I Tried the CNE's Newest Food Creations — These 5 Surprised Me

Save

Share 0

Toronto CNEdeep fried

【Attraction Tickets】Toronto Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour (Provided by City Sightseeing)

Book today before 18:00

HKD 198 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame Ticket

Book today before 18:00

HKD 128 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Niagara Helicopter Sightseeing Experience, Canada

Book today before 18:00

HKD 1006 Start

Book now

I Taste-Tested the CNE's Newest Food Creations — These 5 Surprised Me

Every year, the CNE manages to outdo itself when it comes to wacky and creative eats. And yet, we always ask the same question: just how weird can food get?

I got 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

The popcorn-shaped falafel is what sold me on trying it, but the combination with sprinkles is what made me hesitate. Over fries topped with pickled turnips, sweet dates, pickles and tahini sauce, the thought of adding rainbow sprinkles made me quiver.

I'm not sure if it was the heat or my hunger, but I took the chance and I'm glad I 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 billed as a bite-sized way to enjoy Dirty Soda — and they sort of deliver. Though not as fizzy as you'd hope, the flavours make up for the loss.

Topped with cold foam, this sweet treat on a hot day makes you forget, just for a moment, that you're melting in the sun.

Where: Dirty Sodas, Outdoor Concession

S’more Deep Fried Slice

On a charcuterie board, sweet and savoury bites — grapes, figs, an assortment of cheese — make a perfect pairing. 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, however, is less enticing. To my surprise, it wasn't half bad. For the CNE, this creation makes sense — it hits the mark on creativity.

The real question is whether your stomach will sound like boots in a dryer. Perhaps — but that's the fun of trying all these wacky eats.

Where: Pizza Pizza, Food Building

KD Smoothie

Yes, you read that right — a KD smoothie. You might be picturing a blend made entirely of macaroni noodles and cheese, but thankfully you'd be wrong. This concoction pairs the savoury taste of KD Shaker Original Cheese flavour with mango, pineapple juice, vanilla frozen yogurt and skim milk.

I'll leave it 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 spice. Caf-eh TO has infused their vanilla soft serve with Szechuan peppercorns, drizzled with chili oil and chili crunch.

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 some honorary mentions: the 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.