This State Is Home To The Best Chili In The Country, But Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

By Betty Freeman On Nov 3, 2021

[ad_1]

One city in Texas claims the title of best in the state and best in the country according to locals.

When it comes to chili, the rules are very specific and at the same time very vague. In some regions of the United States, adding beans and vegetables is perfectly fine. In others, like the Southwest, anything but meat is often a faux pas regarding what goes in that chili pot. There is one destination that seems to set the standard for the best chili bowl in the US, however, and it is in a southwestern city.

They said everything is bigger in Texas and when it comes to chili flavor then this might actually be true.

The chilli capital of the southwest

Of all the cities in Texas, Austin is one of the best for a bowl of chili. With its big, bold flavors, it’s not surprising; with its growing food scene, it is almost expected. Before we dive into where to get this one-of-a-kind chilli, however, let’s first uncover the secrets that make Texas chilli so outrageously delicious.

Related: The Houston Beef: These are the top three steakhouses in town

Texas red chilli

One of the hallmarks of the Texas style – or Texas Red as it is called by the locals – is the lack of any type of bean. While this could be a major staple in the rest of the country, Texas-style chili contains most of the vegetables, meaning that meat choices are highlighted in the recipe. In fact, it would be very unusual to go to Texas and find chili anywhere that has beans or vegetables. Also – and it’s another somewhat strange attribute of Texas chili – tomatoes are not used in any authentic recipe.

So what’s in a Texas-style chilli? As it turns out, there are only three main ingredients: stew, condiments, and chilies. It’s hard to imagine how this could turn into a great bowl of chili, let alone one that is practically award-winning, but it does. Still curious how this chilli tastes? Let’s go back to Austin to see which restaurants serve it best.

Find the best chilli in Austin

Austin is home to a seemingly endless number of great restaurants. These restaurants tend to have a few that give way to the best chili you can find in town as well as across the state … and some would say it’s the best in the country.

Related: Dallas to Houston: Here Are The Food Stops You Should Make

Texas Chili Salon

If chili is Texas’ official state food, the Texas Chili Parlor has defined what chili actually is since it opened in 1976. For the locals, this is a special place as it has become part of the heart of the culinary community in. has become conditions of state food of Texas. It’s in downtown Austin, which gives it a great central location, and comes highly recommended for newcomers to Texas and its chilli style. Those familiar with Guy Clark’s song ‘Dublin Blues’ may also know the Chili Parlor as it referred to precisely that location. If that doesn’t provide enough props for this place, visitors should take local advice and find a table as soon as possible.

Iconic dish: House Chili is offered in three heat levels – X, XX and XXX. A second dish is the frito pie, a great staple from the Southwest made with chilli, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, lettuce, and grated cheese, all mixed in a bag of crispy frito chips.

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Another excellent option for real Texas-style chili is Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ. This restaurant is very braised for its BBQ (especially its brisket), but also known for its practically untouchable chilli pepper. A Google review claims this for one of its popular chili-based dishes:

“Try the chilli cheese sausage wrap. The chilli is real meat, piece of chilli. Fresh pico de gallo, cheese and then a large, divided sausage … all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla … Great!”

Located almost on the outskirts of Austin city limits, this restaurant is definitely worth a trip. However, since this chilli is a rotating menu item, those who want to get their hands on it will need to watch the restaurants’ social media for any announcements. Variations at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ include chilli-based dishes as well as chilli with their famous local brisket provided by the Hartley Ranch.

If your mouth is watering, then it’s time to book a trip to Austin – the scents alone will make a gourmet’s stomach growl.

Next: The Only Food Guide You Need To Eat Your Way Around Kansas City

This Is When You Can See The Whirling Dervishes In Turkey (And Why You Should)

About the author

Katie Machado
(Article published in 1931)

Katie is originally from New York and is used to a fast paced lifestyle. She began her personal beginnings in second grade writing, and carried that passion with her until she won a spot in her high school’s published poetry book – but not before becoming a news editor and columnist for the high school newspaper. In college, she studied English literature with a major in political science and absorbed the creativity and method of one of the last professors to study with the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. The more she wrote, the more she learned about the world and, most importantly, about herself. She has been writing professionally and publishing since she was 19, and has covered entertainment, lifestyle, music news, video game reviews, food culture, and has for nearly a decade now privileged to write and edit for TheTravel. Katie strongly believes that every word written is a journey into yourself and your own thoughts, and when this is understood, people can begin to understand one another. Through her voice, she brings personality, research, and a bit of friendly sarcasm to every piece she writes and edits.