Come hungry—and wear comfortable shoes. The 2026 Minnesota State Fair has another sprawling lineup of new foods, but tracking them down across 322 acres can be almost as daunting as deciding what to eat. So, we’ve turned this year’s new-food list into a walking tour, starting at the West End and winding through the heart of the Fairgrounds, the International Bazaar, and Food Building before heading north. Along the way: corn ribs, Hmong corndogs, savory waffle cones, apple fries, elote tots, strawberry mini donuts, and plenty of wonderfully weird things on sticks. Consider this your eat-as-you-go itinerary.
WEST END:
Cracklin’ Corn Ribs at Blue Barn: Corn cob quarters dipped in tempura batter, then fried. Brushed with seasoned butter and topped with bacon ranch, green onion and candied jalapeños. Served on a bed of pork rinds. At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, south of History & Heritage Center
Pickle Pie at LuLu’s Public House: Blend of chopped pickles, pickle juice, and cream cheese. At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater
Bao Belly at RC’s BBQ: Smoked barbecue pork belly drizzled with RC’s hot sauce and yum yum sauce. Topped with pickled vegetables and cilantro and served on folded, steamed bao buns. At RC’s BBQ, located on the north side of West Dan Patch Ave. between Liggett & Chambers streets
Royal Hawawshi at Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine: Bread pocked stuffed with ground beef, griddled until crispy, with tahini dip. Near Grandstand.
NEAR COLISEUM:
Chorizo Manchego Croquettes at Paella Depot: Spanish-style potato croquettes filled with manchego cheese and Spanish chorizo. Lightly breaded, fried, and garnished with chives. Drizzled with homemade lemon garlic aioli. (Gluten-free) At Paella Depot, located on the south side of Judson Ave. between Clough & Nelson streets
Honey Brisket Battered Potatoes at Australian Battered Potatoes: Deep-fried Australian Battered Potatoes topped with beef brisket, smothered in nacho cheese and drizzled with hot honey. At Australian Battered Potatoes, located on the south side of Judson Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets
Longanisa Cheese Curd Lumpia at Lumpia City: Shanghai Lumpia, stuffed with ground pork, garlic, and sweet chili dipping sauce. At Lumpia City, located on the west side of Liggett Street between Carnes & Judson avenues
French Chouxnut Sundae at Bridgeman’s: Salted Caramel Espresso on an eclair-style doughnut, topped with dark chocolate fondant icing and chocolate curls. At Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, located on the northeast corner of Judson Avenue & Liggett Street
Savory Waffle Cones at Roon’s Savories: Roon’s Savories serves hand-rolled waffle cones flavored with Parmesan, cheddar, and herbs. Savory cones are available with four choices of fillings: BBQ Pulled Pork Mac (slow-smoked pulled pork layered with macaroni and cheese); Chicken Tinga & Rice (chicken and smoky tomato-chipotle sauce layered with seasoned rice—gluten-free); Classic Chicken Salad (house-made chicken salad with fresh herbs—gluten-free), and Three Cheese Mac (three cheese macaroni and cheese— vegetarian). Located on the west side of Liggett St. between Carnes & Judson avenues
Korean BBQ Bao Buns At Rooted & Wild by Snack House: The Vegan Chunk is plant-based shredded “meat” tossed in hot Korean barbecue sauce, topped with pineapple slaw and served on folded, steamed bao buns. (Vegan) Located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, south side
Surf ‘N’ Turf Burger at Cafe Caribe: Lobster tossed in garlic-herb butter stacked on a 1/3-pound seasoned grilled beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, drizzled with homemade chipotle mayo and served on a toasted brioche bun with a lemon wedge. At Cafe Caribe, located on south side of Carnes Ave. between Chambers & Clough streets
INTERNATIONAL BAAZAR:
Hmong Corndog at Union Hmong Kitchen: Pork Hmong sausage flavored with ginger, garlic, fish sauce, chili, and lemongrass made in collaboration with Kramarczuk’s. Skewered, dipped in a cornmeal batter and fried, served with a side of citrus Kua Txob sauce. At Union Hmong Kitchen, located at the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner
