The 2023 Minnesota State Fair's new foods are rated, from "Best" to... Meh (2023)

Where you can get:Hamline Church Dining Hall (north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood and Cooper Streets).

What they promised:"Hamline Church Dining Hall Ham Sandwich, Spicy Glaze, Caramelized Onions and Cheese in a Fried Egg-in-Hole Toast Sandwich."

What we got:Rarely is there fair food that works outside of its very special confines, but if this sandwich were served somewhere year-round, it would be tempting to make it a weekly tradition. The onions are the highlight, but every ingredient in the generous sandwich fits perfectly together.

Evaluation:4.

by Anthony Bettin

Where you can get:Peachey's Baking Company (north side of Randall Ave. at Cosgrove St., in front of Progress Center).

What they promised:“Peachey's Baking Company serves Amish donuts made on the premises following old Amish recipes, coated in vanilla glaze and served warm; Peanut Butter Cream Donut, an oversized Amish donut topped with homemade custard, peanut butter crumble and whipped cream; and Southern Sweet Tea, a freshly brewed tea sweetened with cane sugar.

What we got:A classic donut that is so simple but so well made - it was a pleasant surprise! Soft, pillowy dough and a thin layer of glaze that melts in your mouth. You take a bite and suddenly it's all gone. Again, this is from a new vendor, so check it out. You will not regret it!

Evaluation:4.

Von Aki Nace

Where you can get:Nordic waffles (am West End Market, Südteil).

What they promised:"Lemonade mixed with tangy dill pickles, craft brewed by Urban Growler and topped with a crisp slice of cucumber (non-alcoholic)."

What we got:This pickled lemonade is refreshing and delicious. Of course, if you don't like pickles, this isn't for you, but the lemonade flavor isn't overly sweet, and the cucumber is a nice addition without being overpowering. Ideal for a hot day at the fair.

Evaluation:4.

Von Aki Nace

Where you can get:MinneApple Pie (south side of Judson Ave. between Nelson and Underwood Streets).

What they promised:"Homemade chocolate chip cookie dough in a flaky pie crust dusted with powdered sugar. Served with your choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream."

What we got:This is a must. Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie dough with a deep fried powdered sugar crust. For the best tasting experience, take a bite of the golden-crusted delicacy. Then put plenty of vanilla ice cream in the center of the cake. Before you know it, the cake is gone. You will not be disappointed!

Evaluation:4.

By Johnny Kahner

Where you can get:BRIM's Jammie Sammies (on the North End, Northwest Section).

What they promised:Organic lemonade with locally made jam: Blueberry and mint jam with a spoonful of blueberry jam and garnished with sprigs of mint. Served with boba tea straws (vegan, gluten-free)."

What we got:Refreshing, delicious and beautiful. These lemonades are served ice cold with fine bunches of mint and slices of lemon. At the bottom of the jar is pounded blueberry jam with chunks of whole berries. The jam comes from local Minnesota-based producer Serious Jams and delivers a sweet and silky summer flavor in the jar. The sensible lines and the perfect taste to beat the heat make it worth it.

Evaluation:4.

Von Bailey Rieger-Borer

Where you can get:LuLu's Public House (på West End Market, syd for Schilling Amphitheatre).

What they promised:"A Betty and Earl's cookie made with fruity cereal milk and cereal pieces, drizzled with fruity cereal flavored frosting and topped with more cereal pieces."

What we got:It's as good as a cookie. A slight crunch on the outside, a moisture on the inside that melts on the tongue. It is served perfectly warm with a light touch of glazed cereal milk and a sprinkling of crisp, fruity pebbles. The textures harmonize perfectly and the nostalgia of sipping the post-muesli milk from childhood pays off. Not too sweet, perfect for any time of day and for sharing.

Evaluation:4.

Von Bailey Rieger-Borer

Where you can get:MomoDosa (he Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth in the International Bazaar, east wall).

What they promised:"A mixture of minced chicken, cabbage, onion, ginger and other spices, steamed in a pastry shell. Served with tomato chutney. (Available August 24-29 only.)"

