Dad from the burbs

The Minnesota State Fair has been around for over a century, and it’s the biggest event in the state each year. It’s also a huge draw for visitors from all over the country, and good reason: it’s got everything you could want from an event like this. From food to rides to carnival games, there’s something for all ages!

But let’s talk about the food! For many people, the Minnesota State Fair is their chance to get some of the best eats they’ve ever had out of their home kitchens—and there are so many options, it can be hard to choose just what you want. Here are of foods that you should look forward to:

Meaty Food

If you love the taste of meat, then you’ll love Meaty Food at the Minnesota State Fair. The fair offers a variety of meats for sale, including beef, pork, and buffalo.

All Quacked Up! By The Hideaway Speakeasy

Fried, farm-fresh duck egg from Graise Farm in Faribault atop shaved smoked ham, aged cheddar cheese, tomato, and spinach, served open-face on toasted sourdough bread with paprika aioli.

Location: In the Veranda, Grandstand upper level, northwest section

Chicken Tandoori Rolls by Holy Land

Chicken seasoned with tandoori spices, onions, and peppers wrapped in paratha flatbread, then grilled and served with a side of avocado cilantro lime sauce.

Location: At the International Bazaar, southeast corner

Chilaquiles Breakfast by Tejas Express

Fried corn tortilla strips sauteed with guajillo chile salsa and topped with scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, avocado, and crema.

Location: In The Garden, north wall

Concha Bacon Burger by Aldo’s

All-beef patty with raspberry aioli, lettuce, pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, and bacon served on a concha, a traditional Mexican sweet bread roll.

Location: In the Warner Coliseum, west side

Breakfast Gnocchi by the Blue Barn

A bed of potato gnocchi topped with scrambled eggs, bacon, pesto cream, shallots, and balsamic glaze.

Location: At West End Market, south of the History & Heritage Center

Minne Hot Hot by RC’s BBQ

Smoked Rib Tips tossed in Nashville Hot Sauce, served with Comeback Sauce.

Location: North side of West Dan Patch Ave. between Liggett & Chambers street

Molotes by Midtown Global Market’s Andy’s Garage

Deep-fried corn masa empanadas with choice of fillings: Chipotle Style is filled with shredded chipotle chicken and topped with chipotle sour cream, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro; and Elote Style is filled with roasted corn and topped with mayo, cotija cheese, and Tajin seasoning (can be prepared vegan). (Gluten-free) (Available Aug. 25-30 only)

Location: In the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall

New Mexico Chile Dog Sliders Two Ways by Blue Moon Dine-In Theater

Green chile and red chile – made with roasted on-site New Mexico Hatch chiles and a hint of chorizo pork, topped with queso-style cheese and red onion, served over all-beef hot dogs on slider buns. Comes with a prickly pear cactus slushie shooter on the side.

Location: Northeast corner of Carnes Ave. & Chambers St.

Nordic Waffles – Belly Full Nordic Waffle and Vanilla Dream Nordic Waffle

Two new fresh-made waffle sandwiches: Belly Full is a spring onion-infused Nordic Waffle filled with sous vide seasoned pork belly with coleslaw and locally made jalapeño jam; Vanilla Dream is a Nordic Waffle coated with cinnamon and sugar and filled with Norwegian vanilla custard cream.

Location: At West End Market, south section

Pork Schnitzel Sandwich by Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop

Breaded and deep-fried Minnesota pork loin topped with pickled cabbage and served with mustard mayo on a toasted bun.

Location: North side of Dan Patch Ave. between Cooper & Cosgrove streets

Reuben Rolls by O’Gara’s at the Fair

Corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut hand-rolled in an egg roll wrapper, deep-fried, and served with a side of O’Gara’s homemade Thousand Island dressing.

Location: Southwest corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cosgrove St.

Tandoor-Fired Jerk Chicken Mini’zza by West Indies Soul Food

White chicken meat, bell pepper, onion medley, whole milk mozzarella cheese, West Indies Soul Food’s signature Jamaican Jerk Sauce, and Pizza Karma’s Tikka Sauce on a mini crust.

Location: At the International Bazaar, south wall

Mov + Nqaij (Rice + Meat) by Union Hmong Kitchen

Purple sticky rice with choice of sauce, including Krunchy Chili Oil (dried Thai chilis, garlic, shallots), Lemongrass Scallion Dressing (lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots), and Tiger Bite (Thai chilis, garlic, shallots, cilantro, fish sauce, oyster sauce, lime juice); plus, choice of skewered and grilled meat, including Hmong Sausage (house-made coarse-ground pork sausage link with Krunchy Chili Oil), Hilltribe Chicken Thigh (ginger, lemongrass), or Lemongrass Turmeric Tofu (marinated in a lemongrass and turmeric blend). (All items are gluten-free; vegan options are available) (New Vendor)

Location: At the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner

Pickle Pizza by Rick’s Pizza

Hand-tossed homemade pizza dough topped with homemade specialty dill ranch sauce, fresh mozzarella, and crunchy dill pickles, and finished with dill weed seasoning. (New Vendor)

Location: West side of Cosgrove Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues

Tot Dog by LuLu’s Public House

All-beef hot dog dipped in corn dog batter, rolled in a mixture of minced tater tots, cheddar cheese, and onions, then deep-fried.