Tanghulu at Iemochi Japanese Confections: Four varieties: strawberry, green grape, Mandarin orange, and dual-mix with strawberries and grapes. At iemochi Japanese Confections, located at the International Bazaar, south wall
Tacos de Mole at El Burrito Mercado: Flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and house-made mole sauce. Deep-fried, drizzled with more mole sauce, and garnished with queso fresco. At El Burrito Mercado, located at the International Bazaar, south wall
Crispy Kubbeh Bites at Holy Land: Crispy bulgur and beef shells stuffed with seasoned beef and warm spices, served with a dill pickle yogurt sauce. It’s a Lebanese/levant classic. At Holy Land, located at the International Bazaar
Sept. 2-7 Birria Crunch Bombs, Fairground Fiesta Tacos at Midtown Global Market’s El Taco Torro: Birria Crunch Bombs (deep-fried tortilla balls filled with birria beef, Oaxaca, and mozzarella cheese rolled in a tortilla chip coating and drizzled with lime crema, served with a side of consommé dip); Fairground Fiesta Tacos (deep-fried flour tortilla cone filled with al pastor pork, pineapple pico, queso, and finished with cilantro & onion); and Horchata and Mangonada drinks. Located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall
WALKING IN THE THICK OF THINGS:
Butter Brew Mustache Pretzel at Blue Moon: Soft pretzel, coated in butter, tossed in butter brew sugar that has caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch. Served with a side of vanilla soft-serve dip. At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, located on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue & Chambers Street
Walking Chopped Italian Grinder at Mancini’s: Chopped Italian grinder sandwich-style blend of sliced salami, pepperoncinis, green olives, artichokes, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella pearls, tossed in Italian dressing. Layered over a bag of Dutch Crunch® Parmesan & Garlic Kettle Chips and drizzled with Calabrian chili aioli. At Mancini’s al Fresco, located on the north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets
Shakshuka Lamb Meatballs at French Meadow: Seasoned lamb and pork meatballs stuffed with whipped garlic herb goat cheese and flash-fried, served atop shakshuka—a blend of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and spices—garnished with parsley and served with a side of chimichurri-spiced sourdough crostini. At French Meadow Bakery & Cafe, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson & Underwood streets
Dubai Whoopie Pie at Dino’s: Dubai chocolate-inspired whoopie pie made with pistachio cream sandwiched between two dark chocolate cakes. Rolled in Dino’s Dubai crunch topping of shredded filo, crushed pistachios, honey, and brown sugar. (Vegetarian) At Dino’s Gyros, located on the north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets
FOOD BUILDING:
NEW Chinese Sausage & Cheese Poppers at Saturday Dumpling Co.: Fried dumpling poppers stuffed with savory and sweet Chinese sausage and provolone cheese; deep-fried wonton filled with ube cheesecake and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk; and the Salted Mango Yuzu-ade is going to be a hit drink, too. At Saturday Dumpling Co., located in the Food Building, east wall
When Pigs Fly at Sausage Sister & Me: Flight of pork sausages wrapped in puff pastry and served on-a-stick. Varieties include: Chorizo Sausage with chimichurri; Texas Two-Step Sausage with sweet pepper coleslaw; Oktoberfest Sausage with melted cheddar and chili crunch; and Porketta Italian Sausage with pickle aioli. At Sausage Sister & Me, located in the Food Building, east wall
The Fried and the Furious at The Herbivorous Butcher: Cubano Drift is a deep-fried Cubano-style sandwich made with a crunchy tortilla filled with vegan Cuban pork, vegan Swiss cheese, dill pickle relish, vegan garlic mayo, and mustard. Served with a side of jalapeño citrus sauce. Also Crunchy Rice, Hidden Tuna: deep-fried crispy rice cakes with gochujang “tuna,” citrus cilantro sauce, and parsley. At The Herbivorous Butcher, located in the Food Building, west section, south wall