What we got:The chicken is absolutely wonderful; It is aromatic with a nice kick. The tomato chutney also provides some much needed sweetness and extra spice.

Evaluation:3.

Von Aki Nace

Where you can get:Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop (north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Cooper and Cosgrove streets).

What they promised:“Two fried slices of locally grown green tomatoes in a high-lysine cornmeal crust from Whole Grain Milling Co., with mustard mayonnaise made from Lost Capital Economics Coarse Spicy Ale mustard and local lettuce on a toasted brioche bun from The Good Bread Company. The BLT is served with bacon from Pastures, a Plenty & Hidden Stream Farm. The vegetarian option is served with locally made charred corn relish.

What we got:The locally grown tomatoes and bacon provide the ideal crunch to this very filling offering. The kick of freshness when you leave the fried exterior behind is amazing.

Evaluation:3.

by Anthony Bettin

Where you can get:Green Mill (east side of Cooper St. between Randall & Wright Avenues, at Family Fair in Baldwin Park).

What they promised:“Homemade jumbo pizza dough pretzels, hand-rolled and filled with Ellsworth cheese curds, pepperoni and a Green Mill blend of Italian spices. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with diced peppers, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Served with Green Mill pizza sauce."

What we got:It's exactly what it says on the tin: a jumbo pretzel filled with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese curds, paired with Green Mill's classic red sauce. The dish is served warm and gets the perfect cheese flavor in the first bite. I'm surprised it's not a staple on their menu, as its functionality and flavor should satisfy even the pickiest of fairgoers. An indulgent experience with classic flavors that you probably only need to order once.

Evaluation:3.

Von Bailey Rieger-Borer

Where you can get:The Holy Land (in the International Bazaar, southeast corner).

What they promised:Hummus from the Holy Land mixed with fresh basil and topped with a mixture of crushed walnuts, crushed red chilli, garlic and olive oil. Served with homemade garlic parmesan chips. (Hummus is vegan and gluten-free; chips are suitable for vegetarians, and there are also gluten-free options.)"

What we got:The flavor profile is reminiscent of a spicy pesto. It's a huge order, served cold with a pile of pita chips on the side. Hummus fan? I think you will like it.

Evaluation:3.

By Johnny Kahner

Where you can get:Baba's (east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall Avenues, south of Little Farm Hands).

What they promised:"Traditional hummus, harissa barbacoa, corn, queso fresco, chili dust, shatta (hot sauce), crema, cilantro and pita puffs."

What we got:This tender beef taco is served on a bed of hummus. It comes with a side of corn, cilantro and cheese. Grab a hot bun and slide into each ingredient. They are very tasty.

Evaluation:3.

By Johnny Kahner

Where you can get:Blue Moon Dine-In Theater (northeast corner of Carnes Ave. & Chambers St.).

What they promised:"European butter ice cream served on brown sugar cinnamon toast, drizzled with butter syrup and sprinkled with sea salt flakes."

What we got:If you like cinnamon desserts, this one is for you. The owner says it's a Scandinavian-style dish. Perfect for a hot day, enjoy your ice cream on a bed of crispy cinnamon toast.

Evaluation:3.

By Johnny Kahner

Where you can get:Union Hmong Kitchen (at the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner).

What they promised:"Traditional Hmong-style steamed bun filled with minced pork, egg and spices - a recipe from Chef Yia Vang's mother. Served with your choice of Krunchy Chili Oil, Kua Txob Pepper Sauce or Lemongrass Spring Onion Dressing."

What we got:The warm, freshly baked dough is of high quality. It is easy to see that they are made with care. Be sure to use the fresh green sauce as a side dish, it adds a new dimension of flavor to the dish. If this is on your list of foods to try, try it.

Evaluation:3.

By Johnny Kahner

Where you can get:Sarah's Tipsy Pies (im Food Building, Nordwestwand).

What they promised:“Two Italian-style hand pies with a spicy Parmesan crust: one with sausage, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese in a red wine-infused pizza sauce from 7 Vines Winery; and one with chicken, mushrooms and spinach in a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce. Served with garlic butter dipping sauce.

