The countdown to the Minnesota State Fair (and sadly, the end of summer) has begun.

The Fair has announced 33 official new foods this year and the list includes lots of intriguing items — from Buffalo cheese curd and chicken tacos to deep-fried ranch dressing to banh mi eclairs.

Six new vendors include St. Paul’s El Burrito Mercado, Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine and Midtown Market’s Indigenous Food Lab.

With just 45 days to go, it’s time to start planning, and for us, that means staring down the barrel of trying every single one of these. (* indicates a new vendor)

The official new foods

3 piggy pals on a stick is a new food from Sausage Sisters & Me at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair.

1. 3 Piggy Pals On-A-Stick: Three smoked sausage slices wrapped in bacon, filled with a cream cheese mix, and drizzled with barbecue sauce. Topped with a jalapeño slice and served on-a-stick. (Gluten-Friendly)

At Sausage Sister & Me, in the Food Building, east wall

2024 State Fair new food Afro Poppers from Afro Deli.

2. Afro Poppers: Bite-size pastries infused with an African blend of spices – ground vanilla, cardamom, ginger, cloves and nutmeg – deep-fried and coated with choice of coconut flakes, sugar or served plain. Topped with choice of drizzle – mango chutney, caramel or chocolate.

At Afro Deli, in the Food Building, east wall

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Ba’bacon Sour Cream + Onion hummus from Baba’s.

3. Ba’bacon Sour Cream + Onion: Sour cream + onion hummus topped with beef bacon, sumac tater tots, caramelized onions, scallions, French onion creme fraiche (pronounced krem fresh), black cumin seeds and chive oil. Served with pita puffs dusted with sour cream and onion powder. (Gluten-Free without pita puffs, Vegetarian without bacon)

At Baba’s, on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Blazing Greek Bites from Dino’s Gyros

4. Blazing Greek Bites: Deep-fried bites made from a blend of chickpeas, tomato, roasted red pepper, scallions and cayenne pepper. Served with a side of roasted red pepper hummus. (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

At Dino’s Gyros, on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson & Underwood streets

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Buffalo Cheese Curd and Chicken Tacos from Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos

5. Buffalo Cheese Curd & Chicken Tacos: Fried buffalo-flavored cheese curds and chicken topped with blue cheese slaw, drizzled with buffalo sauce, and served in a fried flour shell.

At Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, on the north side of Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets, outside the Sheep and Poultry Barn

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Chile Mango Whip from Tasti Whip.

6. Chile Mango Whip: Mango Dole Soft Serve in a cup rimmed and topped with chamoy and Tajín. Garnished with a tamarind candy straw. Alternative flavors of Dole Soft Serve include pineapple, strawberry and lemon. (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

At Tasti Whip, on the northwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Cookie Butter Crunch Mini Donuts from Mini Donuts & Cheese Curds

7. Cookie Butter Crunch Mini Donuts: Vanilla-flavored mini donuts coated with vanilla sugar, topped with Biscoff cookie butter drizzle and cookie crumbles, and served in a bucket rimmed with cookie butter and cookie crumbles.

At Mini Donuts & Cheese Curds, on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Cotton Candy Iced Tea from new vendor Loon Lake Iced Tea.

8. Cotton Candy Iced Tea: Brewed butterfly pea flower tea sweetened with natural flavor and cane sugar. Garnished with a swirl of edible glitter and a rock candy swizzle stick to stir for a color-changing effect. (Gluten-Free, Caffeine-Free, Vegan)

At Loon Lake Iced Tea,* on the west side of Underwood Street between Wright & Dan Patch avenues

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Crab Boil Wings from Soul Bowl.

9. Crab Boil Wings: Chicken wings marinated in hot sauce, grilled and then fried with corn, chicken apple sausage and potatoes. Tossed in a “crab boil” butter and finished with a lemon wedge and parsley. (Gluten-Free)

At Soul Bowl, in the Food Building, east wall

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Deep Fried Halloumi Cheese from Holy Land Deli.

10. Deep-Fried Halloumi Cheese: Halloumi cheese, crafted from a blend of sheep and goat milk, wrapped in pastry dough and deep-fried. Served with a side of sweet chili sauce. (Vegetarian)

At Holy Land Deli, at the International Bazaar, southeast corner

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Deep-fried Ranch Dressing from Lulu’s Public House.

11. Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing filling made with ranch seasoning, buttermilk and cream cheese in a panko shell, deep-fried and dusted with ranch powder. Served with a side of hot honey sauce crafted with Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce. (Vegetarian)

At LuLu’s Public House, at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Dill Pickle Tots from Tot Boss.

12. Dill Pickle Tots: Fried tater tots tossed in dill seasoning with a hint of vinegar flavor – like a dill pickle potato chip. (Vegan)

At Tot Boss, on the east side of Underwood Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues, south of Kidway

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Fried Bee-Nana Pie from Sabina’s Pizza Pies.

