Every year, the CNE manages to outdo itself when it comes to its wacky and creative eats. And yet, we always ask the same question: just how weird can food get?
I had the chance to taste-test an array of funky CNE food before the annual event opened to the public. From deep-fried pizza topped with marshmallow whip to spicy ice cream and something I like to call a “soda dumpling,” I put my taste buds to work.
Though I tried a number of adventurous eats, these five CNE foods surprised me the most.
Popcorn Falafel Poutine
Now the popcorn-shaped Falafel sold me on trying it. But it’s the combination with sprinkles that made me hesitate. With pickled turnips, sweet dates, pickles and tahini sauce over fries, the thought of topping that with rainbow coloured sprinkles made me quiver.
I’m not sure if it was the heat that got to my head or my hunger, but I took the chance, and I’m glad it did. Not too shabby!
Where: Donia’s Donair, Outdoor Concession
Edible Dirty Soda Spheres
Or what I’ve affectionately named “soda dumplings”, these Edible Dirty Soda Spheres are described as a “bite-sized way to enjoy Dirty Soda.” And it sort of is. Though not as fizzy as you’d hope a soda would be, the flavours make up for the loss.
Topped with cold foam, this sweet treat on a hot day makes you forget, for just a moment, you’re melting in the sun.
Where: Dirty Sodas, Outdoor Concession
S’more Deep Fried Slice
On a charcuterie board, you’re enjoying a tantalizing mix of sweet and savoury bites — grapes, figs, an assortment of cheese; it’s a perfect combination. But the thought of a Pizza Pizza cheese slice, dipped in batter, deep-fried, coated in graham cracker crumbs, and topped with marshmallow whip and chocolate drizzle, is not as enticing. But to my surprise, it wasn’t half bad. For the CNE, this creation makes sense — it hits the mark with creativity.
Now the question is, will your stomach sound like boots in a dryer? Perhaps, but that’s the fun in trying all these wacky eats at the CNE.
Where: Pizza Pizza, Food Building
KD Smoothie
Yes, you literally read that right — a KD smoothie. Right off the bat, you may be picturing a smoothie blend made entirely with macaroni noodles and cheese. Thankfully, you’d be wrong. This concoction combines the savoury taste of KD Shaker Original Cheese flavour with mango, pineapple juice, vanilla frozen yogurt, and skim milk.
I’ll leave that up to you to be the judge.
Where: Booster Juice, Food Building
“The Szechuan Sizzle” Spice Cream
If you tried the Wasabi Ice Cream in the past, the same creators have come up with something new — still playing with the spice factor. Caf-eh TO has infused their vanilla soft serve with Szechuan peppercorns, drizzled with chili oil and chili crunch.
And I’ll be honest, I kind of liked it, especially for someone who doesn’t like spicy food. It’s worth a try.
Where: Caf-eh TO, Food Building
Though I only listed five, I do have to give out some honorary mentions: Korean Fried Chicken Ramen Taco (topped with cotton candy aioli), Sweet Heat Cloud Fries (cheese foam) and Marry Me Mochi’s CNE Sweet Heat Collection.
Want to see the rest of the menu? Here’s a full list of what we tried at the CNE so you don’t have to.
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Karen Doradea
Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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