What we got:These soft, tasty dunkers can be called mini calzones. The puff pastry crust is crispy and coated with Italian spices. The pepperoni inside is salty, savory and plentiful. Exactly as it should be. If you are a pizza lover, try it!

Evaluation:3.

By Johnny Kahner

Where you can get:Hamline Church Dining Hall (north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood and Cooper Streets).

What they promised:“Two flavors of Mexican frozen popsicle treats made locally by La Michoacana Rose: Dill Pickle Lemonade Paleta is lemon-flavored, water-based, and contains dill pickle slices (vegan); Mini Donut Paleta is vanilla ice cream with mini donut pieces and a whole cinnamon mini donut inside (vegetarian)."

What we got:The lemon palette is perfectly sweet and refreshing, but biting into the cucumber slices it contains is mildly irritating. Not as incompatible as it sounds, but not a harmonious taste either. As for the mini donut palette, it probably won't satisfy your sweet tooth as the palette itself is quite bland and the donut is a bit dry.

Evaluation:3 (Dillgurkenlimonade); 2 (Mini-Donut).

by Anthony Bettin

Where you can get:Weaned: Soda/bottled water (South side of Dan Patch Ave. between Nelson and Underwood Streets).

What they promised:"Lemon sorbet made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest and mint garnish, served in a frozen half lemon rind (vegan; gluten-free)."

What we got:It'll be just the ticket on one of those boiling hot afternoons at the fair, but it's nothing special. Tart and extremely lemony, and if you're wondering if you should eat half the lemon whole, don't worry, the lemon half comes in a small cup.

Evaluation:2.

Von Aki Nace

Where you can get:BRIM's Jammie Sammies (on the North End, Northwest Section).

What they promised:Organic lemonade with locally made jam: strawberry jalapeño jam with a spoonful of strawberry jam and jalapeño slices. Served with boba tea straws (vegan, gluten-free)."

What we got:Strawberry Jalapeño Jam'nade is still refreshing and tasty compared to its counterparts at Sammy Jammies, but still quite a tasty mouthful. The lemonade is still tasty and the mashed strawberries are fresh, but on a hot day the spices may be a little too much for some. If you enjoy a little more heat in the glass, this is the place for you. For others, skip it and enjoy one of the other delicious flavors they have to offer.

Evaluation:2.

Von Bailey Rieger-Borer

Where you can get:Nordic waffles (am West End Market, Südteil).

What they promised:"Bacon-wrapped Kramarczuk hot dog served on a Nordic waffle with cheddar cheese, sliced ​​cucumber and crispy onions and drizzled with burger sauce."

What we got:As always, the waffle portion in this dish is delicious, served hot with crispy edges. It's a hearty lunch that's easy to eat on the go and works well for meat lovers. But while it was tasty, the combination of sauce, cheese and crispy onions didn't shock or impress us. Good in a pinch, but a dish that's easy to make at home and not really worth the long lines.

Evaluation:2.

Von Bailey Rieger-Borer

Where you can get:The Blue Barn (West End Market, syd for History & Heritage Center).

What they promised:"Fried halloumi cheese topped with warm honey and honeycomb crunch (vegetarian)."

What we got:The honey is a bit overwhelming in both its sweetness and its spiciness. The gingerbread granola gives it some much needed crunch, but the texture and flavor of the cheese leaves a lot to be desired.

Evaluation:2.

by Anthony Bettin

Where you can get:LuLu's Public House (West End Market, syd for Schilling Amphitheatre).

What they promised:Eli's cheesecake slices covered in funnel cake batter, deep fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar and salt. Served with strawberry dip."

What we got:More curd than cheesecake, but the filling is delicious, if not quite sweet enough to offset the overly acidic dipping sauce.

Evaluation:2.

by Anthony Bettin

Where you can get:Cafe Caribe (south side of Carnes Ave. between Chambers and Clough streets).

What they promised:"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 spring onions and a lemon wedge."

What we got:The lobster fritters from Cafe Caribe fell a bit flat; not strong enough in taste. It's filling and not too greasy, so a good option if you're looking to balance out your other fried State Fair staples.

Evaluation:2.

Von Aki Nace

Where you can get:Shanghai Henri's (inside the International Bazaar, North Wall).