13. Fried Bee-Nana Pie: Handmade pie filled with Minnesota honey, fresh banana and Biscoff cookie butter; battered and deep-fried. (Vegetarian)

At Sabino’s Pizza Pies, in the Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum, north side

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Grilled Purple Sticky Rice from Union Hmong Kitchen.

14. Grilled Purple Sticky Rice: Purple sticky rice grilled over an open flame until crunchy, then topped with choice of shredded Hmong beef jerky or pickled mushrooms. Garnished with fresh herbs and finished with Union Hmong Kitchen’s Krunchy Chili Aioli. (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian option)

At Union Hmong Kitchen, at the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Ham and Pickle Rollup on a Potato Skin from Route 66 Roadhouse Chicken.

15. Ham and Pickle Roll Up on a Potato Skin: Three fried potato skins filled with a blend of sour cream, cream cheese, chopped pickles and ham. Topped with potato chip crumbles. (Gluten-Friendly)

At Route 66 Roadhouse Chicken, located in the Food Building, northwest corner

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Lady Slipper Marble Sundae from Bridgeman’s Ice Cream

16. Lady’s Slipper Marble Sundae: Bridgeman’s strawberry ice cream, lemon marshmallow cream and ladyfinger cookies layered in a cup and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

At Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, located on the northeast corner of Judson Avenue and Liggett Street

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Marco’s Garden from Jammy Sammies by BRIM.

17. Marco’s Garden: Local rhubarb jam, thyme-marinated locally sourced tomatoes, farmer cheese, jalapeño and honey served with a side of grilled gluten-free flatbread. (Gluten-Free, Vegan option uses thyme tofu dip and maple syrup instead of cheese and honey.)

At Jammy Sammies by BRIM, located at the North End, northwest section, across from the North End Event Center

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Mocha Madness Shave Ice from Minnesnowii Shave Ice.

18. Mocha Madness Shave Ice: Fluffy shaved ice with caffeine-free coffee flavoring and an overflowing caramel macchiato cold foam center. Drizzled with chocolate syrup and garnished with dark chocolate espresso beans. (Gluten-Free)

At Minnesnowii Shave Ice, located on the west side of Nelson Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Nixtamal Wild Rice Bowl from new vendor Indigenous Food Lab.

19. Nixtamal and Wild Rice Bowl with Wóžapi and Bison Meatballs or Sweet Potato Dumplings: Choice of bison meatballs or sweet potato dumplings, topped with mixed berry wóžapi sauce, and served on a bed of nixtamal (white corn, blue corn and yellow corn) mixed with wild rice and seasoned with maple and spices. Cricket and seed mix topping optional. (Gluten-Free, Vegan option)

At Midtown Global Market’s Indigenous Food Lab,* located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall (Aug. 28 to Sept. 2 only)

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Patata Frita Foccciawich from West End Creamery.

20. Patata Frita Focacciawich: “Patata Frita” kettle chip-flavored ice cream created by Minnesota Dairy Lab, sandwiched between focaccia bread from Wrecktangle Pizza. Topped with a blend of honey butter, kettle chips and herbs.

At West End Creamery, located at West End Market, northwest section

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food PB Bacon Cakes from The Blue Barn.

21. PB Bacon Cakes: Thick-cut bacon dipped in pancake batter, griddled and topped with peanut butter whipped cream, grape jelly and banana chips.

At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, south of the History and Heritage Center

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Raging Ball from The Herbivorous Butcher.

22. Raging Ball: Deep-fried sesame mochi dough ball with vegan cheeseburger filling. Made with house-made vegan burger mix, vegan cheddar cheese, grilled onions and pickles. Topped with bacon-flavored powdered sugar. (Gluten-Friendly,Vegan)

At The Herbivorous Butcher, located in the Food Building, south wall

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Savory Eclairs from Scenic 61 by New Scenic Cafe.

23. Savory Éclairs in Two Varieties: Choux pastry éclair shell with choice of filling: Bánh Mì or Lobster.

Bánh Mì Éclair: Filled with pork confit, chicken liver pâté, pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber and sriracha mayo, garnished with micro cilantro – inspired by a traditional Vietnamese sandwich.

Lobster Éclair: Filled with lobster meat, celery, mayo, Cholula hot sauce, lime, chives and salt and pepper, topped with dried corn and micro cilantro – inspired by a New England-style lobster roll.

At Scenic 61 by New Scenic Café, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Shroomy Calamari from French Meadow Bakery & Cafe.

24. Shroomy “Calamari”: Oyster mushrooms hand-breaded and deep-fried. Served with a side of chipotle sauce. (Gluten-Free,Vegan)

At French Meadow Bakery & Cafe, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Strawberries and Cream Waffles on a Stick from Waffle Chix.

25. Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick: Belgian waffle filled with strawberry shortcake cookie dough, topped with whipped cream and strawberry sauce, and served on-a-stick.

At Waffle Chix, located on Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Strawberry Lemonade Donut from Fluffy’s Hand-Cut Donuts.

