As a self-proclaimed Minnesota State Fair expert, I’m ready to set the record straight: There is 100% a science behind planning the best day at the fair. Especially when it comes to indulging in a full day of fantastic food. So who better to share how they State Fair than a few locals who have made it their mission to offer up the best local bites on their Instagram grids year-round? Here, some of our favorite Twin Cities foodies reveal their go-to fair eats, a few trusty pro tips and the new fare they’re looking forward to trying at this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Photography provided by Eat Drink Dish
Golnaz Yamoutpour + Lindsey Rose
In one sentence, what does the Minnesota State Fair mean to you?
Since childhood, it remains our favorite place to explore foods and connect with friends and family. To answer the question: It’s one giant community rallying around a true love and pride for everything that is Minnesota.
What are your must-eat State Fair foods?
There are more than a few. The pretzel hot dog is divine with a side of mustard. A vanilla shake from the Dairy Building is cool and refreshing, and it’s one of the rare instances I choose vanilla over chocolate. Roasted corn, because going to the Corn Roast is a rite of passage. Baba’s hummus with falafel is so fresh paired with crispy veggies. The egg roll on a stick is so satisfying, especially because it’s an item that doesn’t get your hands sticky while eating it. Lastly, we can’t go without mentioning the Turkey To Go and, of course, Tom Thumb mini doughnuts because they are sweet, warm and filled with nostalgia.
Which items on the 2023 New Foods List are you most excited to try?
We’re most excited to taste the galabao from Union Hmong Kitchen (we were lucky to get a sneak preview from chef Yia Vang and his mom), Richie’s dill pickle cheese curd taco, Amish doughnuts from Peachey’s Baking Company, RC’s BBQ Maui-Sota sticky ribs, dill-pickle lemonade, mini-doughnut paletas from Hamline Church Dining Hall, and the hot honey cheese sticks from the Blue Barn.
Also keep an eye on our Instagram for a new State Fair treat from a local creamery making a cameo in the Food Building.
Any pro tips for a seamless State Fair experience?
Go earlier in the day with a small group of people who share a love of food, are open to trying new things and are game to help collectively devour your warm pile of Sweet Martha’s cookies. Pace yourself and enjoy just a few bites of everything so you can try as many items as possible. Take breaks between eating to enjoy the non-food-focused areas of the fair. Bring your own water bottle to reduce waste and save money; there are water-fill stations throughout the fairgrounds.
Eats aside, what’s your favorite part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together?
Our favorite part is that it’s a once-a-year experience and you can go as many times as you want, but no two visits are the same. Whether you’re watching a baby animal take their first steps at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, admiring the Princess Kay of the Milky Way butter sculptures, flying down the Giant Slide or watching a show at the Grandstand, each moment creates future nostalgia to come back.
Photography provided by Fit Foodie Finds
Lee Funke + Emily Richter + Linley Hanson
In one sentence, what does the Minnesota State Fair mean to you?
The Minnesota State Fair is so nostalgic for us. We make it a full-day event every year together and can’t wait to bring our kids this year.
What are your must-eat State Fair foods?
There’s always the friendly rivalry of the pronto pup versus the corn dog, so that’s usually our first stop once we’re in the gates. After that, it’s all about the classics like corn on the cob, Sweet Martha’s cookies, and a malt from the Dairy Building. Then we usually make it a point to check out at least a few of the new foods. Last year’s New Scenic Cafe sashimi tuna tacos were our top stop!
Which items on the 2023 New Foods List are you most excited to try?
We’re thrilled to see Afro Deli on the new vendor list! As proud University of Minnesota alums, we definitely won’t pass up their sambusas.
Any pro tips for a seamless State Fair experience?
Eat family style. Sharing food is essential to trying all your favorites without getting full.
Eats aside, what’s your favorite part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together?
Spending time together. Whether we’re there to eat and drink or take a ride on the Great Big Wheel, the fair is all about enjoying time together.
Photography provided by Planet With Sara
Sara Lynch
In one sentence, what does the Minnesota State Fair mean to you?
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the unofficial end of each Minnesota summer with family and friends.
What are your must-eat State Fair foods?
The frozen cider pops in the Agriculture Horticulture Building are incredible and showcase the amazing Minnesota cider scene. Other favorites include the Nashville hot chicken and blueberry basil lemonade at the Blue Barn. Also, the entire menu at Union Hmong Kitchen is to die for. I love how fresh and fun Yia Vang and team make it.
