24 August 2023
The sun is shining. The crowds are ready. The Minnesota State Fair is on. It’s time to go outside and eat.
As usual, the Pioneer Press crew started bright and early on Thursday, the first day, to taste through all 34 official new foods. But this year, we’re not simply giving you a list of our thoughts — no, we’re ranking the best, the worst and everything on a stick in between. Some foods didn’t make the top 15 or the bottom 10, so those are your call.
Family, friends and fairgoers offered their tastebuds and opinions for our rankings, too.
Here’s what we tried and what we think. What was your favorite new food? Think we screwed up? Let us know at [email protected].
THE BEST
Counting down to our No. 1 favorite 2023 Minnesota State Fair new food.
15. Cheese Curd Stuffed Pizza Pretzel ($9)
Cheese Curd Stuffed Pizza Pretzel from Green Mill at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Scratch-made jumbo pizza dough pretzel, hand-twisted and stuffed with Ellsworth cheese curds, pepperoni and a Green Mill blend of Italian spices. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with diced pepperoni, herbs and parmesan cheese. Served with Green Mill pizza sauce.
Clare Fleming, Jess’ daughter: That doesn’t taste like cheese curds at all.
Kathy Berdan, former Pioneer Press arts editor: It’s like that cheese-stuffed pizza crust.
Alyssa Kaufman, Jared’s sister: It’s shaped like a pretzel, but it doesn’t have a pretzel-y taste or texture.
Jess Fleming, Eat editor: That’s tasty and Fair-appropriate! It’s huge, very share-able, and tastes like pizza.
Find it: At Green Mill — east side of Cooper Street between Randall and Wright avenues (at Family Fair at Baldwin Park)
14. Pickle Fries ($8)
Pickle Fries from Mike’s Hamburgers at 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Crispy, tangy thin-cut dill pickle fries lightly coated in a cornmeal-and-seasoned-mustard batter. Served with a side of chipotle dipping sauce.
Jared Kaufman, food reporter: There’s a little spice to the pickle itself, which is unexpected. I could crush these.
Jess: They’re crispy, too. I like the breading. Maybe a little too salty, though.
Lori Swanson, marketing consultant: Not a fan. Way overseasoned, and I prefer discs, anyway.
Kathy: Yeah, but these would be so good with a beer.
Find it: At Mike’s Hamburgers — northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Nelson Street
13. Afro Deli Sambusas ($6 each)
Sambusa from Afro Deli at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Fried triangle-shaped pastries with choice of beef, chicken or lentil, mixed with onions, garlic and cilantro, and served with “Basbaas,” a spicy Somali dipping sauce made with fresh chili peppers, jalapeños, cilantro, onions and lemon juice.
Jared: That beef one is quite good. I love that.
Jess: It’s a little spicy, too. The sauce makes it.
Kathy: The pastry is tender, and that filling is so flavorful.
Find it: At Afro Deli — located in the Food Building, east wall
12. Holey Hamloaf Breakfast Sandwich ($11)
Holey Hamloaf Breakfast Sandwich from Hamline Church Dining Hall. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Hamline Church Dining Hall hamloaf, tangy glaze, caramelized onions and cheese in a sandwich made with fried egg-in-a-hole toast.
Kathy: This is just a normal, filling sandwich. The ham loaf has a sweet tomato-y thing going on.
Lori: The bread is really good. Could be a bit warmer.
Jess: Yeah, this is a fine egg sandwich.
Jared: I’d be willing to start my day with this.
Find it: At Hamline Church Dining Hall — north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets
11. Loaded Lobster Fries ($15)
Loaded Lobster Fries from Cafe Caribe at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Lobster in garlic-and-herb butter, served on a bed of french fries sprinkled with Old Bay Seasoning, topped with bacon, drizzled with homemade chipotle mayonnaise, and garnished with green onion and a lemon wedge.
Jess: That lobster is fresh, which is kind of a pleasant surprise. Salty, too. If you’re gonna do lobster at the Fair, this is a Fair-appropriate vehicle.
Lori: It doesn’t taste fishy at all.
Kathy: They could stand to make the fries a little crispier to hold up to the juiciness. It’s tender, though.
Fairgoer Matt Schintz of Lakeville: They’re good but a little too overseasoned. The fries aren’t great. The lobster is good, though.