26. Strawberry Lemonade Donut: Hand-cut yeast-raised donut frosted with lemon buttercream, rolled in strawberry lemonade crunch, and garnished with lemon gummy candy and freeze-dried strawberry slice. Served with a strawberry lemonade-filled pipette to squeeze in more flavor. (Vegetarian)

At Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts, located between West Dan Patch and Carnes avenues and Liggett and Chambers streets, south section

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Swedish Ice Cream Sundae from Salem Lutheran Church Dining Hall.

27. Swedish Ice Cream Sundae: Vanilla ice cream covered in lingonberry jam, sprinkled with Swedish ginger cookie crumble, and garnished with a ginger cookie heart. (Vegetarian)

At Salem Lutheran Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Randall Avenue, just south of the Progress Center

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Swedish Sota Sliders from Hamline Church Dining Hall.

28. Swedish ‘Sota Sliders: Hamline Church Dining Hall’s Cranberry-Wild Rice Meatball formed into patties, paired with dill Havarti cheese and a red relish of beets, red onions, red peppers, lingonberries and cranberries, served on two brioche buns.

At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Sweet Corn Cola Float from Blue Moon Dine-In Theater.

29. Sweet Corn Cola Float: Minnesota-made sweet corn cola and sweet corn ice cream in a cup, finished with whipped cream, popping candy and house-made frozen caramel.

At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, located on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Sweet Heat Bacon Crunch from RC’s BBQ.

30. Sweet Heat Bacon Crunch: Double-smoked slab bacon tossed in RC’s red barbecue sauce and topped with hot honey and chili crunch, served over a bed of white rice, and garnished with green onions.

At RC’s BBQ, located on the north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Turkey Kristo from Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop.

31. Turkey Kristo: Minnesota-made Texas toast from Pan-O-Gold Bakery, sliced Ferndale Market turkey, CannonBelles white cheddar cheese, apple butter made from locally sourced Westcott Orchard apples, and house-made spicy brown mustard mayo, dusted with powdered sugar. (White Cheddar Kristo vegetarian option uses extra cheese instead of turkey.)

At Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Walking Shepherd’s Pie from O’Gara’s at the Fair.

32. Walking Shepherd’s Pie: Two handmade hot pastries filled with braised ground beef, mashed potatoes and a blend of onions, carrots and peas tossed in herb gravy.

At O’Gara’s at the Fair, located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cosgrove Street

2024 new Minnesota State Fair food Wrangler Waffle Burger from Nordic Waffles.

33. Wrangler Waffle Burger: Fresh all-beef patty and signature Whataburger Patty Melt Sauce layered with American cheese and served in a caramelized onion-infused Nordic Waffle.

At Nordic Waffles, located at West End Market, south section

New Food Vendors

Chan’s Eatery: Chan’s Eatery serves Korean corndogs (hot dog and mozzarella cheese, battered with panko, deep-fried and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Option to add a coating of fried potatoes or to substitute toppings for hot Cheetos® with spicy mayo); Mochi donuts in eight varieties (original glaze, churro, cookies ‘n cream, Fruity PebblesTM, chocolate, strawberry, matcha and taro; Fruit and milk boba teas with optional tapioca and jelly toppings.

Located on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues

El Burrito Mercado: El Burrito Mercado serves Quesabirria Taquitos (deep-fried, rolled tacos filled with beef marinated in red sauce and cheese, topped with salsa verde and crumbled cheese); Esquites (corn kernels cooked with herbs, topped with sour cream, crumbled cheese, chile powder and lime, served in a cup); and Agua de Sandia Loca (watermelon drink with chamoy and bits of seasoned dried mango). All items are gluten-friendly.

Located at the International Bazaar, south center section

Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine: Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine serves Koshari (rice, pasta, chickpeas, lentils, tomato sauce, garlicky vinegar “dakkah” sauce, topped with fried onions) in three varieties (chicken, beef and vegetable); plus caffeine-free iced hibiscus tea. Koshari is gluten-free without pasta, and the vegetable variety is vegan.

Located south of the Grandstand Building under the Grandstand Ramp

Loon Lake Iced Tea: Loon Lake Iced Tea serves Official New Food Cotton Candy Iced Tea, plus a variety of brewed, naturally flavored, cane sugar-sweetened iced teas, including blood orange, blueberry, peach, strawberry and unsweetened.

Located on the west side of Underwood Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues

Midtown Global Market’s Indigenous Food Lab: Midtown Global Market’s Indigenous Food Lab serves Official New Food Nixtamal and Wild Rice Bowl with Wóžapi and Bison Meatballs or Sweet Potato Dumplings, with the option to add cricket and seed mix. All items are gluten-free. (Aug. 28 to Sept. 2 only)

Located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall

Paella Depot: Paella Depot serves Chicken and Chorizo Paella (traditional Spanish caramelized rice dish with leeks, red bell peppers, zucchini and snap peas, with option to add fried egg or seafood). Plus, aguas frescas in six flavors made from fruit puree, whole fruit, lime juice, agave and water. All items are gluten-free and dairy-free.

Located on the south side of Judson Avenue between Clough and Nelson streets

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