Do your non-Texan friends wonder why you call every soda a Coke, even if it's a Dr Pepper? Do they ask you why you only suggest restaurants that serve barbecue, Tex-Mex or comfort food? Or do they have no clue what you're talking about when you say the word "kolache"? These things don't make you weird, they make you awesome, because they make you a Texan.
Embrace these regional foodie characteristics about yourself and take a look at ten more signs that you grew up eating food in Southeast Texas.
10. Tex-Mex Is Your Favorite Food
Ever since you were about five years old you have loved tacos, enchiladas, burritos and all chips covered in queso. In fact, you could probably eat Tex-Mex for an entire week without getting tired of it. Breakfast burritos in the morning, followed by tacos for lunch and enchiladas or fajitas for dinner -- that's not weird at at all.
9. No Beans in Your Chili
It's just not chili if it contains beans. Whatever those people up north are making is not chili, it's stew. You've been trained to identify those pesky little black and kidney beans before you even take a bite. And if you find them, you're not going to eat it.
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8. Nothing Is Ever "Too Spicy"
Texas is the land of all things spicy -- chile peppers, poblano peppers, hot sauce, you name it. While in other states you'll always find a bottle of ketchup and mustard on the table, we make sure there's a bottle of Tabasco sauce. Because if what you're eating isn't hot enough, you should be able to make it hotter.
7. Kolaches > Doughnuts
When you walk into a doughnut shop, you might grab a doughnut or a few doughnut holes, but you most certainly don't leave without grabbing a few kolaches, because that's what you came for. You just can't resist the sweet dough encasing a sausage link and cheese, slices of ham with jalapeños and melted cheese, or a few sweet ones with raspberry jam or cherry preserves. You also know that kolaches taste best when warm, and you know exactly how long it takes to perfectly heat this treat in the microwave.
6. Sometimes You Crave a LuAnn Platter From Luby's
There's honestly nothing better than a plate of roast chicken, fried fish or chicken fried steak with two sides of delicious things like mashed potatoes, fried okra, corn or macaroni and cheese, plus a roll. It reminds you of the good old days, when Mom would make something so comforting and delicious for dinner that you couldn't help but smile after each bite. You're a true Texan at heart.
This story continues on the next page. 5. You ALWAYS Have Pecan Pie During the Holidays
And why wouldn't you? Pecans come from Texas, and a slice of pecan pie will satisfy any sugary cravings you have. A slice of it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tower of whipped cream defines the holidays for you.
4. Melted Cheese Is NOT Queso
You know that melting cheese and calling it queso is just blasphemous. There's so much more to queso than melting a block of Velveeta cheese. A variety of peppers, tomatoes, spices and onions must be cooked into it, and it HAS to be served warm. You won't take any of that cold crap. It just demotes it to the level of movie theater nacho cheese.
3. You Never Eat Fritos Without Chili
Eating a bag of Fritos by itself is just strange and boring to you. Ever since your parents showed you how to crush your Fritos on top of a bowl of chili, you've never had the desire to eat them plain. That just doesn't make sense. You have also mastered eating chili inside a Fritos bag. It's a talent only Texans possess.
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2. When Someone Says Barbecue, You Think Brisket
Anywhere there's barbecue in Southeast Texas (especially in Houston), you'll find a large amount of brisket. You'll take it smoked or grilled (but you prefer smoked), and it has to have a spicy dry rub that leaves your taste buds tingling. Whether it's on a sandwich or with a side of potato salad, you'll eat it any day of the week.
1. Whataburger > In n' Out
While some Americans go bonkers over In n' Out and claim it is the best, you know full well that Whataburger is the best thing to happen to the fast food industry. Juicy burgers, honey-butter chicken biscuits, crispy chicken tenders and fries just make you oh so happy. Who cares what Californians (and now Dallasites) say? In 'n Out ain't got nothin' on Whataburger.