Which items on the 2023 New Foods List are you most excited to try?
Literally everything sounds amazing, but my top picks are the bee sting sundae, the cloud coolers, the lemonade sorbet and the walleye fritter pops.
Any pro tips for a seamless State Fair experience?
My favorite way to get to the fair is by bike. Hear me out: Bike parking is free, and it helps me in the battle against overeating knowing I need to trek home. It also puts a tiny dent in the fried calories I consumed throughout the day!
Eats aside, what’s your favorite part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together?
Seeing everyone together having a fun time. I love riding the Skyride for a bird’s-eye view and taking a moment to truly enjoy the fair.
Photography provided by Kat Peterson
Kat Peterson
In one sentence, what does the Minnesota State Fair mean to you?
Sadly, the State Fair signals the end of summer. But we Minnesotans sure go out with a bang!
What are your must-eat State Fair foods?
Unlike most food lovers, I don’t gravitate toward fried fare. The Corn Roast, peaches from the Produce Exchange, and the spicy Jamaican beef patties from West Indies Soul Food are at the top of my list.
Which items on the 2023 New Foods List are you most excited to try?
I read “seasoned-mustard batter” and immediately wanted to try the new pickle fries! I think the sambusas from Afro Deli will also be a hit.
Any pro tips for a seamless State Fair experience?
Go with friends who like to share. Bring a gallon-size Ziploc bag for Sweet Martha’s cookies. Grab two waffles from Nordic Waffles on your way out of the fair to enjoy on the bus ride home; I recommend the berries and cream or the cinna-sugar butter.
Eats aside, what’s your favorite part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together?
My favorite non-food activity is definitely looking at the cows. I’ve always had a soft spot for them, so I love when I can find one that’s friendly and can climb into the hay with them. The people watching is also top-notch!
Photography provided by Jason Horowitz
Jason Horowitz
In one sentence, what does the Minnesota State Fair mean to you?
The Minnesota State Fair is a chance to connect with the community while supporting and promoting all the amazing hard-working local vendors.
What are your must-eat State Fair foods?
Sweet corn from Corn Roast, Sweet Martha’s cookies, pork chop on a stick and fried pickles. These are my favorites because they are nostalgic to me. I have them every year, and they’re all true classics.
Which items on the 2023 New Foods List are you most excited to try?
The birthday cake mini doughnuts, Green Mill’s cheese curd–stuffed pizza pretzel, Spinning Wylde’s cloud coolers, Minneapple’s cookie dough pie, and the basil hummus from Holy Land.
Any pro tips for a seamless State Fair experience?
Bring friends, wear comfy clothes and pace yourself to fully maximize your day.
Eats aside, what’s your favorite part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together?
The Midway at night and drinking and laughing with friends!
Photography provided by Melissa Tauer
Melissa Tauer
In one sentence, what does the Minnesota State Fair mean to you?
Most people who follow me probably don’t know this, but I’m not from Minnesota. I moved here after college and that first summer my company had me work a shift at the State Fair to meet our customers in real life. I had no idea what I was walking into, and I simply fell in love. So, in one sentence: It’s a true pillar in my Minnesota story.
What are your must-eat State Fair foods?
The No. 1 item I’ve probably eaten most frequently is Turkey To Go. It’s a reliably delicious staple that helps break up the richness of other eats. Each time I order it, it tastes even better than I remember. I’m also a huge fan of the Blue Barn and Nordic Waffles. I love trying as much food as I can, which is why I always go at least twice each year. This year I’m planning to attend even more!
Which items on the 2023 New Foods List are you most excited to try?
All of it. But especially Baba’s al taco baba, Union Hmong Kitchen’s galaboa and the Blue Barn’s hot-honey cheese sticks. I also love ribs, so I’m excited for Maui-Sota sticky ribs.
Any pro tips for a seamless State Fair experience?
Don’t try to do it all in one day. If you’re planning on going only once, do it with a group so you share an abundance of items. Take the day off and go early to beat the crowds. Try a mix of your favorites and new items that push your taste buds a bit.
Eats aside, what’s your favorite part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together?
I love seeing Minnesota show up every single year! The fair really shows off so much of our state’s evolution, heritage and personality. There’s literally something for everyone. I also love seeing how the fair continues to be layered with fresh innovation from local chefs and restaurants.
