Chow down on the tastiest—and craziest!—carnival foods at this year’s Canadian National Exhibition
Summer is coming to a close, which means that it’s time for the annual Canadian National Exhibition (or as we locals like to call it, the CNE or The Ex), back for its 145th year.
This year’s installment promises something for everyone: midway rides and attractions, shows of all kinds (we’re talking everything from concerts to ice skating to biking to wrestling to drag performances), gaming tournaments, celebrity appearances, a massive exhibition hall, and of course, a selection of fun and outrageous street food—with many dishes available only at the CNE.
This year, you’ll find a ton of mash-ups between different cultures and concepts, which is great considering that Toronto is a city that loves a good remix!
From the deep-fried pickle OREO to wasabi ice cream, here are 10 fun foods to try at this year’s CNE.
Jalapeño Lemonade
Lemonade is essential to your CNE experience, and at Alijandro’s Kitchen, you can enjoy this refreshing drink with a just-right spicy kick of jalapeño. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to keep you going into the evening.
Where to find it: Concessions
Deep-Fried Pickle OREO
The CNE has proven that just about anything tastes great if you deep fry it, and the Deep-Fried Pickle OREO might be proof of that! Sam’s Grill has managed to balance the tanginess of the pickle (which you’ll find wedged in the cookie and batter) with the flavours of chocolate and vanilla.
It’s your dinner and dessert—at the same time.
Where to find it: Food Building
Tzatziki Cheesecake
Here’s another unexpected combo: Tzatziki Cheesecake, brought to you by Greekery Bakeshop. It’s a New York-style cheesecake (made from scratch served with a tzatziki buttercream and topped off with a pita chip and dill.
Fans of sweet and savoury mash-ups will definitely need to try out this decadent and delicious dish. Opa!
Where to find it: Concessions
Deep-Fried Birria Taco Bomb
Take mouth-watering slow-cooked birria beef, add cheese, wrap it in a crushed corn tortilla, and fry it up—you’ve got the Deep-Fried Birria Taco Bomb, brought to you by Deep Fried Co.
To complete the experience, it comes with a birria beef consomme for dipping. Each bite explodes with flavour, so make sure to have your cameras ready for that first cheese pull.
Where to find it: Food Building
Family-Sized Doughnut
Supersized foods are great for sharing, and this year, beloved local institution Pancho’s Bakery (known mainly for its churros) is offering a Family-Sized Doughnut that spans around 15 inches (and 2 lbs!) and comes in several flavours.
They say it’s family-sized, but that depends entirely on your appetite!
Where to find it: Food Building
Fruity Cereal Chicken Tenders
The team at Lucky Chicken have seriously amped up your chicken tenders! They’re offering this classic deep-fried finger food coated with four different cereals and snacks: Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, All-Dressed Chips & Cheez-Its.
Each variety comes with a different dip to complete the experience. The result is something a little crunchier, a little tastier, and a lot more fun.
Where to find it: Food Building
The Super Fly Noodle
It’s a dish, it’s a magic trick—it’s the Super Fly Noodle! This floating noodle bowl, brought to you by Super Noodle Company, is completely customizable.
It features air-dried (not fried) ramen noodles, your choice of proteins and sauces, and an unlimited topping bar. Try a different combination for each day of the CNE!
Where to find it: Food Building
Wasabi Ice Cream
Spice up your life… or at least your ice cream! The team at Caf-Eh T.O. have created Wasabi Ice Cream, a refreshing dessert with a kick.
It’s served in a charcoal cone, with orange sugar pearls, and topped with roasted nori seaweed. The combination works, and in one bite, it will channel memories of your last all-you-can-eat sushi buffet.
Where to find it: Food Building
Pandan-Coconut Froyo Funnel Cake
The team at Yogen Früz has combined the best of two worlds with their latest offering, available only at the CNE: a colourful pandan-coconut soft-serve frozen yogurt that comes with funnel cake fries for dipping. It looks and tastes great and will transport you to Southeast Asia without any of the jetlag.
Where to find it: Food Building
Just Peachy
Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall with Just Peachy, a dessert dish brought to you by Eat My Bowls. They’ve hollowed out a whole Ontario peach, filled it with cobbler, then baked and topped off with whipped cream.
It’s nostalgic and comforting and the perfect way to celebrate the end of the season.
Where to find it: Food Building
There are tons of other new dishes to try this year, from butter chicken lasagna to a 12-inch samosa, so bring a friend and pack your appetite. The CNE runs from August 16 to September 2, 2024.
