2024 State Fair of Texas: Eats + Treats Foodie Haven
The 2024 State Fair of Texas is the largest fair on record in the United States, and it truly resonates in the hearts of over 2 million fair-goers every year. As the cliche goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Indeed, with 277 acres of rides, games, livestock, sponsored stations, entertainment, and more, plenty of activities keep you going from beginning to end over a multitude of days. This year’s theme, “24 Days of Fun,” is a reminder that you only have from September 27 to October 20 to pack in a lot of fried goodies and family time before it closes for the year.
Despite the tribulations and turmoil thrown upon this private nonprofit organization before opening day, the State Fair of Texas stood strong. It was a reminder to all, including another infamous Ken, that this isn’t your typical doll world experience, and you don’t get to come in and take over the Fairland. The fair’s resilience and determination in adversity are genuinely inspiring.
Therefore, due to the new 2024 ban on weapons or firearms on the fairgrounds, the State Fair of Texas has a heavy police presence on site. The authorities were walking on foot, on horseback, riding motorcycles and golf carts, and a helicopter flew over to signify that they meant business regarding the safety of fair attendees. This robust security system is in place to ensure your peace of mind during your visit.
Food is my ultimate love language, and the 2024 State Fair of Texas did not disappoint. I was on the hunt for fantastic vendors serving amazing goodness, whether fried, baked, or in liquid form. The unique food options at the fair, coupled with the hospitality and conversations with service workers, vendors, and fair attendees, made my experience truly memorable. So, without further ado, here are five fair food selections that enveloped my food-loving heart.
FRIED MATCHA
Oh, what a joy it is to discover a new divine dessert. In one of my recap videos, I made an error in stating that the Fried Matcha won a 2024 Big Tex Choice Award. In my heart of hearts, I couldn’t see why this new food item didn’t resonate with the palates of the judges in some shape, form, or fashion. At first glance, one may think it’s just whipped cream, strawberries, and a fried ball. But, no! The shock of discovering the baked bread, similar to warm buttered Texas toast, is so crispy and matches beautifully with the rich creaminess, strawberries, and matcha like a harmonic song. The fried matcha ball is a nice smooth matcha ice cream served cold with a gooey inner texture surrounding the boldness it takes to pull a dessert like this out of your hat. The Fried Matcha is my favorite find at the 2024 State Fair of Texas. Location: Sandoitchi in the Tower Building (Food Hall).
ISLAND RUMBLE
I’m an old-school baked mac and cheese woman, so loving any other form is difficult. Especially if it’s different from my grandmother’s mac and cheese recipe; nevertheless, fair attendees should stop by Mac Loading and purchase the new food item, Island Rumble. This dish is worth the 24 tickets as you are overloaded with jerk chicken, a medley of fresh pineapple, onions, and a special sauce served over creamy mac and cheese. A bonus is the pomegranate and basil drink, which is a refreshing upscale version of Kool-Aid. This drink thoroughly quenched my thirst. The Island Rumble is a great food item served with love and tasty deliciousness. Location: Mac Loaded on Nimitz Drive
SMOKED SALMON DEVILED EGGS
As a fan of deviled eggs, I was impressed with the new food offerings showcased at the So Eggciting Deviled Eggs vendor booth. Although the Texas BBQ Rib Deviled Egg is featured as the one to beat, the Smoked Salmon selection piqued my interest more. After taking one small bite, this egg is refreshingly delightful. You can taste the subtle smokiness of the salmon mixed with the capers and special creamy sauce. For a two-for-9 tickets special, this dish is a good bargain deal. Location: So Eggciting Deviled Eggs in the Tower Building (Food Hall).
JOLLY GREEN GIANT
If you haven’t guessed by now, I love sweets and desserts. Candy-flavored pickles are always on my list of goodies when they’re served and prepared nicely. The Texas Sugar Rush Pickles won a 2024 Big Tex Choice Award for their unique blend of three cereals, cotton candy, and ice cream. I immediately knew that my stomach could not handle a treat of that magnitude. Therefore, I decided to focus on the specialty of what the vendor provides: candy pickles. So, I purchased the Jolly Green Giant cup of apple-flavored Jolly Rancher pickles, mixed with gummy worms and pop rocks. The pop rocks added a fireworks surprise to my palate that I genuinely enjoyed.
BISCOFF CHEESECAKE
Last year, I did not try the Drizzle cheesecake, which took over social media by storm. This year, I made an executive decision to make time and stop by the Drizzle Cheesecakes vendor to try this specialty dessert myself. Biscoff cookies are one of my favorites, and throwing them on a cheesecake makes perfect sense. But this is not an old match that can easily be forgotten. Oh, what joy it is to behold a distinct firm and cold cheesecake covered in perfection of Biscoff cookie crumbles, topped with a caramel sauce. I may have missed Drizzle Cheesecakes before, but I always make sure I show love to this vendor in the future with my ticket purchase. Location: Drizzle Cheesecakes in the Tower Building.