It’s almost that time of year again!
The Minnesota State Fair has announced its official 2025 list of new foods, and there’s plenty to get excited about, including a few new takes on cheese curds (caprese and a dessert version) and two fun takes on waffles (falafel and croissant).
There are 33 new foods and eight new vendors, including Lumpia City, serving wild versions of the traditional Filipino spring rolls, and a new mocktail stand, Urban Glow, from the owners of St. Paul’s Urban Growler brewery.
With just 43 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)
Here they are, in all their deep-fried, on-a-stick, weird and wonderful glory:
Afro Bean Pops from Afro Deli are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
1. Afro Bean Pops: Savory deep-fried bites of ground black-eyed peas, onions, jalapeños, cilantro and seasonings. Served with a spicy red chili sauce atop a bed of mixed greens. (Vegan, Gluten Free)
At Afro Deli, located in the Food Building, east wall
Athena’s Whipped Feta from Dino’s Gyros is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
2. Athena’s Whipped Feta: Whipped feta topped with schug – a Middle Eastern green sauce
made with jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, parsley and fresh herbs – drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with crunchy toasted wild rice. Served with deep-fried pita bread tossed in Dino’s signature seasoning. (Vegetarian)
At Dino’s Gyros, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-A-Stick from Kora and Mila’s Cookie Dough is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
3. Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-A-Stick: Cake batter cookie dough made from scratch and covered in a crunchy cake confetti shell. Topped with rainbow sprinkles and served on-a-stick. (Vegetarian)
At Kora & Mila’s Cookie Dough, located on the south side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets
The bison meatball sub from the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
4. Bison Meatball Sub: Bison and bacon meatballs, from Minnesota-based Eichten’s Bison and Hidden Stream Farm, topped with bison gravy, quick-pickled cucumbers, crispy fried onions and sour cream. Served on a toasted wild rice hoagie bun.
At Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets
Cannoli gelato nachos from Mancini’s al Fresco are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
5. Cannoli Gelato Nachos: Cannoli chips topped with a scoop of cannoli-flavored gelato. Finished with chocolate sauce, rainbow sprinkles and a cherry. (Vegetarian)
At Mancini’s al Fresco, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
Caprese curds from LuLu’s Public House are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
6. Caprese Curds: Mozzarella cheese curds breaded with Italian seasoning and deep fried. Served over a bruschetta-flavored blend of tomatoes and basil, and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Served with a side of crostini for scooping. (Vegetarian)
At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater
Cherry Bigfoot Limeade Float from Tasti Whip is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
7. Cherry Bigfoot Limeade Float: Limeade juice topped with cherry Dole Soft Serve, garnished with a lime slice and a cherry. (Vegan, Gluten Free)
At Tasti Whip, located on the northwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue & Underwood Street
Chicken-Fried Bacon Fries from Soul Bowl are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
8. Chicken-Fried Bacon Fries: Beef bacon strips double-breaded in tempura flour and fried. Garnished with fresh parsley and served in a cup. Choice of two dipping sauces: Cashville Hot, a brown sugar Nashville-style hot sauce; or 24k Gold BBQ, a passion fruit Charleston gold barbecue sauce.