Location: At West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater

Soulsicle by Soul Bowl

Fried chicken on a stick topped with candied yam sauce, cornbread crumble, mac-and-cheese seasoned cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and green onions. (New Vendor)

Location: In the Food Building, the east wall

Vegan Options

There are also plenty of other options for vegetarians and vegans who just want something different than what they normally eat at home each day.

Sweet Potato Poutine by The Blue Barn

Sweet potato waffle fries topped with cheese curds, Beyond chorizo sausage, turmeric gravy, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. (Vegetarian)

Location: At West End Market, south of the History & Heritage Center

French Meadow Vegan Entrees – Earth Sliders™ and “Meat” Balls & Marinara

Earth Sliders™ is a marinated, battered and crispy fried “chicken” patty topped with house-made, slightly spicy secret sauce, shredded lettuce, and house-made cucumber pickles that have been marinated in turmeric, garlic, and sweet onion, served on a grilled bun. “Meat” Balls & Marinara are Italian herb-seasoned “meat” balls browned and sauteed in house-made garlic and oregano red marinara sauce, topped with plant-based Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley served with a slice of grilled sourdough bread. (Both entrees are vegan.)

Location: North side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets

Turmeric Ginger Lemon Surprise by West Indies Soul Food

Fresh ginger, turmeric syrup, and a dash of bitters mixed with West Indies Soul Food’s Original Caribbean Lemonade. (Gluten-free, vegan)

Location: At the International Bazaar, south wall

Vegan Corn Dog by Daryl’s Dog House

Plant-based vegan hot dog hand-dipped in plant-based vegan corn dog batter and deep-fried.

Location: South side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

Dej Qab Zib (Sweet Refreshment) by Union Hmong Kitchen

A coconut lychee colada made with a blend of coconut milk, lychee syrup, lime, and mint, served over ice. (Vegan) (New Vendor) 

Location: At the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner

The Herbivorous Butcher’s Two Vegan Entrees – Poultrygeist and Steak-xorcist

Poultrygeist is fried chicken topped with sausage gravy and french fried onions on buttery Texas toast, and Steak-xorcist is chicken fried steak topped with sausage gravy and french fried onions on buttery Texas toast. (Both entrees are vegan.) (New Vendor)

Location: In the Food Building, west section, south wall

Tirokroketes by Dino’s Gyros

A mix of spicy feta, cream cheese, and mozzarella blended with Dino’s Greek seasoning, then rolled in a gluten-free panko, deep-fried, and sprinkled with lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and Dino’s seasoning. (Gluten-free, vegetarian)

Location: North side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets

Baba’s Two Hummus Bowls – Beauty and the Buffalo and Coco-Nuts

The Beauty and the Buffalo bowl features ranch hummus, buffalo chicken, crumbled blue cheese, scallions, buffalo sauce, and buffalo dust, served with pita puffs. The Coco-Nuts bowl features hazelnut chocolate hummus, chocolate chips, hazelnuts, shredded coconut, and bananas, served with powdered sugar pita puffs. (Coco-Nuts is vegan and can be gluten-free without the pita puffs.)

Location: East side of Underwood Street between Lee & Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands

Superfood Bowls by Nautical Bowls

Nautical Bowls serves four fresh superfood bowls: Anchor Bowl (açaí, granola, banana, coconut flakes, cashew cacao butter); Nauti Bowl (açaí, pitaya, granola, banana, cacao nibs, peanut butter); Paddle Bowl (Blue Majik, mango, coconut, granola, strawberries, coconut flakes, honey); and Sunset Bowl (ube, blood orange, granola, blueberries, coconut flakes, honey). All are organic, gluten- and dairy-free, plant-based, and without refined sugar. Ingredients are organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based, and contain zero refined sugars.

Location: In the Food Building, center section, north wall

Arepa Bar’s Three Arepas – Pulled Pork, The Queen, and Vegan

Baked Venezuelan crispy corn pocket with a choice of three fillings (all arepas are gluten-free): The Pulled Pork Arepa is pork shoulder slow-roasted in red wine and vegetables served with shredded cheddar cheese, cabbage, carrots, green onions, and parsley; The Queen (Reina Pepiada) is pulled chicken and avocado puree salad topped with mozzarella cheese and fresh arugula; and the Vegan Arepa is house-prepared black beans, fried sweet plantains, cabbage, carrots, green onions, and parsley. (New Vendor) (Available Aug. 31-Sept. 5 only)

Location: In the Taste of the Midtown Global Market Booth at the International Bazaar, east wall

Cakes and Desserts

If you love sweets, then you’ll love cakes and other desserts at the Minnesota State Fair. The fair offers a variety of sweets for your sweet tooth.

