Minnesota State Fair 2024: The best new foods, part 1

There’s so much to be excited for, food-wise, at the Minnesota State Fair 2024.

We’re looking at more diverse and international food options (Korean corn dogs, paella, Indigenous foods, Egyptian cuisine); some creative flavor combinations (kettle chip-flavored ice cream on focaccia & a sweetcorn cola float) – and of course, some attention grabbers (deep-fried ranch dressing, anyone?)

This year we sampled an eclectic mix of new foods and as usual, we loved some – but not all.

Let’s dive right in!

Marco’s Garden sandwich bowl – Jammy Sammies by BRIM: $14

Location: At the North End, northwest section, across from the North End Event Center

How do you start a food-filled day at the fair? Such a big decision. We decided to start with the Marco’s Garden sandwich bowl from Jammy Sammies by BRIM – and it was fantastic!

BRIM described this dish as “summer in a bowl”. Fresh farmer cheese topped with a sweet/tart rhubarb jam, fresh tomatoes, jalapeno, and some spices that reminded us faintly of pizza – with two pieces of flatbread on the side.

This is more than just bread and dip. This vendor excels at ensuring each individual component of a dish is delicious and high quality.

Bonus: The flatbread is gluten-free – and a vegan option is available.

Deep Fried Ranch Dressing – Lulu’s Public House: $12

Location: At West End Market, south of Schilling Ampitheater

As the most anticipated new food of the fair, we absolutely had to try the deep fried ranch dressing.

And you guys, we loved it!

The ranch flavor was on point. The cream cheese center was mixed with dry ranch dressing mix so it wasn’t runny like the ranch you would buy in a bottle. The coating was perfectly crispy and the outside was dusted with more ranch seasoning. The hot honey on the side balanced it all out.

It doesn’t get more Midwestern than deep fried ranch dressing. Put this food on your must-try list.

Grilled Purple Sticky Rice – Union Hmong Kitchen: $10

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

Last year, our favorite food pick from the fair was the galabao (a steamed pork bun) from Union Hmong Kitchen. So we were excited to try their 2024 new food: grilled purple sticky rice.

When they handed me the paper food tray, I was struck by how heavy it was. The purple sticky rice was brick-like. The Hmong beef jerky, vegetables, and sauce tasted great – but the rice-to-toppings ratio was way off. It was 95% rice.

Our recommendation: Get a galabao instead and enjoy every delicious bite!

Strawberries And Cream Waffle Stick – Waffle Chix: $10

Location: On Judson Avenue between Liggett & Clough streets

Waffle Chix does waffles on a stick really well. We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast sausage in a waffle on-a-stick when the booth debuted in 2022.

This dessert option? Not quite as good.

The dominant flavor was strawberry. The cookie dough filling got lost in the mix. But the waffle coating was good.

We give it a Minnesotan "not bad."

Strawberry Lemonade Donut – Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts: $10

Location: Between West Dan Patch & Carnes avenues and Liggett & Chambers streets, south section

You really can’t go wrong with a fresh donut. Fluffy’s serves up giant raised donuts with lots of interesting toppings and flavor combinations.

So while we loved the donut – we didn’t get much strawberry or lemonade flavor. The donut base was plain and the frosting didn’t seem to have any specific flavor. The only notable strawberry lemonade flavors were from the dehydrated strawberries and lemon candy slice on top – as well as a little plastic pipette on top containing a shot of strawberry lemonade.

But still, it’s a fresh, warm, gigantic donut. We’re not complaining.

The Minnesota State Fair's most iconic, must-try foods

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The Minnesota State Fair's most iconic, must-try foods

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