Find it: At Cafe Caribe — south side of Carnes Avenue between Chambers and Clough streets
10. Chicken Momo With Tomato Chutney ($13)
Chicken Momo with Tomato Chutney from MomoDosa at the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Jared: Those are extraordinary. So juicy. The sauce isn’t powerful on its own but really elevates the momos when you eat them together.
Jess: Yeah, they’re curry-y. Spiced but still good for a Minnesota palate.
Lori: I love them; they’re delicious. The texture is just great.
Find it: MomoDosa — Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth — International Bazaar, east wall (Aug. 24-29 only)
9. Galabao ($12)
Galabao steamed bun from Union Hmong Kitchen at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Traditional Hmong-style steamed bun stuffed with ground pork, egg and spices — a recipe from Chef Yia Vang’s mom. Served with choice of Krunchy Chili Oil, Kua Txob (pronounced kuwah-tsaw) Hot Pepper Sauce or Lemongrass Scallion Dressing.
Jess: The sauce is spicy and herbaceous, but I like spicy. I’m a fan. Would absolutely eat again.
Lori: I like it too. Maybe it’s a little doughy. I like the egg, though, but more meat would be nice.
Fairgoer Julia Zula of West St. Paul: This is the first thing we’ve eaten today. The bao is so fluffy, and it’s a perfect size to split.
Fairgoer Lukas Wallerich of West St. Paul: Union Hmong Kitchen hit it out of the park last year, so we knew we had to try it again.
Find it: At Union Hmong Kitchen — International Bazaar, south wall, west corner
8. Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog ($12)
Bacon-wrapped waffle dog from Nordic Waffles at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What it is: Griddled bacon-wrapped Kramarczuk hot dog served on a Nordic Waffle with cheddar cheese, pickle slices and crispy onions, and drizzled with burger sauce.
Jess: That’s solid Fair food right there. Good, not good for ya! I like the little onion bits on top, too.
Jared: Yeah, that’s pleasant. The pickles and sauce are great.
Lori: I like the sweetness of the waffle, too.
Clare: It smells like Wisconsin.
Find it: At Nordic Waffles — West End Market, south section
7. Fried Green Tomato Sandwich in Two Varieties — BLT and Vegetarian ($15)
Fried Green Tomato Sandwich from the Minnesota Farmer’s Union Coffee Shop at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Two deep-fried locally grown green tomato slices in a crust of Whole Grain Milling Co. High Lysine Cornmeal, with mustard mayonnaise made with Lost Capital Economics Coarse Spicy Ale Mustard, and local lettuce on a toasted brioche bun from The Good Bread Company. BLT is served with bacon from Pastures a Plenty & Hidden Stream Farm. Vegetarian option is served with locally produced charred sweet corn relish.
Brooke Hanson, Kathy’s friend: That brioche bun is perfectly done, and the tomatoes, too. The South would be proud.
Jess: The green tomato itself is really good.
Jared: Yep, I like that a lot.
Fairgoer Barbara Moore of Mendota Heights: We’re sitting here doing a Shavasana to let it flow through us. It’s our new favorite breakfast food at the Fair. The tanginess is so good.
Find it: At Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop — north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets
6. Cheesecake curds ($9)
Cheesecake Curds from LuLu’s Public House at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What it is: Eli’s Cheesecake pieces covered in funnel cake batter, fried and dusted with powdered sugar and salt. Served with strawberry dipping sauce.
Jared: Ooh, I’m into that. That’s a fun twist.
Jess: It’s deep-fried cheesecake. They’re sweet and cheesy!
Clare: Hot cheesecake is a little weird, though.
Lori: I give them a thumbs-up.
Fairgoer Joyce Norman of Minneapolis: That’s a huge win. They’re creamy and crunchy.
Fairgoer Ashley Loomis of Minneapolis: I don’t really like deep-fried foods, and that’s amazing.
Find it: At LuLu’s Public House — West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater
5. Maui-Sota Sticky Ribs ($13)
Maui-Sota Sticky Ribs from RC’s BBQ at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Slow-smoked St. Louis-style ribs, caramelized with RC’s Sticky Huli Huli sauce and seasoned with furikake, green onion and cilantro.
