For many Minnesotans, the State Fair is synonymous with one thing: food! From deep-fried everything to unique concoctions you won’t find anywhere else, the fair is a culinary adventure. Year after year, the Minnesota State Fair introduces new food vendors and menu items that draw crowds and capture the imagination of food lovers far and wide. The anticipation surrounding these annual food releases is a tradition nearly as ingrained in the Minnesota experience as hot dish and hockey. Each year, veteran vendors try to one-up themselves, and new vendors emerge to try and wow the crowds that make up the fair’s sizable attendance.
The Minnesota State Fair never disappoints, and this year’s crop of new foods promises to delight fairgoers with a mix of sweet, savory, and downright outrageous options. This article highlights the must-try new Minnesota State Fair foods at the 2024 State Fair. Consider this your comprehensive guide to navigating the delicious landscape of new offerings that await you. Prepare your taste buds for a whirlwind of flavors and be ready to embrace the spirit of culinary adventure that defines the Great Minnesota Get-Together!
Savory Sensations
For those craving something more than just sweets, the Minnesota State Fair offers a range of exciting savory dishes that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Forget the basic corndogs and relish in the innovative flavors that define this year’s savory lineup. Get ready to dive into a world of umami, spice, and satisfying textures as we explore the best new savory additions.
The Mediterranean Moo Melt
This culinary masterpiece is a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, featuring seasoned ground beef, tangy feta cheese, ripe tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a creamy tzatziki sauce all nestled within a warm, toasted pita pocket. It is an offering from a vendor known for its Greek cuisine. The robust flavors and textures offer a satisfying and flavorful experience. The vendor’s owner boasted that his team has been working for months perfecting the seasoning blend and ratios of ingredients to reach the perfect combination of flavors that highlight his culture’s culinary prowess.
You can find it at “The Grecian Grill” located near the International Bazaar. This sandwich offers a refreshing contrast to some of the heavier, deep-fried options available, making it a must-try for those seeking a lighter, more sophisticated bite. The price range is estimated to be around \$10-\$12.
Spicy Korean Fried Ribs
Prepare for a fiery explosion of flavor with these Korean-style fried ribs. These juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs are coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy Korean gochujang sauce, then fried to crispy perfection. It is a new offering from a vendor specializing in globally-inspired street food. This dish is a textural delight, with crispy coating and succulent meat. According to the vendor’s chef, the gochujang sauce is made from scratch using a family recipe, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable Korean taste experience.
Look for “Global Grub” near the Grandstand. Be warned, these ribs pack a punch of heat, so they are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice. Expect to pay around \$13-\$15 for a generous serving.
Walleye Taco Trio
A Minnesota State Fair staple gets a unique twist with the Walleye Taco Trio. Each taco is filled with fresh, locally-sourced walleye, lightly battered and fried, then topped with a refreshing mango salsa, a zesty lime crema, and crunchy shredded cabbage. It is from a longtime State Fair vendor renowned for its seafood creations. The combination of the crispy walleye, sweet mango salsa, and tangy lime crema creates a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate. The vendor emphasizes its commitment to using sustainable walleye, ensuring that you can enjoy this dish with a clear conscience.
Head over to “The Walleye Shack” near the Agriculture Horticulture Building to find this trio. Priced around \$14-\$16, these tacos are a delicious and sustainable way to experience a Minnesota classic with a fresh, modern twist.
Sweet Treats & Desserts
No Minnesota State Fair experience is complete without indulging in something sweet, and this year’s lineup of new desserts is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Prepare for a sugar rush of epic proportions as we explore the most decadent and creative sweet additions.
Blueberry Basil Lemonade Sorbet
Cool down and refresh your palate with this vibrant Blueberry Basil Lemonade Sorbet. This handcrafted sorbet combines the sweet tang of blueberries, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the zesty brightness of lemonade into a symphony of flavor. It is made by a local artisan ice cream maker known for its unique and innovative flavor combinations. The sorbet is incredibly smooth and creamy, despite being dairy-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions. The vendor explained that the blueberries are sourced from local Minnesota farms, ensuring the highest quality and freshest flavor.
