As summer winds down, there is one thing that Torontonians can look forward to every year. The CNE is an opportunity for people to celebrate the summer once last time. It features 192 acres of fun and food with 60 rides, games and over 800 vendors. From corn dogs to cotton candy and poutine, there is a delicious bite for everyone. However, it wouldn’t be the CNE without all the weird and wonderful foods that are featured each year, and this year did not disappoint! New items at the 2024 CNE include a giant samosa, a 15-inch donut, a butter chicken corn dog, rainbow-coloured corn (unicorn), deep-fried pickle Oreos and avocado coconut ice cream. We got a chance to try some of the delicious new dishes coming to the fair this year, and some of them really surprised us. Read on for our ranking of some of the new CNE foods from worst to best.
10. Taylor Swift-Inspired Deep Fried Cheese Curds from The King of Curds
Swifties… please don’t get mad at us. We love Taylor Swift and we love cheese curds, but this combo was not it. This dish features deep fried cheese curds topped with “Wildest Cream” icing, “Lavender Haze” crunch, and a bit of “Lover” cotton candy. Salty and sweet usually pair well together but it “Hit Different” this time and unfortunately not in a good way. But if you do indulge in these deep fried cheese curds (Taylor’s version), you will get a little something extra. Each order comes with a friendship bracelet reading Curd Lover and that was enough to sell us.
Related: Celebrate Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with a Hazy Lavender Sour
9. Wasabi Ice Cream from Caf-Eh T.O.
After the madness that was ketchup, mustard and cheeseburger-flavoured ice cream at past CNEs, a new condiment has entered the ring. This soft-serve wasabi ice cream is served in a charcoal cone and topped with orange sugar pearls and roasted seaweed. We have to say this one did surprise us. It tasted exactly like wasabi and the first few bites were amazing. It has that wasabi kick but not in a bad way. However, we don’t think we could eat an entire cone of this ice cream and for that reason, it was not at the top of our list.
8. Deep Fried Birria Taco Bomb from Deep Fried Co
Birria tacos have been having a moment online. With their dreamy cheese pulls, rich consomme, and delicious shredded beef, what’s not to love?! Well this year at the CNE, you can get them in a flavorful bite-sized form. Birria beef and cheese are stuffed into a corn tortilla ball and then deep-fried. And as for the cheese-pull? These taco bombs definitely deliver on that.
7. Karaage Soft-Shell Crab on a Stick
If you’re looking for something totally show-stopping, this karaage soft-shell crab on a stick is the treat for you. This Japanese-style seafood spectacular was fried to perfection with the potato starch coating giving it a totally craveable crunch. We loved the variety of sauces drizzled on top and found the ketchup, mayonnaise and hot sauce complemented each other perfectly.
6. Banh Mi Tacos
Banh mi tacos combine the zesty, herbaceous zing of Vietnamese banh mi and the savoury flavours of tacos to bring you the ultimate mashup. We love a carnival treat that’s easy to grab and go, and these tacos are perfect for walking around the fairgrounds and scouting our your next ride. CNE attendees can enjoy these tacos with either Saigon fried chicken or crispy fish, but either way you can’t go wrong!
5. Tanghulu Mochi Donuts
If you haven’t tried tanghulu, you’re missing out. The traditional Northern Chinese dessert consists of candied fruit served on a skewer that crunchy, tart and surprisingly not too sweet. Now take mochi donuts and give them the tanghulu treatment and that’s what we call the ultimate dessert. We loved the mixture of the crunchy candy coating on the soft mochi donut.
4. The Super Fly Noodle
At first glance, it’s hard not to think this noodle dish is totally Insta-worthy. Thankfully, however, the quality and flavour matches the looks, as this slurpable bowl of noodles totally blew away our expectations. Super Fly Noodle Co. is bringing their delicious ramen bowls to the CNE and with the endless topping options, we couldn’t recommend this savoury snack enough.
3. Footlong Deep Fried Mozzarella Stick
It’s not the fair without something deep fried and footlong, and this year, we’re giving this craveable deep fried mozzarella stick our top vote. From ballpark style to all-dressed, these footlong delights are a creative twist on a classic carnival treat, and let’s be real— who doesn’t love deep fried cheese?
2. Tzatziki Cheesecake
This dessert will have you saying OPA! While your first impression might be shock and maybe even horror, the tzatziki cheesecake from Greekery Bakeshop was surprisingly delightful. Made from scratch, this New York-style cheesecake is topped with a zingy tzatziki buttercream and pita chips.
1. Jalapeno Lemonade
Topping our list of the most unique foods at the CNE is the refreshingly spicy jalapeno lemonade from Alijandro’s Kitchen. The jalapeno adds the perfect kick that compliments the sweet and sour of freshly squeezed lemonade perfectly. The drink isn’t too spicy and is the perfect way to wash down a day of delicious eats!