Jess: Those are cooked perfectly. Still adhering to the bone while being uber-tender. I get Hawaiian flavor, but not overly sweet at all.
Lori: Wow, delicious. That’s really good. I love the sauce. I could eat that whole thing.
Fairgoer Matt Marrone of Eagan: It’s a 12 out of 10. It’s got spice, and the meat is so tender. I mean, you want a quality product at the state fair — it’s the sticky ribs.
Find it: At RC’s BBQ — north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets
4. Dill Pickle Cheese Curd Taco ($14 for 2)
Dill Pickle Cheese Curd Tacos from Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Fried white cheddar cheese curds, sandwich stacker dill pickles, cream cheese, lettuce and raspberry chipotle sauce or ranch dressing in a fried flour tortilla.
Jess: That’s definitely an improvement over last year. They’re not as greasy, for sure. I like the pickle, too.
Jared: Wait, is this just a regular cheese curd taco with a pickle inside? I mean, that’s fine with me.
Lori: I’m kind of anti-dill, but that’s good.
Jess: I wish the cheese curds had been dill curds. That would’ve made more sense.
Jared: Agreed. If you’re going to do it, do it. I’m surprised at how much I like it given how let-down we were by this place last year. I think ranch makes more sense than the raspberry sauce.
Fairgoer Rachel Siteman of Apple Valley: I love this. It’s the perfect combo of crunchy, salty, and sweet with that spicy raspberry sauce.
Find it: At Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos — north side of Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets (outside the Sheep & Poultry Barn)
3. Walleye Fritter Pops ($9.50)
Walleye Fritter Pops from Giggles’ Campfire Grill at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Smoked walleye mixed with a blend of cheeses, dill pickle relish, fresh garlic and spices, rolled in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Served on-a-stick with a side of comeback sauce and a lemon slice.
Jess: That’s totally Fair-appropriate. Whimsy factor, 10. And I like that each one is on its own stick, too.
Cathy, Jared’s mom: It’s moist, and definitely enough fish instead of being all filler, like bready walleye cakes. I don’t eat much gluten, but I’ll eat this.
Jared: Yeah, that’s fantastic. Such a good flavor. And for five pops, awesome for the price, too.
Find it: At Giggles’ Campfire Grill — southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street (at The North Woods)
2. Irish Butter Ice Cream Over Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast ($9)
Irish Butter Ice Cream over Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast from Blue Moon Diner at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Ice cream made with European-style butter served on brown sugar cinnamon toast, drizzled with butter syrup and sprinkled with sea salt flakes.
Jess: This might be my favorite thing I’ve eaten so far.
Kathy: It’s really rich, but yummy. Yummy!
Clare: Yeah, the ice cream is buttery and smooth.
Jared: That’s so good with the toast, too, for that hot/cold contrast. The description sounds too buttery, but it’s really balanced.
Find it: At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater — northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street
1. Lemonade Sorbet ($5)
Lemonade Sorbet from Quench’d at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Lemon sorbet made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest and mint garnish, served in a frozen half-lemon shell. (Vegan, gluten-free)
Jess: That’s so good, you guys. This is what I want at the Fair. That’s so refreshing.
Jared: We needed this. Suburban dad mode, we needed this rain.
Kathy: It’s small but really good for sharing. Even if it weren’t so hot, this is great, and the price feels right.
Brooke: Definitely not too sweet, and I love that real lemon peel in there. So fresh-made. It’s clearly real ingredients, and it’s served in an empty lemon peel! Cute.
Lori: Yep, that’s a winner.
Find it: At Quench’d: Lemonade/Bottled Water — south side of Dan Patch Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
THE WORST
Counting down to our absolute least favorite 2023 Minnesota State Fair new food.
10. Al Taco Baba ($13)
Al Taco Baba from Baba’s at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Traditional hummus, harissa barbacoa (beef), corn, queso fresco, chili dust, shatta (hot sauce), crema, cilantro and pita puffs.
Jess Fleming, Eat editor: I’ve long been a proponent that hummus can go with anything. But… maybe not tacos.
Lori Swanson, marketing consultant: That’s creamy and yummy.
Alyssa Kaufman, Jared’s sister: I think the proportions are a little off. But the pitas feel fried without being greasy.