At Soul Bowl, located in the Food Building, east wall
Cinna-Sugar Crust Tidbits from Sara’s Tipsy Pies are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
9. Cinna-sugar Crust Tidbits: Freshly baked flaky pie crust strips covered in cinnamon and sugar. Served with a side of whiskey-flavored caramel dipping sauce. (Vegetarian, Vegan upon request)
At Sara’s Tipsy Pies, located in the Food Building, northwest wall
Croffle Cloud from Spinning Wylde is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
10. Croffle Cloud: Croissant pressed in a waffle iron and topped with fresh whipped sweet cream, a drizzle of fruit puree and a cloud of cotton candy. Choice of three flavors: Banana Caramel – caramel drizzle with banana taffy cotton candy; Yuzu Meringue – yuzu puree with lemon meringue cotton candy; or Coconut Cream – coconut drizzle with coconut cotton candy. (Vegetarian)
At Spinning Wylde, located north of Wright Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets, at Family Fair at Baldwin Park
Deep-Fried Tofuego Bites from Rooted & Wild are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
11. Deep-Fried Tofuego Bites: Bites of breaded tofu, deep fried and tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce. Served on a bed of pineapple and napa cabbage slaw. Topped with sesame seeds and scallions. (Vegan)
At Rooted & Wild (Snack House), located in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, south side
Dill Pickle Iced Tea from Loon Lake Iced Tea is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
12. Dill Pickle Iced Tea: Brewed black tea infused with dill pickle flavor and served with a dill pickle spear. Garnished with a rim of chamoy, Tajín, salt and dill. (Vegan, Gluten Free)
At Loon Lake Iced Tea, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Wright and Dan Patch avenues
Fawaffle from Baba’s is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
13. Fawaffle: Falafel – a traditional Middle Eastern fritter of chickpeas and herbs – pressed in a waffle iron, topped with tahini butter, and served with cherry tomatoes, traditional hummus, green shatta, mint and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. (Vegetarian)
At Baba’s, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues
Flauta Dippers from El Burrito Mercado are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
14. Flauta Dippers: Seasoned shredded chicken stuffed in rolled corn tortillas and fried. Served in a cup filled with mild tomatillo salsa, sour cream and crumbled cotija cheese.
At El Burrito Mercado, located at the International Bazaar, south wall
Freaky Fryday from The Herbivorous Butcher is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
15. Freaky Fryday: Chicken-fried vegan bacon served with vegan fried chicken strips infused with bacon flavor. Optional toppings include mini donut cinnamon sugar and maple syrup, pickle seasoning and ranch dressing, spicy buffalo sauce and dragon dust – or a combination of all three. (Vegan)
At The Herbivorous Butcher, located in the Food Building, west section, south wall
Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog from West End Creamery is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
16. Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog: Vanilla ice cream, created by Minnesota Dairy Lab, sandwiched between two pieces of Grandma Doreen’s Coffee Cake – a family recipe from Elgin, Minn. – made by Wrecktangle Pizza. Skewered on a stick and drizzled with house-made strawberry rhubarb jam. Garnished with cinnamon toast-flavored crispy treats, whipped cream and sprinkles. (Vegetarian)
At West End Creamery, located at West End Market, northwest section
Green Apple Sucker Ice Cream from Granny’s Apples + Lemonade is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
17. Green Apple Sucker Ice Cream: Tart green apple ice cream with swirls of sweet caramel – flavored like a caramel apple lollipop. Served in a cup. (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)
At Granny’s Apples + Lemonade, located in the Food Building, west wall
Hot Honey Jalapeno Popper Donut from Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
18. Hot Honey Jalapeño Popper Donut: Hand-cut yeast-raised donut frosted with homemade jalapeño cream cheese. Topped with crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeños and drizzled with hot honey.
At Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts, located on the northwest corner of Carnes Avenue & Chambers Street
Hot Honey Pizza Ballzz from Green Mill are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
19. Hot Honey Pizza Ballzz: Three pizza dough balls stuffed with cheese curds, pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with more pepperoni, herbs and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey sauce.
At Green Mill, located on the east side of Cooper Street between Randall and Wright avenues, at Family Fair at Baldwin Park
Hula Kalua Pork from RC’s BBQ is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
20: Hula Kalua Pork: Slow-smoked pork collar caramelized with Hawaiian barbecue sauce, inspired by the flavors of traditional Hawaiian Kalua pork. Served atop a charred banana leaf with banana chips and Japanese quick-pickled cucumbers on the side. Finished with a sprinkle of coarse red sea salt.