What they promised:"Steamed lotus bun filled with a mixture of cabbage, carrots, cilantro and yum yum sauce, served with Olsen Fish Company's lutefisk, soaked in salt water for 12 hours, coated with sweet hoisin sauce, baked and topped with sesame seeds."

What we got:The lutefish in the steamed buns is a little too sweet and not as crispy as promised. Combined with the flavorful carrots and crunchy cabbage, it made for a strange combination.

Evaluation:2.

Bonus:A different review by WCCO's Shayla Reaves can be seen in the taste test below.

Von Aki Nace

Where you can get:Giggles' Campfire Grill (SE corner of Lee Ave. & Cooper St. in The North Woods).

What they promised:“Smoked zander mixed with a cheese mixture, dill-cucumber relish, fresh garlic and spices, rolled in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Served on skewers with a side of comeback sauce and a lemon wedge.”

What we got:These donut pops were warm and crispy. However, they do not have a clear flavor profile. You won't notice the bangs unless you're a walleye enthusiast. In that sense, they are unique, but the taste is similar to many other deep-fried foods.

Evaluation:2.

By Johnny Kahner

Below is a guide to all the new vendors and where to find them at the state fair this year.

Supplier names and locations

1. Al Taco Baba: Located on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall Avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands

2. Ba-Sants i to variants:Inside the French Meadow Bakery & Cafe, on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

3. Bacon Wrapped Waffle Dog:At Nordic Waffles, at West End Market, southern part

4. Holy Land Basil Hummus with Spiced Walnut Topping:In the Holy Land, at the International Bazaar, southeast corner

5. Bee Sting Sundae:At Bridgeman's Ice Cream, on the northeast corner of Judson Avenue and Liggett Street

6. Birthday Cake Mini Donuts:At Mini Donuts & Cheese Curds, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee Avenues

7. Pizza pretzels filled with curd:In the Green Mill, on the east side of Cooper Street between Randall and Wright Avenues, at the Family Fair in Baldwin Park

8. Cheesecake Curd:Inside LuLu's Public House at West End Market, just south of Schilling Amphitheater

9. Chicken momo with tomato chutney: At Midtown Global Market's MomoDosa*, at the "Taste of the Midtown Global Market" booth at International Bazaar, East Wall (Available August 24-29 only)

10. Cloud cooler in three variants:At Spinning Wylde, north of Wright Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove Streets, at the Family Fair in Baldwin Park (new location)

11. Crispy Lutefisk steamed bun:At Shanghai Henri, at the International Bazaar, North Wall

12. Knuspriger Balboa:Hos The Herbivorous Butcher, inde i Food Building, West Section, South Wall

13. Dill-Jam-Cheese-Cheese-Taco:At Richie's Cheese Curd Tacos, on the north side of Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough Streets, in front of the Sheep & Poultry Barn

14. Donut Delights:At Coasters, on the southeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street

15. Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli:Bei Oodles of Noodles, im Food Building, Ostwand

16. Fried green tomato sandwich in two flavors – BLT and vegetarian:Inside the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop, on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets

17. Fruity Granola Milk Cake:Inside LuLu's Public House at West End Market, just south of Schilling Amphitheater

18. Galabao: At Union Hmong Kitchen, at International Bazaar, south wall, west corner

19. Holey Hamloaf morgenmadssandwich:Inside the Hamline Church Dining Hall, on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper Streets

20. Hot Honey Cheese Sticks:In the Blue Barn, at West End Market, just south of the History & Heritage Center

21. Irish butter ice cream on brown cinnamon toast:Inside the Blue Moon Dine-In Theatre, on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street

22. Italian Duo Dunkers:At Sara's Tipsy Pies, in the Food Building, northwest wall

23. Jam'nades in two flavors - Blueberry Mint and Strawberry Jalapeño:Hos Jammy Sammies by BRIM, i North End, Northwest Section, overfor North End Event Center

24. "A Kind of Big Dill" Pickles Soda:At Nordic Waffles, at West End Market, southern part

25. Lemonadesorbet:At Quench'd: Lemonade/Bottle Water, located on the south side of Dan Patch Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