Find it: At Baba’s — east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues (just south of Little Farm Hands)
9. Ba-Sants in Two Varieties — Everything Cream Cheese and Sweet Corn ($7 each)
Ba-Sants in two varieties, everything cream cheese and sweet corn. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: A bagel-croissant. A buttery, crisp, caramelized pastry that’s a combination of a bagel and croissant. Everything Cream Cheese Ba-Sant is rolled in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, black pepper and sea salt with a scallion cream cheese filling. Sweet Corn Ba-Sant is filled with fresh sweet corn custard and garnished with crunchy caramel corn.
Jared Kaufman, food reporter: The bagel one was just fine. The corn one was tasteless, there’s practically no custard in there.
Jess: It’s really, really greasy. I like the corn one better than the bagel one, which shocks me. Maybe because it’s less greasy?
Kathy Berdan, former Pioneer Press arts editor: It’s not greasy, it’s buttery! I like it. It’s just an everything bagel croissant.
Clare Fleming, Jess’ daughter: But where’s the bagel part of the Ba-Sant?
Brooke Hanson, Kathy’s friend: The bagel one tastes better than it looks, I’ll say that. On the corn one, I didn’t get a flavor. Just plain pastry.
Find it: At French Meadow Bakery & Cafe — north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
8. Miami Mango Pickles ($5)
Miami Mango Pickles from Soul Bowl at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Dill pickles infused with Miami mango punch.
Clare: Those are scary.
Brooke: Why mess with a good pickle?
Jared: I super don’t like that. They’re also just served in a plastic bag? Weird.
Jess: I mean, if you like a sweet pickle…
Fairgoer David Curry of New Ulm: This isn’t bad. Still a kosher dill taste, but pretty sweet.
Find it: At Soul Bowl — Food Building, east wall
7. Sota-cuterie Board ($14)
What is it: Collection of Minnesota-made meats, cheeses, pickles and other charcuterie board favorites — served on an edible herb-crusted cracker “board.”
Sota-cuterie Board from Sabino’s Pizza Pies at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Jared: The cracker is like the end of a thin-crust pizza that you’d rather not eat. And, like, they’re allegedly Minnesota cheeses, but they might as well have come from a grocery store tray.
Jess: Yeah, the cracker is pretty hard and saltine-like, but not salty. This is a gimmick for sure. This doesn’t feel like a Fair food.
Lori: It’s picnic-y, though. It’s cute! The presentation is good.
Find it: At Sabino’s Pizza Pies — Warner Coliseum, north side
6. Italian Duo Dunkers ($12)
Four new dishes from The Food Building at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. Clockwise, from top left: Italian Duo Dunkers from Sara’s Tipsy Pies, Crunchy Balboa from Herbivorous Butcher, Fried Butternut Squash Ravioli from Oodles of Noodles and Miami Mango Pickles from Soul Bowl. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Two Italian-themed hand pies with seasoned parmesan crusts. One with sausage, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese in a 7 Vines Winery red wine-infused pizza sauce; the other with chicken, mushrooms and spinach in a creamy garlic alfredo sauce. Served with garlic butter dipping sauce.
Jared: Those are aggressively just fine.
Jess: Completely unremarkable. That crust is not good.
Fairgoer Jill Curry of New Ulm: Oh, I like the pepperoni one. It’s kind of spicy.
Find it: At Sara’s Tipsy Pies — Food Building, northwest wall
5. MinneCookieDough Pie ($10)
MinneCookieDough Pie from Minneapple Pie at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Homemade chocolate chip cookie dough in a flaky pie crust dusted with powdered sugar. Served with choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Jess: It’s so gooey. The cookie dough is kind of grainy, and it’s overly sweet. That’s why I’m making this face right now.
Lori: Lotta undercooked food today.
Clare: It’s really good with the ice cream.
Jared: Definitely sweet, but I agree that the ice cream helps. If I were 10 years old and splitting this with my family, I’d be ecstatic.
Find it: At Minneapple Pie — south side of Judson Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
4. St. Paul Pickle Fudge ($7)
St. Paul Pickle Fudge from Wow Fudge at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Pickle fudge.
Alyssa: That seems unnecessary. I mean, they successfully did what they tried to do, but… why?
