The wackiest foods at National Exhibitions across the country 2019

The wackiest foods you'll find at National Exhibitions this year

Pickle pizza at the CNE (Adrian Zee / Daily Hive Toronto)

It’s exhibition season across the nation, which means that all the wacky foods are coming out of the woodwork.

From Flamin’ Hot Cheetos-coated corn dogs to funnel cake pizza and cheesecake curds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Or… to try and wish you hadn’t.

Here’s a look at some of the wildest eats you’ll find at this year’s CNE in Toronto and PNE in Vancouver.

CNE

Cheesecake Curds by the King of Curds

Adrian Zee/Daily Hive Toronto

Need we say more? Cheesecake + cheese curds + berry compote, graham crumble, and sweet glaze make for the ideal dessert for sharing. Or indulging in totally solo, one curd at a time.

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Pickle Pizza by R&J Concessions

Adrian Zee/Daily Hive Toronto

Love this or hate this, you can’t deny it’s innovative. The idea of warm pickles baked onto a doughy, cheesy and saucy surface will sound like heaven for some… while for others, it probably sounds like quite the opposite.

Unicorn Waffle Dog

CNE

Off this year’s secret menu, this all-beef wiener is cooked in a waffle batter and served with Maple Syrup and Confetti Sprinkles. Find it in the Food Building at the Hungry Husky Deep Fried Cheese Curds and Waffle Dogs Booth.

Spicy Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bacon Burger by Bacon Nation

Adrian Zee/Daily Hive Toronto

Spicy, PB, cookie dough, and bacon all coming together in the form of what is arguably the greatest handheld food in existence. While it sounds highly questionable, the greatest combinations often are. And what’s a life without measured risks, anyway?

Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich by Deep Fried Chicken Sandwiches

Adrian Zee/Daily Hive Toronto

We’ve seen donut fried chicken sammies before, but bringing funnel cakes into the mix creates a whole new beast. Brunch-lovers live for chicken and waffles, and this creation isn’t too far off… just with an added festival flair.

PNE

Dill Pickle Pizza

Hanna McLean/Daily Hive

Pickle Pizza is a thing this year, it would seem. Some of you have likely thought about/actually made this at home before, but seriously, it’s a winner in our books. Pizza is already amazing, and if you’re a fan of juicy sour pickles, a slice of this new offering will hit the spot every time. If you’re not a pickle fan, however, you’ll want to steer clear.

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Corn Dog

kaylaamberstacy/Instagram

There’s also a new ramen variety of corn dog this year, but if we had to pick one (because honestly, two corn dogs is A LOT), we’d choose the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Corn Dog. You really can’t go wrong covering a classic fair food in cheese, like, ever.

Pickle Cotton Candy

pneplayland/Instagram

How can something that sounds so wrong look so right? This savoury-sweet creation is not for the faint of heart, but those brave enough ought to give it a taste. Who knows? It could end up being your favourite new snack.

Freak Fries

yegdevoured/Instagram

Huge fries? We’re in. How could you not go for these tasty morsels? The perfect fair food to enjoy while strolling the grounds, you can share them with a group or just have yourself a good ol’ fashioned fried potato feast.

Funnel Cake Pizza

pneplayland/Instagram

Honestly… we’re down. Funnel cake topped with tomato sauce, melty cheese, slices of ‘roni and a sprinkle of herbs sounds like the ultimate indulgence. And if you fold it in half, you’ve got a funnel cake pizza sandwich. Turn it sideways and it’s a taco. This is a revolution, people.

Fair at the PNE 2019

When: August 17 to September 2 from 11 am – 11 pm or later (closed August 19 and 26)
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Price: Buy tickets online

CNE 2019

When: August 16 to September 2 from 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
Tickets: Buy tickets online