Often referred to as the best 11 days of the summer, the Wisconsin State Fair is truly an event with something for everyone. From rides to exhibits and everything in between, the state fair is a cultural experience for those who call Wisconsin home.
Arguably the biggest draw, however, is the fair food scene.
Imagine deep-fried everything, mind-blowing combinations and extraordinary flavors in every direction. This year, the Wisconsin State Fair announced 100 new additions from vendors across the grounds, including the Sporkies and Drinkies – a collection of next-level food and drinks commemorated by 13-foot statues outside of each finalist’s location.
The team at Gather Wisconsin traveled to the Wisconsin State Fair to experience all things food – and we have some opinions worth sharing. We present to you our top three foods to try this year if you are headed to Wisconsin State Fair!
1. Deep-Fried Lemonade Bites from Saz’s BBQ
When life gives you lemons… you make this dessert! This is the perfect state fair spin on the unofficial beverage of summer. Hawaiian sweet rolls dipped in French toast batter, filled with mouthwatering lemonade curd filling, deep-friend and tossed in lemon sugar with a drizzle of icing… need we even say more?! There is no wonder this one won the 2024 Sporkies competition!
“The deep-fried lemonade bites took me back in time to my grandma’s kitchen. Who doesn’t love a classic lemon dessert?” said one fair-goer.
If you love ooey-gooey lemon custard and hot fried dough, you’re in for a treat!
2. Birria Egg Roll from Fiesta Grill & Cantina
As said by member of the Gather team, “This dish is the ultimate tastebud infusion!”
Five days later and we’re still thinking about this beef birria. Culinary worlds collide in this dish. Enjoy the flavors of slow-cooked beef in savory birria consomé, deep-fried in a delicious, crispy egg roll shell, topped with fresh cilantro and onions.
This was a perfect palate cleanser from our other State Fair eats, and we are shocked it didn’t make the list in this year’s Sporkies competition!
3. Dirty Chai Cinnamon Roll Lumpia from Lumpia City
Calling all breakfast fans! What’s the best part of a cinnamon roll? The ooey, gooey center, of course!
“This was the best part of a cinnamon roll in one convenient package!”
While this dessert might sound a little unconventional, it takes the best features of a cinnamon roll, pairs it with chai-spiced brown sugar butter, rolls it up in fresh, lumpia dough and tops it with the most mouth-watering cream cheese espresso frosting.
A craveworthy MUST of this year’s Wisconsin state fair, this delectable treat naturally found itself placed amongst the Sporkies finalists this year, and we can see why!
These are our top bites of the Wisconsin State Fair – but what are yours?! If you check these out in West Allis this week, make sure to tag us on social at @gather.wi and check out Gather Wisconsin at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation Milk House while you’re there! Don’t forget to download our State Fair bingo card before you go!
