While the North Carolina State Fair has multiple attractions including rides and games, the food always attracts many attendees, leaving them beyond impressed with the flavors and varieties of foods. From funnel cakes to trendy new foods like Korean corn dogs, the fair is a heaven for food lovers, offering a huge spectrum of different foods.
The first thing I had was the funnel cake, a must-have at any fair. It was perfectly golden brown and fluffy. Funnel cake can be topped with all sorts of toppings. I love putting powdered sugar on mine, but you can not go wrong with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or some strawberry jam either. The vibe around the vendor was lively as the line was stretched so long with people waiting their turn to try this fair food delicacy.
Next, I grabbed a refreshing lemonade.
Its sweetness paired perfectly with all the savory snacks around. I appreciated that many vendors offered refill options at different prices, so I
could keep sipping while enjoying a full day of fun at the fair. Special flavors like strawberry or pineapple lemonade added a fun twist, letting me personalize my drink the way I want it.
Later on that night, I had to try the Korean corn dog from the well-known Golden K-Dog vendor. My friends and I walked all over the state fair looking for it. We were so excited to try it as we had seen it many times on Instagram reels and TikTok. Taking the first bite felt like a flavor explosion in my mouth. As it was freshly made, the corn dog was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and the combination of the sweet chili and mustard sauces made each bite even more flavorful. I love that the fair embraces modern trends while still keeping things tasty and classic.
Personally, a visit to the fair is not complete without a Bloomin’ Onion, which is a unique spin on the classic onion ring. No matter what, I make sure to grab one every single year; it’s a tradition to me now. The people at the vendor were so friendly, serving up this salty delight and even giving me free dipping sauces, including ranch and a dip called “Oowee sauce.” They were even able to take constructive criticism when I told them the onions were a bit too salty for my liking. The warm vibes of the atmosphere made the experience feel special, making me want to come back a million times again.
Nearing the end of my day at the fair, I couldn’t resist trying the trending fried cheesecake. Offered by the same vendor as the funnel cake, it was rich, flavorful, and super sweet. It was crunchy on the outside then gooey and soft on the inside. The best part of it all was that it was super affordable.
The state fair’s food will be missed with such a diverse lineup of delicious foods. From sweeter foods to the more savory ones, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The fair does an amazing job incorporating many food cultures and makes it an enjoyable experience as we celebrate the 80th birthday of the NC State Fair.
