Minnesota DJ’s Six ‘Must Try’ New Foods From Minnesota State Fair

I'm sure you've heard by now that the highly anticipated Minnesota State Fair's new food list is out for 2026!

Out of the 36 official new foods and the nine new food vendors the State Fair has shared with us, I've chosen six of the new items that I'm looking forward to the most. Let me know if you agree!

MIXING UP TRADITIONAL FAVORITES WITH A TWIST

I like to mix things up...a little....But I still want to stick with a base of something my tummy is familiar with, and something that will set me up for a successful day at the fair.

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Minnesota State Fair

Kelly's Pick #1 The Surf N' Turf Burger

I'm always in for a great burger, and this one mixes some of my favorite proteins and sounds like a delicious flavor explosion. The Surf N' Turf burger has a lobster garlic-butter mixture stacked on top of a 1/3 pound burger, and they top it with a flavorful pepper jack cheese. Then they drizzle it with their homemade chipotle mayo, and they serve it on a brioche bun that they toast and serve a lemon wedge on the side. Who could say no to that?! You can find the Surf N' Turf Burger at Cafe Carib, which is located on the south side of Carnes Avenue.

Minnesota State Fair

Kelly's Pick #2 Tacos de Mole

Another staple for my tastebuds? Tacos! The El Burrito Mercado, which is located in the International Bazaar near the south wall, shares their tasty flour tortillas. They fill them with shredded chicken, cheese, and their house-made mole sauce. (That's the best part!) Then they deep fry it, and drizzle it with more mole sauce and garnished with queso fresco, which is a white, crumbly, fresh cheese.

Minnesota State Fair

Kelly's Pick #3 The Butter Brew Mustache Pretzel!

I absolutely love a handmade soft pretzel, and I only have them on special occasions (like a visit to the Minnesota State Fair). The Butter Brew Mustache Pretzel is rolled into the shape of a mustache, baked, and coated in melted butter, then tossed in a butter brew sugar mix that's flavored with caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch. That's not all. They serve it with a side of vanilla soft-serve dip. You can get this tasty stache at the Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street.

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Minnesota State Fair

Kelly's Pick #4 Longanisa Cheese Curd Lumpia

I truly believe that not having cheese curds while you're at the Minnesota State Fair is a crime. So why not try these! Homemade Filipino longanisa pork sausage, with garlic and Wisconsin cheese curds, is then stuffed and rolled in a lumpia wrapper and deep-fried. You can dip them in the side of sweet chili sauce. These amazing curds can be found at Lumpia City, which is located on the west side of Liggett Street.

Minnesota State Fair

Kelly's Pick #5 Mango Sticky Rice Refresher

It's about time we have a beverage, don't you think? Once I realized that there wasn't actually rice in this drink, I was in. I've recently fallen in love with Mango, so this tasty beverage includes coconut milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, mango flavoring, half and half...all poured over ice. Then, they top it with fresh and dried mango, and they finish it off with a dried mango sugar rim. You can find it at Chan's Eatery, located on the east side of Underwood Street.

Minnesota State Fair

Kelly's Pick #6 Strawberries & Blueberry Creme Parfait

I love fresh strawberries, so this was a shoo-in. Enjoy these fresh whole strawberries layered with blueberry non-dairy whipped topping. Then they garnish it with waffle chips. Sounds pretty healthy, right? You can get the parfait at Strawberries 'N Creme, located on the west side of Underwood at Wright Avenue.

I'm not saying there aren't a dozen more that I wouldn't try, but if I had to choose only six, this is my list.

From the new list of foods, what are YOU looking most forward to? With 36 new foods and nine brand new food vendors, you can spend the whole day just visiting the many food vendors and having an all-day tasting extravaganza. Enjoy!