At RC’s BBQ, located on the north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets
Land of 10,000 Cakes from Bridgeman’s Ice Cream is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
21. Land of 10,000 Cakes: A Bridgeman’s Marble Sundae of Butter Brittle Ice Cream layered in a cup with a trio of mini Nadia Cupcakes – Creme Brulee, Loaded Pistachio and Chocolate Bliss. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry. (Vegetarian)
At Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, located on the northeast corner of Judson Avenue and Liggett Street
Patisserie Sweets in Two Varieties from the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
22. Patisserie Sweets in Two Varieties: Two pastries from Patisserie 46. Apple Glaze: Pull-apart donut dough baked with Minnesota-grown Honeycrisp apples. Topped with brown sugar pecan streusel and orange blossom maple glaze. (Vegetarian)
Banana S’more: Baked brown-butter crumb cake with bananas, marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Topped with a graham cracker streusel. (Vegetarian)
At Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets
23. Pimento Cheese Puffs: Pimento cheese – a blend of cheddar cheese, mayo and pimento peppers – wrapped in puff pastry and deep fried. Served with a side of pepper jelly. (Vegetarian)
At Shanghai Henri’s, located at the International Bazaar, north wall
Pizza Cheese Curd Tacos from Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
24. Pizza Cheese Curd Tacos: Pepperoni, sausage and pizza-flavored fried cheese curds in a crispy flour shell, topped with marinara sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
At Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, located on the west side of Chambers Street between West Dan Patch and Carnes avenues
Pot of Gold Potato Dumplings from O’Gara’s at the Fair are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
25. Pot of Gold Potato Dumplings: Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes folded into flaky dumplings, by Twin Cities-based Saturday Dumpling Co., and deep fried. Served with a side of Top the Tater® “The Original” Chive Onion dip. (Vegetarian)
At O’Gara’s at the Fair, located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Shrimp & Pork Toast On A Stick from Union Hmong Kitchen is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
26. Shrimp & Pork Toast On-A-Stick: A mixture of ground pork and shrimp combined with Hmong aromatics – lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots and Thai chilis – seasoned with fish sauce, spread on Texas toast and deep fried. Served on a stick with a side of apricot jelly hot sauce.
At Union Hmong Kitchen, located at the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner
Smashadilla from Gass Station Grill is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
27. Smashadilla: Smashed seasoned ground beef and Gouda cheese grilled on a flour tortilla. Served folded and dressed with caramelized onions, lettuce, pickles and Gass Station Grill’s homemade burger sauce.
At Gass Station Grill, located on the west side of Cooper Street between Dan Patch and Judson avenues, outside southeast corner of the Food Building
Somali Street Fries from Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill and Hoyo Sambusa are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
* 28. Somali Street Fries: A blend of Somali Beef Suqaar – spiced beef, vegetables, cheese and herbs – piled atop a bed of french fries. Topped with white garlic sauce and green jalapeño hot sauce.
At Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa, located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall (Aug. 21-26 only)
Sweet Squeakers from The Blue Barn are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
29. Sweet Squeakers: White cheddar cheese curds coated in a funnel cake batter, deep fried, and topped with a scoop of fresh lemon whipped cream. Finished with a drizzle of berry sauce. (Vegetarian)
At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, south of the History & Heritage Center
Tandoori Chicken Quesaratha from Holy Land is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
30. Tandoori Chicken Quesaratha: Spiced tandoori chicken layered with a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese and a mixture of sauteed onions, mixed bell peppers, jalapeños, corn, cilantro and green chilis. Folded inside paratha bread and griddled on a flat top grill. Served with a side of Holy Land’s Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce.
At Holy Land, located at the International Bazaar, southeast corner
Timber Twists from Giggles’ Campfire Grill are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
31. Timber Twists: A savory mixture of Italian sausage, mozzarella, cream cheese and barbecue rub piped into three large manicotti shells, then wrapped in bacon. Cooked in a wood-fired smoker for an infusion of smokey flavor. Served with a side of Giggles’ signature barbecue sauce.
At Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street at The North Woods
Triple Chocolate Mini Donuts from Solem’s Cheese Curds and Mini Donuts are an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
32. Triple Chocolate Mini Donuts: Chocolate mini donuts dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with chocolate icing, and topped with chocolate sprinkles and mini milk chocolate chips. Served in a bucket rimmed with more chocolate icing and sprinkles. (Vegetarian)
At Solem’s Cheese Curds & Mini Donuts, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues
Uncrustaburger from Coaster’s is an official new food at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
33. Uncrustaburger: A 4 oz. hamburger patty with cheese, pickles and special sauce, sandwiched between two deep-fried peanut butter & grape jelly Uncrustables®.
At Coasters, located on the southeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street
NEW FOOD VENDORS
1. Beans & Beignets: Beans & Beignets serves freshly made beignets (deep-fried pastry dough topped with powdered sugar), plus a variety of iced and hot beverages, including tea, coffee, chai lattes and espresso drinks.
Located on the northwest corner of Judson Avenue and Clough Street
2. Chocolate Strawberry Cup: Chocolate Strawberry Cup serves fresh strawberries in a cup with toppings in four flavors: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup (layered with Belgian-style chocolate, pistachio butter, kataifi and pistachios); Matcha White Chocolate Strawberry Cup (layered with matcha white chocolate and melted chocolate topped with marshmallow sauce); Chocolate Strawberry Cup (covered with melted Belgian-style chocolate); and Chocolate Strawberries & Cream (covered in melted chocolate and topped with a tower of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle). All strawberry cups are gluten free, except the Dubai chocolate cup.
Located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cooper Street
3. Greater Tater: Greater Tater serves Tater Kegs – jumbo deep-fried tots stuffed with savory fillings – in five flavors: Bacon Jalapeño; Bacon Cheddar; Breakfast Skillet; Cheese Bomb; and Reuben. Served with choice of sauces: thousand island, blue cheese, Top the Tater®, maple syrup and ketchup. All Tater Kegs are gluten-free.
Located on the west side of Liggett Street between Carnes and Judson avenues, outside the Horse Barn
4. Lumpia City: Lumpia City serves lumpia – traditional Filipino fried spring rolls – in two fusion flavors: Pizza Lumpia (mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, pizza sauce and Italian herbs); and turon-inspired Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia (French toast strips soaked in ube butter syrup with caramelized bananas, dusted with powdered sugar).
Located on the north side of Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets
5. Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes: Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes serves Chimney Cakes (a rotisserie-baked Hungarian pastry shaped like a cone) filled with vanilla ice cream and choice of Nutella® or caramel spread and toppings (crushed OREO® Cookies, rainbow sprinkles or frosted flakes).
Located on the north side of Judson Avenue between Clough and Nelson streets
6. Midtown Global Market’s Irie Jamaican: Midtown Global Market’s Irie Jamaican serves oxtail (jerk or barbecue) with festival (a sweet, fried bread); sweet plantains; coconut shrimp skewers; and a ginger and hibiscus drink. (Aug. 27 to Sept. 1 only)
Located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall
7. Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa: Midtown Global Market’s Oasis Grill & Hoyo Sambusa serves Official New Food Somali Street Fries; cones of mini sambusas and full-size sambusas (beef or lentil) with choice of sauce; and slushies in two flavors (Vimto and watermelon). (Aug. 21-26 only)
Located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall
8. Urban Glow Mocktails: Urban Glow Mocktails serves craft mocktails, including: Dirty NoTini (lemon, dill pickling spices & olive brine); Nojito (minty-lime with a hint of molasses); CosNo (cranberry, orange & lime); Grilled Peach No Fashioned (caramelized peach garnished with peach & cherry); Autumn Mule (apple, warm cinnamon & spicy ginger); Pineapple Upside Down Cake (chilled pineapple slushie); Bonspiel Blue (cucumber, lemon & blue tea); and Nitro Cold Brew (cold brew on tap, carbonated with nitrogen, with assorted flavor shots). Plus, small bites – Cheweenies (mini Kramarczuk’s all-beef hot dogs nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls paired with mocktail-inspired mustards).
Located at the North End, northwest section, across from the North End Event Center
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