The 2026 Minnesota State Fair has arrived, and with it comes a sprawling menu of more than three dozen new food items. That is on top of the returning favorites, which makes deciding what to eat a serious challenge. WCCO’s digital team has taken on the task of tasting through the new lineup, offering honest ratings to help fairgoers navigate the options.
Every dish receives a score from 1 to 4. A 4 means it is the best of the best, worth elbowing your way to the front of the line. A 3 is solid and intriguing, possibly a new personal favorite. A 2 is recommended with reservations, and a 1 suggests sticking with classic cheese curds and mini donuts instead.
One standout comes from Afro Deli & Grill in the food building. Their fried peri-peri hot chicken, seasoned with African Bird’s Eye chili peppers, garlic, lemon and herbs, is paired with mini beef sambusas and fried sweet plantains. The dish is topped with peri-peri sauce and your choice of basbaas or spicy red chili sauce. The spice level is not for the faint of heart. The chicken is perfectly crispy, the sambusas are mild, and the fried plantains tucked at the bottom are the real treat. It earned a 4.
Another 4 goes to Chan’s Eatery, located on Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues. Their mango-inspired drink combines coconut milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, mango flavoring and half and half, poured over ice and topped with fresh and dried mango. It comes with a dried mango sugar rim. The result is delightfully refreshing, not too sweet, and the mango chunks at the bottom make it enjoyable to the last sip.
Not every new item hits the mark. Sara’s Tipsy Pies in the food building offers a swirled strawberry and ube marshmallow cream with chocolate chips inside a fudge-filled shortbread crust. Topped with whipped cream, strawberry sauce and edible glitter, it sounds festive. But tasters found it confusing. The frozen crust is hard to taste, the strawberry sauce overwhelms the ube, and it is difficult to eat. That one got a 2.
A mid-tier score of 3 went to Paella Depot on Judson Avenue between Clough and Nelson streets. Their Spanish-style potato croquettes are filled with manchego cheese and Spanish chorizo, lightly breaded and fried, then garnished with chives and drizzled with lemon garlic aioli. It is a filling fried option that does not feel greasy. The shell is crisp and light, and the cheese, though a bit salty, is delicious.
Lulu’s Public House in West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater, offers a pickle pie. A pie crust is filled with chopped pickles, pickle juice and cream cheese, topped with a savory whipped frosting made with ranch and Cholula Hot Sauce. It is garnished with a gherkin and dill. Tasters said it tastes like a pickle roll-up without the ham, basically cream cheese with dill and pickles. After a couple of bites, they were done. It earned a 2.
Finally, Australian Battered Potatoes, found on Judson Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets, serves deep-fried potatoes topped with beef brisket, smothered in nacho cheese and drizzled with hot honey. The potatoes are really crispy and crunchy. The hot honey makes the wait in line worthwhile, and the combination of brisket and honey is sweet and savory. It is a popular choice and scored a 3.
