12 Outrageous Must-Try Foods at the CNE 2019

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Laura Grande

The start of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto unofficially marks the end of summer break, before kids head back to school and families return from the cottage. The annual carnival, which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year, is an end-of-summer ritual – one that includes trying all the wackiest foods they have to offer. From Cotton Candy Tacos and Pho Fries to Pickle Pizza and a Tim Horton’s Red Licorice Poutine, we’ve narrowed down our top picks for the yummiest and straight-up weirdest eats at the CNE Toronto, which runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2.

1 of 12

Frozen Cookie Dough Spaghetti

 One of the most popular food attractions this year, this yummy summertime dessert is a production in and of itself. Watch as the staff from Eative, a Japanese-inspired café, spiral the ice cream “spaghetti” onto your plate before topping it all off with your choice of strawberry, chocolate or caramel sauce. Don’t forget the icing sugar “parmesan”!
2 of 12

Pickle Pizza

 Move over, deep fried pickles, because there’s a tasty new take on pickles in town. Head over to the CNE Midway for a fresh slice of R&J Concessions' hand-tossed Pickle Pizza topped with specialty dill sauce, fresh mozzarella, dill weed seasoning and thick, crunchy dill pickles. We can imagine you wrinkling your nose, but trust us – it’s a lot tastier than it sounds.
3 of 12

Pho Fries

 You’d be forgiven for never considering pho soup as a viable option for fries toppings, but once you’ve tried this gem of a dish, you’ll want to head back for a second round. Supa Fries in the Food Building will be busy this year thanks to their scrumptious Pho Fries topped with Vietnamese-marinated beef, cilantro, onions, lime, sriracha mayo and crunchy bean sprouts.
4 of 12

Maple Bacon Churropop

 Head over to Ponchos Bakery in the Food Building for a bite of this lollipop-inspired Maple Bacon Churropop. We couldn’t get enough of this Spanish classic with a Canadian twist. Bonus: it’s easy to munch on while wandering through the carnival grounds. Check out some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/photos/canadian-foods-you-havent-tried/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">classic Canadian foods you may not have tried</a>.
5 of 12

Pickle Lemonade

 We’re sensing a bit of a pickle theme this year. If you happen to find yourself at the CNE Midway, keep your eyes peeled for one of the most refreshing drinks of the year. Yes, really! This Pickle Lemonade from Splash makes for a surprising pairing that will quench your thirst while satisfying your taste buds. Pucker up!
6 of 12

Cheesecake Curds

 The King of Curds have outdone themselves this year with this decadent dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Deep fried cheese curds are topped with your choice of cherry or blueberry pie filling, drizzled in cream cheese icing and dusted with a graham cracker crust. Head over to the CNE Midway, where the staff will be pumping these bad boys out at record speed this summer. Looking for some baking inspiration? Check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/anna-olson-best-cheesecake-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Olson's best cheesecake recipes</a>.
7 of 12

Beyond Nacho Burger

 Not to be outdone in the wacky food combo department, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/all-time-best-vegetarian-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vegetarians</a> looking for meatless options at the CNE can keep their eyes peeled for the juicy Beyond Nacho Burger filled with tortilla chips, Pico de Gallo and vegan bacon. We also <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/dining-out/blog/beyond-meat-canadian-restaurants/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tried "Beyond Meat" meals at five Canadian chains – here's how they stacked up</a>.
8 of 12

Cotton Candy Tacos

 Cotton candy on a stick is a thing of the past thanks to this new food trend. If you’re looking for a sugar rush, look no further than these fluffy white cotton candy and cookie crumble “tacos” held together by a sweet waffle shell. If you prefer this Mexican dish sugar-free, try one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-taco-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tasty taco recipes you'll crave every day of the week</a>.
9 of 12

Rainbow Cheese Sandwich

 It’s official: Rainbow-coloured cheese is our new favourite sandwich topping. Kids and foodies alike will be enchanted with this Instagram-worthy dish from Ponchos Bakery in the Food Building.
10 of 12

Tim Horton’s Red Licorice Poutine

 How do you make Canuck cuisine even more Canadian? By handing the reins over to Tim Horton’s and letting them concoct a red-and-white dessert for the ages. This sugary sweet red licorice poutine starring strawberry Timbits and whipped cream will be a hit with your kiddos.
11 of 12

Deep Fried Avocado

 Avocado lovers need to check out these crispy bite-sized apps. They are battered to perfection and served up with a spicy chipotle sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling. Try one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-avocado-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">creative and tasty ways to eat avocados (that don't involve toast!)</a>.
12 of 12

Scorpion Burrito – Canada’s Hottest Burrito

 Set your tongue ablaze and put your taste buds to the test with this savoury stunner from Burrito Co. They don’t call it a Scorpion Burrito for nothing! Check out last year's <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/dining-out/photos/must-try-cne-foods/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">must-try CNE foods</a> to see how much has changed
Start Over

Next Gallery
15 CNE Food Recipes to Make at Home This Year
More Galleries
- 10 Must-Try Foods at the CNE 2018