26. Loaded Hummer Fries:Inside Cafe Caribe, on the south side of Carnes Avenue between Chambers and Clough streets

27. Maui-Sota Sticky Ribs:Located at RC's BBQ, on the north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers Streets

28. Miami Mango Pickles:Im Soul Bowl, im Food Building, Ostwand

29. MinneCookieDough Pie:At Minneapple Pie, located on the south side of Judson Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

30. Two flavor palettes – Dill Pickle Lemonade and Mini Donut:Inside the Hamline Church Dining Hall, on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper Streets

31. Cucumber Fries:At Mike's Hamburgers, on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Nelson Street

32. Smoked Beef Arepa:At the Midtown Global Markets Arepa Bar, Taste of the Midtown Global Markets booth at the International Bazaar, East Wall (only available August 30 - September 4)

33. Sota-cuterie Board:At Sabino's Pizza Pies in Warner Coliseum on the north side

34. Walleye Donut Pops:At Giggles' Campfire Grill, on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street, in The North Woods

RELATED:New 2023 Minnesota State Fair Foods by the Numbers: Sweet, Savory, Vegan and Gluten-Free Foods on Offer

New grocery suppliers

35. Afro Deli:

Of the:

• Sambusas in three flavors - beef, chicken or vegetables, with "Basbaas", a spicy Somali dipping sauce made from fresh chillies, jalapeños, coriander, onion and lemon juice
• Sweet plantains, clumps of ripe plantains fried until golden brown
• Somali tea, a fragrant, spicy infusion of tea leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg, served hot or iced and with fresh mango juice

Location:

• Im Food Building, Ostwand

36. Concessions on the stand:

Of the:

• Bandstand citizens
• Brucy Lucy Bratwurst
• Chicken press sandwich
• Lil Smoky Hot Dog
• pretzel nuggets
• Facepunch pretzels
• Fried baked potato
• Nachos, popcorn, peanuts, various sweets
• Selection of beer, wine, lemonade, Red Bull drinks, lemonade and bottled water

Location:

• Inside the Grandstand Concert Hall (separate concert ticket required)
  

37. Churros & Aguas Fresca:

Of the:

• Bags of churros with caramel or fudge sauce
• Churros filled with strawberries, Nutella® or Bavarian cream
• Churro sundae with vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
• Aguas frescas in the flavors of watermelon, mango, pineapple and strawberry-lime

Location:

• On the northeast corner of Lee Avenue and Underwood Street

38. MomoDosa:

Of the:

• Chicken Momo with Tomato Chutney (mixture of minced chicken, cabbage, onion, ginger and other spices, steamed in a batter and served with tomato chutney)
• Masala Dosa (South Indian crepe made from rice and lentil batter, ghee, served with tomato chutney and coconut chutney)
• Veggie Pakora (chopped cabbage and onion dipped in chickpea batter, deep fried and served with mint coriander chutney and tamarind chutney, vegan and gluten free)
• Mango Lassi (smoothie made of mango, yogurt, cardamom powder and cloves)

Location:

• I Taste of the Midtown Global Markets stand på International Bazaar, East Wall (kun 24.-29. august)

39. Peachey's Baking Company:

Of the:

• Amish donuts prepared on site according to traditional Amish recipes, topped with vanilla frosting and served warm
• Peanut Butter Cream Donut, an oversized Amish donut with homemade custard, peanut butter crumble and whipped cream
• Sweet southern tea

Location:

• On the north side of Randall Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove Streets, in front of the Progress Center

40. Tasty Whip:

Of the:

• Dole Soft Server in the flavors of pineapple, mango, strawberry and lemon
• Dole float with pineapple, mango, strawberry and lemon flavored dole whip in pineapple juice
• Dole-Ananassaft
• Bottled water

Location:

• On the northwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

41. Wow Fudge:

Of the:

• 70 flavors of handmade, old-fashioned copper kettle fudge for foodies, including new custom flavors from the Minnesota State Fair - Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry Cheesecake and St. Paul Pickle

Location:

• In the extension for creative activities, south wall

By WCCO employees