Cathy Kaufman, Jared’s mom: They definitely got the flavor right. But I don’t need pickle in my fudge.
Kathy: Fudge should have chocolate or peanut butter in it. Hmm.
Jess: It’s so green! That’s practically a vegetable itself.
Jared: I’m torn on this. Like, it’s not pleasant, but I’m kind of glad it’s here. It feels like the kind of weird thing the State Fair should have.
Lori: But do we need another gimmick food?
Find it: At Wow Fudge — Creative Activities Annex, south wall
3. Fruity Cereal Milk Biscuit ($8)
Fruity Cereal Milk Biscuit from LuLu’s Public House at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: A Betty and Earl’s biscuit made with fruity cereal milk and cereal bits, drizzled with icing flavored with fruity cereal, and topped with more cereal bits.
Lori: That’s not even cooked all the way through. Not a fan.
Jess: It’s pretty doughy.
Jared: It’s just too sweet without any real payoff. Like, just not worth it.
Clare: Meh. That’s my review.
Lori: How do you spell “meh”?
Find it: At LuLu’s Public House — West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater
2. Crispy Lutefisk Steam Bun ($14.25)
Crispy Lutefisk Steam Bun from Shanghai Henri’s at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Steamed lotus bun filled with a blend of cabbage, carrots, cilantro and yum yum sauce, plus Olsen Fish Company lutefisk brined in salt water for 12 hours, covered in sweet hoisin sauce, then baked and topped with sesame seeds.
Lori: Not a fan. I don’t like that bread.
Jess: Here’s what I have to say about that — ya can’t hide lutefisk.
Jared: I actually don’t hate it. The fish is a little sweet, which I personally don’t mind, and the slaw is crunchy so it doesn’t feel too gelatinous.
Find it: At Shanghai Henri’s — International Bazaar, north wall
1. Donut Delights ($7.50)
Donut Delights from Coasters at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Mini donuts wrapped in bacon, on-a-stick, then deep-fried, topped with a layer of peanut butter and drizzled with raspberry dessert sauce.
Jess: Nope, they’re raw. Oh wait, maybe they’re just greasy? Either way. Poor execution can’t save a fun concept.
Lori: Not cooked. I think they might be good otherwise. That’s really too bad.
Alyssa: It’s just a plain donut under there, which feels like it’s missing something. A missed opportunity. I wish it had been tossed in cinnamon sugar or something.
Find it: At Coasters — southeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street
THE PICKLIEST
Ranking the trendy pickle offerings from best to, well, sour.
6. Miami Mango Pickles ($5)
5. St. Paul Pickle Fudge ($7)
4. Dill Pickle Lemonade Paleta
What is it: Mexican frozen treats on-a-stick in two flavors made locally by La Michoacana Rose: Dill Pickle Lemonade Paleta is lemon-flavored, water-based and includes dill pickle slices (vegan); Mini Donut Paleta is vanilla ice cream with mini donut bits and a whole cinnamon mini donut inside (vegetarian).
Jess: It’s refreshing, but I don’t get a pickle flavor.
Kathy Berdan, former Pioneer Press arts editor: I definitely prefer the creamy texture of the donut one.
Brooke Hanson, Kathy’s neighbor: The donut one is not too heavy, either. And I like the nutmeg spice flavor.
Jess: Yeah, it’s like horchata, a little.
Jared: That mini donut flavor is delightful. The pickle one is just lemonade.
Find it: At Hamline Church Dining Hall — north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets
3. Pickle Fries ($8)
2. “Kind of a Big Dill” Pickle Lemonade ($6)
Kind of a Big Dill lemonade from Nordic Waffles at the Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
What is it: Lemonade mixed with tangy dill pickling spices, craft brewed by Urban Growler and garnished with a crunchy slice of pickle. (Non-alcoholic)
Jess: The pickle flavor is nice and subtle. It’s really refreshing.
Clare Fleming, Jess’ daughter: I like that a lot.
Jared: It tastes like pickles plus lemonade. The flavors don’t really gel beyond just kind of existing together. I’d drink it but I’m not sure why.
Lori Swanson, marketing consultant: No. Absolutely not. I like pickles, but not like that.
Find it: At Nordic Waffles — West End Market, south section
1. Dill Pickle Cheese Curd Taco ($14 for 2)
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