The Most Underrated Minnesota State Fair Foods

Let's be honest - the best things about the Minnesota State Fair are the foods (most are on a stick) and the people watching.  Sure, there are a ton of other things to do and see at the fair, but if you ask most people they will say those two aforementioned things.  It's just fun.

One of my favorite things to do at the State Fair is strolling through the Grandstand.  So many gadgets, demonstrations, new things for you and your home or camping or whatever you can possibly think of will be in that grandstand at some vendor booth.  Only trouble is if you want to purchase something you may have to carry it around with you all day.  Unless there is a ship it option.

We have heard a lot about what foods are new at the fair, what foods sell the most (Sweet Martha's Cookies) and what people are looking forward to getting as a must at the Fair.

Today, let's focus on what foods might be kind of underrated.  Things that might not get the love that they deserve and might be something that you might want to try.

This "Eater" list is from last year... it may change for this year.  Definitely worth checking out and maybe add to this list.

MINNESOTA SUSHI

Ok, this isn't exactly what it is, but we all know what that is, right? It's the pickle and ham rollups that are at almost every get together in Minnesota.  Is what it is. But - this is a cool twist on that concept.  It's the PICKLE DOG!  It's a pickle wrapped in cream cheese and pastrami.  YUM!

FOOD BUILDING

This is where I go for the best cheese curds ever!  But there are also so many other things that are worth mentioning.  If you have a group of people with you, might be worth trying a few things that you may have overlooked previously.  BIRCH BEER that is delicious.  It's kind of like root beer but with notes of toffee.  You really can't miss this in the food building.  It's the place with the giant Birch Beer sign above it.

WOOD FIRED ELOTE

Honeslty, not even sure what the heck this is, but EATER suggested we try it.  I'm game.  It's available at Tejas Express.  Turns out it's corn on the cob that’s coated in cotija cheese and chile and lashed with lime.  So, spicey corn on the cob?  With Mexican cheese?  Ok.  I'm in.

JERK SPICE PORK CHOP

Pretty much anything with jerk spice on it, I'm trying it.  I was introduced to this flavor years ago when we were in Jamaica.  And since then, anytime I see that something has jerk spice I do need to try it.  This is one of the better ones. But be wary, it's spicey.  If you are sensitive to that, make sure to either have some liquid with you, or ask to have them go a bit lighter on the spice.  Available at West Indies Soul Food.

AUSTRALIAN  BATTERED POTATOES

I tried these a few years ago and they are absolutely AMAZING!!!  Unless you are really hungry, you will need to have someone help you eat these.  The portion size that you get is definitely enough for two or more.  You can also choose your sauce.  I'm not a huge ranch fan, but that one is very popular.  I chose the chipotle one, but there is also a bacon ranch sauce that you can try and a few others.

Here's the list of toppings:

• cheese
• ranch
• spicy chipotle sauce
• sweet chili
• sour cream
• hot honey
• Hot Cheetos

You may find some other things that are a must-try.  Add them to the list!  Always happy to hear what others have tried and found that it was amaze-balls.

You can download the State Fair app which gives you a map along with a lot of other useful information.

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