful, so you’ll have a chance to try them all before settling on a bag to buy for the trip home (or at least to keep you strolling though The Market.) 

Everyone knows that popcorn needs a partner, so it’s a great opportunity to try something new to sip. While there’s a Daquiri Bar or Noble Rey Brewing, that could make for a really long (but interesting) afternoon. Instead, I suggest either sipping a Mexican Coca Cola while getting a hot tamale from Tamalero or hit up the Caribbean Cabana for some delicious fruit infused waters.

Don’t miss the chance to eat your way through Texas with sweet treats at The Market. From Chelle’s Macaroons rainbow of bite-sized bites (Fruity Pebbles is even a flavor) or Coolhaus’ unique ice creams like Nutella Toasted Almond or Strawberry Mojito. 

While there’s tons to see and do you’ll discover, don’t forget to stock up on a few a few jars of award-winning Betty’s Blue Ribbon Fare jellies and jams for souvenirs. (The Whiskey Orange Marmalade is A-mazing!) 

And that’s just an hour! Imagine what you can do with a full day and a full market open (Fridays-Sundays!) 

Can’t make it to The Market at the Dallas Farmers Market, but want to taste Texas? I have several picks to give you a taste of what Texans who make Texas best taste like! 

TASTE OF TEXAS AT HOME

Paqui’s Tortilla Chips // Austin, Texas
Looking for a good chip that’s also good for you? Named after the Aztec word that means “to be happy,” Paqui chips are made with unbleached, untreated flour, or by stone grinding corn and adding mouth-watering flavors using high-quality ingredients, such as fire-roasted jalapenos, fresh cilantro leaves, buttermilk, pumpkin and other spices and flavors.

Yellowbird Sauce // Austin, Texas
When this sauce first came out, I drove all the way from Dallas to Austin to get it. Really. For hot bellies like the men in my family, Yellowbird is the way to go. Totally uncomplicated and unpredictable these sauce are the most delicious, most versatile, most satisfying condiments that will ever hit your lips! Yellowbird Sauce goes great on tacos, burgers, wings, sushi, pasta, steak, fish, eggs, pizza, soup….anything you can think of!

Ozarka Water // Roher Springs, Moffitt Springs, & Piney Woods Springs, Texas
When you want an authentic taste of Texas, we’re not just talking food. There’s wine, beers and even sodas made all over Texas (and they all contain water.) But to get the purest taste of the state, you have to experience what runs through it, like Ozarka water. Made from three crystal clear springs in Texas, you can get the freshest flavor that makes our great state the home of this Texas tradition.  Best of all, you can even set up Ozarka water delivery straight to your door to enjoy Texas daily no matter where you are!

Jelly Queens // Austin, Texas
Expect royal treatment when you are eating anything from The Jelly Queens. An award-winning, Dallas and Austin-based artisan food company that makes gourmet jams, jellies, spices, sauces and more. Each product is handmade in small batches using organic and, whenever possible, locally grown Texas ingredients. The Jelly Queens was born out of a love for sustainable food, delicious flavors and words of encouragement.

Taste Elevated // Castroville, Texas
Taste Elevated was the spirit child of a couple that after working in D.C. decided to trade in for a dooley, some dogs, three sons and a fig treat. These little flavor-packed pearls are absolutely addicting on everything with a little sweet and a little heat. Add them to a charcuterie tray to, use as a condiment–any place you use mustard (you’ll love it on bbq sandwiches and hot dogs), pair with main dishes–terrific with meatloaf, use in homemade vinaigrettes, this is the type of taste to twist up your favorites!

Snow’s BBQ Sauce // Lexington, Texas
Texas Monthly magazine named Snow’s BBQ as the best in Texas, so you know it’s GOOD. With complex Texas flavor, Snow’s Original BBQ Sauce is excellent on any cut of beef, chicken, or pork. It’s just as good as a dipping sauce as it is a marinade or brush-on sauce during the last minutes of grilling.

Whether you’re taking a trip through Texas or just want to know what makes Texans so proud to be from Texas, any of these favorite tastes are perfect for you to try. If you’re in Dallas, then you definitely need to make a stop at the Dallas Farmers Market. And if you’re looking for the easiest way to get your hands on the heart of Texas, then open up an Ozarka. 

Happy Trails and Happy Tasting around Texas!