Celebration Cake On-A-Stick by Mancini’s al Fresco

White cake infused with almond flavoring and decorated with white frosting. This mini version of Mancini’s house cake can be personalized on-site with a short text to celebrate a favorite fair fan or special occasion.

Location: North side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets

Birthday Cake Paleta by Hamline Church Dining Hall

A Mexican frozen dessert on a stick made with chunks of birthday cake, sprinkles, and a vanilla extract base, specially created by locally owned La Michoacana Rose to celebrate Hamline Church Dining Hall’s 125th year at the fair. Additional paleta varieties are also available: Strawberry, Oreo, Pistachio, Bubble Gum, Passion Fruit, a special flavor of the day, and more.

Sweet Cheese Blintz by iPierogi

Soft baked crepe filled with sweet vanilla-flavored cream cheese and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Location: In the Food Building, south wall

Location: In the Food Building, the east wall

Deep-Fried Ice Cream by Snack House

Handmade ice cream bar covered with a crispy corn flake coating, deep-fried, drizzled with raspberry and blueberry sauces and topped with sprinkles. (Vegetarian)

Location: In the Warner Coliseum, south side

Gray Duck Sundae by Bridgeman’s Ice Cream

Bridgeman’s Black Licorice Ice Cream is topped with marshmallow cream, crunchy mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and a cherry.

Location: Northeast corner of Judson Ave. & Liggett St.

Kulfi: Indian-Style Ice Cream in Three Flavors by Hot Indian

Made with condensed milk, nuts, and infused spices. Available in three creamy flavors: Almond/Cashew/Pistachio Kulfi; Mango Kulfi; and Saffron/Almond/Pistachio Kulfi. (All Kulfi are gluten-free and vegetarian.)

Lemon Cookie Tortilla Chips by Blue Moon Dine-In Theater

Lemon sandwich cookies deconstructed into four large tortilla chips made from a blend of cookies and corn served with creamy-center-of-the-cookie cream dip topped with lemon curd.

Location: Northeast corner of Carnes Ave. & Chambers St.

Minneblueberry Pie by Minneapple Pie

Handmade blueberry pie made with a crisp, flaky crust, filled with blueberries and served with vanilla ice cream. (Vegan if served without ice cream)

Location: South side of Judson Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets

Sundae Sammie by Jammy Sammies by Brim

Grilled sandwich with cinnamon bread, Minnesota strawberry jam, vanilla cream, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, toasted peanuts, confetti sprinkles, and flaked sea salt. (Gluten-free and vegan options available)

Location: At the North End, the northwest section

Brownie Waffle Stick by Waffle Chix

Waffle Chix serves Brownie Waffle Stick, Chicken in a Waffle On-A-Stick, Breakfast Sausage in a Waffle On-A-Stick, and assorted sodas.

Location: On the north side of Randall Avenue at Cosgrove Street, outside the Progress Center

Drinks and other Beverages

There are even refreshing drinks, so everyone can enjoy the fair without feeling thristy.

Pink Guava Slushie by Holy Land

Frozen slushie drink made with juice squeezed from fresh pink guavas.

Location: At the International Bazaar, southeast corner

Cotton Candy Float by German Root Beer and Popcorn

Cotton candy soda was poured over Kemps vanilla ice cream and topped with cotton candy.

Location: East of Chambers St. just south of the Grandstand

Lift Bridge Root Beer by Bridge n’ Barrel Root Beer

Bridge n’ Barrel Root Beer serves Lift Bridge Root Beer, Lift Bridge Black Cherry Soda, pink lemonade, and assorted other sodas. Its two locations are: on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets; and on the northwest corner of Carnes Avenue and Underwood Street.

Location: North side of Dan Patch Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

Papelón con Limón by Arepa Bar

Papelón con Limón, is a cold beverage made with unrefined cane sugar and fresh-squeezed lime juice. (Aug. 31-Sept. 5 only)

Location: In the Taste of the Midtown Global Market Booth at the International Bazaar, east wall

There’s simply no better time to plan a trip to the Fair. It’s huge, it’s fun, and it’s full of tasty treats at every turn. Whatever your favorite food is, chances are you’ll find something on a stick representing it at the fair. This is just the beginning—and Minnesota State Fair food for the coming years is sure to be even better. So what are you waiting for? Grab your family and head on down!