Strawberry Ube Sundae Tart at Sara’s Tipsy Pies: Swirled strawberry and ube marshmallow cream mixed with chocolate chips, chilled, and scooped into a fudge-filled gluten-friendly shortbread crust. Topped with whipped cream, strawberry sauce, and edible glitter sprinkles. At Sara’s Tipsy Pies, located in the Food Building, northwest wall
Peri-Peri Bowl at Afro Deli: Fried peri-peri hot chicken, seasoned with African Bird’s Eye chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and herbs. Combined with mini beef sambusas and fried sweet plantains, all topped with peri-peri sauce and choice of basbaas (spicy Somali green chili pepper sauce) or spicy red chili sauce. At Afro Deli & Grill, located in the Food Building, east wall
NEAR SNELLING ENTRANCE:
Double Drizzle Ice Cream Nachos and Lemon Dream Ice Cream Nachos at 1919 Root Beer: a waffle chip nacho base topped with old-fashioned vanilla in the Double Drizzle, and lemon graham cracker swirl in the Lemon Dream, both served with sundae fixings.
Apple Fries at Minnesota’s Original Apple Fries. Located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood & Cooper streets
Sligo Slider Bites On-A-Stick at O’Gara’s: Handmade dumplings stuffed with a cheeseburger blend made of beef, cheddar, pickle, and onion. Skewered on-a-stick and deep-fried. Served with homemade Thousand Island dressing. At O’Gara’s at the Fair, located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cosgrove St.
Brandy Old Fashioned Cookie Dough at Kora & Mila’s Cookie Dough: Edible cookie dough infused with nonalcoholic brandy flavor and combined with orange zest, cinnamon, dark chocolate chips, and tart dried cherries. Served on-a-stick, hand dipped in brandy-flavored bittersweet chocolate, and rolled in Biscoff® cookie crumbs. At Kora & Mila’s Cookie Dough, located on the south side of Dan Patch Ave. between Cooper & Cosgrove street
Apple Donut Ham Grinder, Banana Butterscotch Barnraiser, and Farmer’s Muffin Top at Minnesota Farmers Union. At Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper & Cosgrove streets
Dirty Sodas at dodopop: dodopop serves dirty sodas in six flavors: megalodon (Dr Pepper®—diet available, raspberry syrup, and coconut cream); golden yeti (orange pop, vanilla syrup, and vanilla cream); liger (lemonade, Starry™ and cherry syrup); big red dog (Pepsi—diet available, cherry, vanilla syrup, and vanilla cream); sasquatch (root beer, vanilla syrup, and vanilla cream); and babe’s lemonade (sparkling lemonade, blue raspberry syrup, and raspberry popping pearls). Located on the northeast corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cooper St.
Bucket of Chicharrones at San Felipe Tacos: Freshly deep-fried chicharrones (pork rinds) sprinkled with chili pepper and lime seasoning. Served with a trio of dipping sauces: hot sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, and chamoy. At San Felipe Tacos, located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Underwood St.
WALKING UP TOWARD THE NORTH END:
Sweet Peach Lemonade Sparkler at Quench’d: Fresh-squeezed lemonade layered with peach syrup and peach sweet cream cold foam. Topped with a sprinkle of popping candy and garnished with a peach slice. At Quench’d: Lemonade/Bottled Water, located on the south side of Dan Patch Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets
Elote Tots at Tot Boss: Deep-fried tater tots tossed in Tajín and topped with an elote-style sauce made with roasted corn, diced peppers, cheddar cheese, crema, and cream cheese. Finished with cotija cheese and more Tajín. At Tot Boss, located on the east side of Underwood St. between Wright & Dan Patch avenues, south of Kidway
Caramel Apple Iced Tea at Loon Lake Iced Tea: Black tea brewed with natural tart apple flavor and topped with caramel-infused cold foam. Garnished with a Caramel Apple Pops® lollipop. At Loon Lake Iced Tea, located on the west side of Underwood St. between Wright & Dan Patch avenues
Strawberries & Blueberry Creme Parfait at Strawberries ‘N Creme: Fresh whole strawberries layered with blueberry nondairy whipped topping and garnished with gluten-free waffle chips. At Strawberries ‘N Creme, located on the west side of Underwood St. at Wright Ave.