Find this delightful sorbet at “Sweet Surrender,” located in the Food Building. At around \$6-\$8 per scoop, this sorbet is a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Deep-Fried Cookie Dough Parfait
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with the Deep-Fried Cookie Dough Parfait. Imagine warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie dough, battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, then layered with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles. It is the creation of a vendor famous for its over-the-top fried treats. This parfait is a sugar bomb that will satisfy your inner child. The vendor proudly declares that this parfait is the “most decadent dessert” at the fair.
Look for “The Deep-Fried Emporium” near the Midway. Expect to pay around \$10-\$12 for this over-the-top creation.
Caramel Apple Cotton Candy Burrito
This dessert is a spectacle of textures and flavors. Fluffy caramel apple flavored cotton candy is wrapped in a warm tortilla and drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with crushed peanuts. The tortilla adds a surprising textural element. This dessert aims to capture the essence of a caramel apple in an unconventional format.
Find this creative treat at “Cotton Candy Creations” near the Kidway. The price will be around \$9-\$11.
The “Only at the Fair” (Unique & Unusual) Foods
The Minnesota State Fair is known for its adventurous and sometimes bizarre food creations. This is the realm of the culinary daredevils, those vendors who are willing to push the boundaries of what is considered “fair food.” Here are the most unique additions to the menu this year, designed to shock, surprise, and maybe even delight.
Pickle Pizza on a Stick
It’s exactly what it sounds like: pickle slices are battered, fried, and served pizza-style on a stick. Cream cheese sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella are the toppings that complete this State Fair novelty.
“Pickle Paradise” near the livestock barns will be offering this daring treat. The price will be in the \$7-\$9 range.
The Spam Sushi Roll
Spam, a polarizing but undeniably Minnesotan food icon, takes on a new form in this quirky creation. This sushi roll features seasoned rice, sliced Spam, pickled ginger, and wasabi, all wrapped in nori seaweed. This roll aims to blend the familiar taste of Spam with the elegant presentation of sushi. The vendor admits that this is their most experimental dish, hoping to create a “love-it-or-hate-it” experience.
Find this adventurous roll at “Sushi Sensations” in the International Bazaar. This food is priced at around \$8-\$10, and this is for the adventurous eaters.
Cactus Flower Fries
These are not your average french fries! These fries are made from the pedals of the edible cactus flower. They are fried until crispy and topped with a tangy southwest aioli. The unique texture and earthy flavor are one of a kind!
“Southwest Specialties” has these at around \$9-\$11.
Tips for Navigating the Food Scene
The Minnesota State Fair can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to food. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your culinary adventure:
Share the Experience: Gather your friends and family and share each dish. This allows you to try more Minnesota State Fair foods without feeling overly full or breaking the bank.
Comfort is Key: Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize footwear that can handle hours of standing and exploring.
Cash is King (Usually): While many vendors now accept cards, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or vendors in crowded areas.
Download the App: The official Minnesota State Fair app is your best friend. It provides maps, vendor locations, and other helpful information to navigate the fairgrounds.
Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for special deals or discounts offered by vendors, especially during off-peak hours.
Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the fair, so remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Conclusion
The Minnesota State Fair is more than just a fair; it’s a celebration of Minnesota culture, community, and, of course, food. Each year, the new Minnesota State Fair foods generate a buzz of excitement, and this year is no exception. From savory delights to sweet treats and the downright bizarre, there’s something for everyone to discover. So, grab your appetite and head to the fair – a culinary adventure awaits! Don’t be afraid to try something new, embrace the spirit of indulgence, and create unforgettable memories at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. After all, the State Fair is about more than just eating; it’s about experiencing the joy of trying new things, sharing laughter with loved ones, and creating lasting memories that will stay with you long after the last deep-fried treat has been devoured. What are you waiting for? Let the culinary adventure begin!
