World Cup fans in Texas savor barbecue, steaks, and Tex-Mex flavors

World Cup fans visiting North Texas have been enjoying local food almost as much as the football. Visitors from Japan, Argentina, and beyond have been sampling the region’s famous barbecue, steaks, and Tex-Mex dishes. Many have shared their enthusiasm for the meals they’ve tried during their stay. At Hurtado in Arlington, Japanese visitor Masa Takaoka praised the brisket for its seasoning and tenderness. Owner Brandon Hurtado confirmed that brisket remains the most popular choice at his restaurant. Kei Wakabayashi also brought his Japanese friends to Hurtado to try Tex-Mex style barbecue for the first time.

Other fans explored different local specialities. Max Linghag, another World Cup visitor, declared Raising Cane’s fried chicken the best food he had eaten in Texas. Shiori Kamakura and Kesshin Oda, visiting from Japan and Wisconsin, enjoyed steak and bread at Texas Roadhouse.

Argentine fans flocked to Corrientes 348, a steakhouse in Downtown Dallas. The restaurant sold out of its fastest-selling cut, tira de asado (Argentine short rib), in a single day. Meanwhile, Micah Thomas, a Texan based in Sweden, planned to visit Loma, another restaurant owned by Brandon Hurtado, during his trip. Japanese visitors showed a clear preference for steak, burgers, and Texas barbecue. The surge in demand led to some restaurants running out of popular dishes quickly. Local eateries have welcomed the opportunity to introduce their cuisine to an international audience.