The New Mexico State Fair is a paradise for food lovers, offering a dizzying array of delicious, creative, and downright indulgent eats. Whether you’re a fan of the deep-fried classics, crave the rich flavors of local New Mexican cuisine, or are daring enough to try something entirely new, this year’s fair has it all. Grab your appetite and your stretchy pants—here’s your ultimate guide to what to eat at the 2023 New Mexico State Fair!
Deep-Fried Delights
Fried food is a staple at any state fair, and the New Mexico State Fair takes it to the next level with its variety of offerings that are crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious.
- Fried Fantasy: This booth is a must-visit for those who love everything fried. From the quintessential Fried Oreos to the adventurous Fried Pickles and even Fried Cheesecake, there’s something here to satisfy every deep-fried craving. For the truly daring, the Fried Gansitos add a fun twist to the traditional Mexican snack cake.
- Ribbon Fries: These aren’t your average fries. Long, curly, and perfectly seasoned, ribbon fries are a crunchy, savory treat that pairs perfectly with any meal—or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
- Green Chile Cheese Curds: Combining two iconic foods—deep-fried cheese curds and New Mexico’s beloved green chile—these are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, with just the right amount of heat, these curds are impossible to resist.
- Mini Donuts: Available by the bag or in a bucket, these bite-sized treats are fried to perfection and come with options for maple, vanilla, or chocolate dipping sauces. Freshly fried and covered in cinnamon sugar, they’re a sweet way to start (or end) your fair food adventure.
Unique and Adventurous Eats
The New Mexico State Fair is known for pushing the culinary envelope, and this year’s offerings do not disappoint. If you’re looking to try something out of the ordinary, these dishes—each a contestant in the Fair’s Unique Foods Contest—are not to be missed:
- Pickled Pizza (R & J): This year’s winner of the Unique Foods Contest, the Pickled Pizza, is a tangy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for those who love a bit of zing with their pizza. The pickles add a refreshing crunch that complements the gooey cheese and savory sauce.
- Blue Corn Deep-Fried Kool-Aid Pickle (Native Café): Yes, you read that right! This unusual creation combines the sweet and tangy flavors of Kool-Aid with the crunch of a pickle, all wrapped in a crispy blue corn coating. It’s a must-try for the adventurous eater.
- Cheesy Fried Alligator: For those with a taste for the exotic, the Cheesy Fried Alligator offers a rich, flavorful experience. The alligator meat is tender, the cheese adds a creamy richness, and the frying gives it that satisfying crunch.
- Allsick Smashburger (Phat Stax Burgers and More): This decadent burger is loaded with all the fixings and then some. It’s a hefty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for when you need something to refuel after a day of fair activities.
- Corn in a Cup: Imagine all the flavors of elote—Mexican street corn—served conveniently in a cup. This dish is topped with elote-style toppings and crushed Hot Cheetos for an extra kick. It’s a portable, flavorful snack that’s easy to enjoy while walking around the fair.
- Duro Raspado – Snowie: For a refreshing treat, try the Duro Raspado, a Mexican shaved ice dessert topped with crunchy duro (fried wheat snacks). It’s a sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day at the fair.
Local New Mexican Flavors
You can’t experience the New Mexico State Fair without diving into the rich culinary traditions of the state. Here are the local flavors you simply can’t miss:
- Green Chile Cheeseburgers: A true New Mexican classic, these burgers are topped with roasted green chile, adding a spicy kick that perfectly complements the juicy beef patty. Don’t miss the Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge to see who wins the title for the best burger on Sep. 11th.
- Blue Corn Fry Bread (Zina’s Blue Corn Café): Zina’s Blue Corn Café, a native-owned booth, serves up prize-winning fry bread available in both original and blue corn varieties. Whether you enjoy it with honey or as a base for savory toppings, this is a must-try at the fair.
- Frito Pie: This dish combines crunchy Fritos with a hearty serving of chili, topped with cheese, onions, and sometimes jalapeños. It’s a comfort food classic that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
- Navajo Tacos: A delicious fusion of Native American and Mexican cuisine, Indian tacos are made with fluffy fry bread and topped with seasoned meat, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. It’s a filling dish that brings together the best of both culinary traditions.
Sweet Treats and Drinks
No fair experience is complete without indulging in some sugary confections and refreshing beverages. Here are a few sweet options to satisfy your cravings:
- Mini Donuts: As mentioned earlier, these are a must-try. Freshly made and served with dipping sauces, they’re a sweet treat that’s hard to beat.
- Funnel Cakes: A classic fair dessert, these deep-fried cakes are dusted with powdered sugar and can be topped with fruits, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. They’re perfect for sharing (or not!).
- Signature Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail: After a long day at the fair, cool off with the fair’s signature cocktail—a strawberry lemonade spiked with New Mexico-made vodka. It’s the perfect way to refresh yourself and enjoy the last moments of summer.
- Sopapillas: Puffy, golden pastries that are perfect when drizzled with honey. These are a sweet end to any meal and a staple of New Mexican cuisine.
The 2023 New Mexico State Fair is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. From classic deep-fried delights to unique and daring dishes, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Make sure to explore the fairgrounds, try something new, and enjoy all the delicious flavors that the fair has to offer!
