Introduction
The Minnesota State Fair. The Great Minnesota Get-Together. Whatever you call it, one thing is undeniable: food is the heart and soul of this annual celebration. From the dizzying array of deep-fried delights to the sweet temptations that line every corner, the fair is a culinary playground for the adventurous eater. But with hundreds of food vendors vying for your attention (and your hard-earned dollars), navigating this gastronomic gauntlet can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Which new foods are worth the hype? And are the classic staples still as delicious as you remember?
Fear not, fellow fairgoers! We’ve braved the crowds, the cholesterol, and the sheer sensory overload to bring you the ultimate guide to Minnesota State Fair food. This isn’t just a list of what *we* think you should eat; it’s a comprehensive review of both the hottest new offerings and the tried-and-true classics, complete with honest opinions, detailed descriptions, and mouthwatering photos. Our goal is simple: to arm you with the knowledge you need to make informed (and delicious!) decisions, so you can make the most of your State Fair food experience. Consider this your roadmap to the best bites the fair has to offer.
Our Tasting Adventure
Before we dive into the reviews, a quick note about our process. We assembled a team of dedicated food enthusiasts, each with a passion for all things State Fair. Over several days, we sampled a wide range of food items, from the most talked-about new creations to the beloved classics that have been satisfying fairgoers for generations. We considered several factors in our evaluations, including taste (of course!), value for money, uniqueness of the dish, and overall presentation. We sought to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting both the highlights and the less-than-stellar experiences. Our mission was simple – to provide an honest opinion and give our readers an idea of what is worth spending the time and money on.
New Food Adventures: The Latest and Greatest
Each year, the Minnesota State Fair unveils a fresh batch of culinary innovations, and this year was no exception. Here’s a rundown of some of the most talked-about new food items and our thoughts on whether they live up to the hype:
The Peanut Butter Pickle Dog
(Vendor: Pickle Barrel) – Imagine this: a juicy, dill pickle, hollowed out and stuffed with creamy peanut butter, then dipped in a corn dog batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Yes, it sounds…interesting. But before you dismiss it, hear us out. The combination of salty, sweet, and tangy is surprisingly addictive. The peanut butter mellows out the sharpness of the pickle, while the corn dog batter adds a comforting, familiar element. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re an adventurous eater, this is a must-try.
Review: A bold experiment that surprisingly works. It is a unique taste.
Rating: Four stars.
Ube Waffle Stick
(Vendor: Nordic Waffles) – Ube, the vibrant purple yam from the Philippines, has been taking the food world by storm, and for good reason. Its subtly sweet, slightly nutty flavor is incredibly versatile. This Ube Waffle Stick features a light and airy waffle infused with ube flavor, drizzled with coconut glaze, and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes. It’s a visually stunning and delightfully delicious treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The waffle is perfectly cooked, the coconut pairs so well with the flavor and is a definite crowd pleaser.
Review: Light, sweet, and perfectly Instagrammable. The coconut adds a wonderful crunch.
Rating: Four and a half stars.
The Dill Pickle Pizza
(Vendor: Sophie’s Pizza) – Dill pickle fanatics, rejoice! This pizza features a creamy garlic dill sauce, mozzarella cheese, dill pickles, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. The result is a tangy, briny, and surprisingly refreshing pizza that’s perfect for a hot day at the fair. The salty dill pickles combined with the creamy cheese are a great flavor combination that you should not pass up on.
Review: A pickle lover’s dream. Unexpectedly delicious and not as overpowering as you might think.
Rating: Three and a half stars.
Mushroom Arancini
(Vendor: Mancini’s Al Fresco) – These risotto balls are breaded and deep fried and are stuffed with delicious wild mushrooms. They are then topped with a creamy pesto sauce and some parmesan cheese. These little balls of heaven are savory and packed with great flavor.
Review: Amazing texture, and a great savory food.
Rating: Five stars.
Fair Food Hall of Fame: The Enduring Classics
No trip to the Minnesota State Fair is complete without indulging in the classics. These are the foods that have become synonymous with the fair experience, the ones that generations of Minnesotans have grown up loving. Here’s our take on some of the most iconic offerings:
Corn Dogs
(Various Vendors) – It seems simple, but it is a staple! A juicy hot dog dipped in batter and deep fried to golden perfection. The corn dog is a symbol of the fair for a reason, and it has to be on your list of things to eat.
Review: Crispy, flavorful, and eternally satisfying. There’s just something about that corn dog batter…
Rating: Four stars.
Cheese Curds
(Various Vendors) – Fresh cheese curds, battered and deep-fried until golden brown and gooey inside. The king of state fair foods and is a must have for any visitor. Be prepared to wait in line.
Review: Fresh, squeaky, and utterly irresistible. A Minnesota State Fair institution.
Rating: Five stars.
Sweet Martha’s Cookies
(Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar) – A warm bucket of chocolate chip cookies, practically melting in your hands. These are the most famous cookies in all of Minnesota, and people wait in line for hours just to get their hands on these.
Review: Warm, gooey, and incredibly addictive. Worth the wait? Absolutely.
Rating: Five stars.
Mini Donuts
(Various Vendors) – Warm, cinnamon-sugar coated donuts, served by the bagful. A simple yet comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). These make the perfect sweet bite while taking in the sights and sounds of the fair.
Review: Classic fair comfort food. Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet.
Rating: Four stars.
The Best and The Not-So-Great: Our Top Picks and a Few Misses
After sampling a wide array of fair food, here are our top picks and a few that didn’t quite make the cut:
The Best of the Best
- Mushroom Arancini: (Vendor: Mancini’s Al Fresco) – Flavorful and delicious and perfect for a savory bite!
- Sweet Martha’s Cookies: (Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar) – The taste of comfort that everyone craves.
- Ube Waffle Stick: (Vendor: Nordic Waffles) – A fantastic and visually stunning dessert.
Foods to potentially skip
- Spicy Mango Margarita: (Vendor: Salty Dog Saloon) – It’s not that this drink was terrible, it just didn’t live up to the hype. It was very sweet and the mango overwhelmed any spice. This is an expensive drink that does not live up to the hype.
Tips for Conquering the Minnesota State Fair Food Scene
To ensure you have the best possible food experience at the Minnesota State Fair, here are a few essential tips:
- Plan Your Attack: Before you even step foot on the fairgrounds, take some time to research the vendors and the foods that pique your interest. The Minnesota State Fair website and app are invaluable resources.
- Go With a Group: Sharing food is a great way to sample a wider variety of dishes without breaking the bank (or your stomach).
- Bring Cash: While many vendors accept credit cards, some are cash-only. Having cash on hand will save you time and hassle.
- Pace Yourself: Don’t try to eat everything in one day! The fair is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you’re indulging in salty or sugary foods.
- Embrace the Crowds: Lines are inevitable at the Minnesota State Fair, especially for the most popular food items. Be patient, and remember that the wait is often part of the experience.
- Explore Beyond the Main Streets: Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems. Some of the best food vendors are tucked away in quieter corners of the fairgrounds.
- Check the Daily Deals: Many vendors offer discounts or specials on certain days of the fair. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money.
The Final Bite
The Minnesota State Fair is more than just a fair; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a celebration of community, and a showcase of culinary creativity. And at the heart of it all is the food – the weird, the wonderful, and the downright delicious. We hope this guide has provided you with the insights and inspiration you need to make the most of your State Fair food adventure. So go forth, explore, and indulge in the flavors of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. And don’t forget to share your own favorite finds in the comments below! What are your can’t-miss foods at the Minnesota State Fair? We’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to share this guide with your friends and family to help them plan their own unforgettable fair experience. See you at the fair!