Dockside Poppers at Summer Lakes Boat House: Seasoned cream cheese, bacon, artichoke hearts, and jalapeño peppers combined, breaded and lightly fried. Served with a side of homemade tomato chili jam. At Summer Lakes Boat House*, located on the southwest corner of Randall Ave. & Underwood St.
Al Elotay Hummus at Baba’s: Corn hummus, topped with Arabic elote, Arabic chorizo, pecorino Romano, harissa oil, microgreens, and cilantro.
French Fries at Solem’s French Fries: Solem’s French Fries serves fresh-cut french fries in four sizes with a dedicated sauce bar offering a variety of self-serve spices and dipping sauces. Located on the east side of Underwood St. between Murphy & Lee avenues
Mango Sticky Rice Refresher at Chan’s Eatery: Coconut milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, mango flavoring, and half and half poured over ice and topped with fresh and dried mango. Finished with a dried mango sugar rim. Inspired by the flavors of mango sticky rice. At Chan’s Eatery, located on the east side of Underwood St. between Murphy & Lee avenues
Strawberry Crunch Mini Donuts at Solem’s Mini Donuts: Strawberry donuts dusted with vanilla sugar, drizzled with vanilla icing, and topped with homemade strawberry streusel crunch. Served in a bucket rimmed with vanilla icing and more streusel crunch. At Solem’s Mini Donuts, located on the east side of Underwood St. between Murphy & Lee avenues
Pumpkin Bar Funnel Cake at Taulelle’s Jurassic Corn Dogs: Real pumpkin, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla blended with original funnel cake batter, then deep-fried. Lightly brushed with melted butter and topped with homemade cinnamon cream cheese frosting. At Taulelle’s Jurassic Corn Dogs, located on the east side of Underwood St. between Murphy & Lee avenues
Crack-n-Cheese® Bowl at Jive Turkey BBQ: Jive Turkey BBQ serves Crack-n-Cheese® Bowl (homemade macaroni and cheese, hickory-smoked turkey barbecue, deep-fried turkey cracklins, and signature sauce); Soul Rolls (macaroni and cheese with collard greens deep-fried in an egg roll); Soul Punch (muscadine lemonade); and Stuffed Turkey Legs in two varieties, Cajun Shrimp and Alfredo (stuffed with cajun shrimp and dirty rice, topped with alfredo sauce) and Thanksgiving Stuffed (stuffed with choice of three fillings: macaroni and cheese, stuffing, gravy, yams, collard greens, or cranberry sauce). Plus, hickory-smoked turkey legs and turkey barbecue sandwiches. Located on the north side of Lee Ave. between Underwood & Cooper streets
Dill with it, Cookie! At Urban Glow Mocktails: White chocolate chips, finely chopped dill pickles, and fresh dill baked into a cookie. Finished with a sprinkle of sugar and Maldon sea salt. Created by Holman’s Table. At Urban Glow Mocktails, located at the North End, northeast section, across from the North End Event Center
Two-Tone Bloody Mary Mocktail at Urban Glow Mocktails: Homemade tomatillo salsa layered with a zero-alcohol blend of tomatoes, herbs, spices, and olive brine. Garnished with a skewer of pickle, cheese, tomato, olive ,and an Urban Glow Cheweenie™ sausage. At Urban Glow Mocktails, located at the North End, northeast section, across from the North End Event Center
