Fire Roasted Elotes is prepared during a media tour at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle
The 52nd annual Texas Renaissance Festival kicked off over the weekend with hundreds of foods paying homage to medieval feasts and fairground favorites.
While seasoned festival-goers may stick with a turkey leg or gyro, this year’s festival features a short list of new menu items scattered across its themed kingdoms. The new foods range from familiar favorites like elote to trendy creations made with Dubai chocolate.
Here are some new foods to try at this year’s Renaissance Festival.
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READ MORE: New acts, vendors promise to bring fresh energy to 52nd Texas Renaissance Festival
Fire-roasted elotes, The Corn-Quistadores
Fire Roasted Elotes is shown during a media tour at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle
This fire-roasted corn won best overall at this year’s Renfest Food and Drink competition, judged by local media members and influencers. Corn on the cob is fire-roasted and slathered with butter, cheese and spices. It’s served on a stick with a lime wedge.
Bacon burnt ends with steamed buns, Los Misiones
Bacon on a steamed roll is shown during a media tour at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle
A soft bao bun is served with chunks of pork belly in a spicy peach sauce.
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Dubai chocolate funnel cake fries, El Camino Real
Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cakes Fries are shown during a media tour at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle
Deep-fried funnel cake shaped like fries, drizzled with chocolate and pistachio cream, then topped with kadayif pastry threads and real pistachio. This new dessert won best dessert at this year’s competition.
Ladyfaire cocktail, the Kingdom of Aberfeldy
The Lady Faire cocktails are shown during a media tour at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle
A bubbly strawberry lemonade, this cocktail combines ginger beer and sparkling wine. It tied for first place in the best drink category.
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Pretzel bites with beer cheese, Ye Royal Hamburg
Pretzel bites at the Texas Renaissance Festival.
Ana Kahn
This longtime Ren Fest vendor, known for its burgers, added pretzel bites to the menu this year. Pretzel dough balls are baked and glazed with butter and salt beer cheese, then served with more beer cheese.
French raclette sandwich, Sir Loin of Beef Shoppe
Choose between ham or salami for this sandwich, which features Raclette cheese, Dijon mustard and chives.
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Buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwich, Sour Old Skull
Between Texas Toast, grilled chicken breast sits with spicy buffalo wing sauce and cheddar cheese.
