The 2024 New Mexico State Fair is back with a mouth-watering array of food options that promise to satisfy every craving. From classic fair favorites to unique culinary creations, there’s something for every palate. Based on the vendor lineup, we’ve deciphered what you can expect to find on the fairgrounds this year. Get ready to eat your way through the best the fair has to offer!
Graze Days: Eat More, Spend Less
If you’re looking to sample a variety of foods without breaking the bank, be sure to visit the fair on Graze Days. Every Thursday during the fair (September 5 and September 12), from 10 AM to 4 PM, all food vendors will offer one regular menu item for just $5 or less. It’s the perfect opportunity to try a little bit of everything and discover new favorites while keeping your budget in check.
Unique and Adventurous Eats
This year’s Unique Foods Contest at the New Mexico State Fair brings together some of the most innovative and daring dishes you’ll find on the fairgrounds. Here’s a look at the 2024 competitors that you absolutely must try:
- Street Taco Grilled Cheese (Cheese Love Grill): A mouth-watering fusion of Mexican and American comfort food, this dish features hand-diced carne asada, Monterey jack cheese, and house-made green chile, all grilled to perfection on sourdough bread and located at Cheese Love Grill, Heritage and Main Street.
- Conductor’s Corn Dog (Gravy Train): This isn’t your average corn dog. Imagine a 100% all-beef Nathan’s ¼ lb hot dog, hand-dipped in a secret corn dog batter, fried, and topped with cheddar cheese sauce, smoked bacon, fried cheese curd, and Hatch green chile. This towering treat can be found at Gravy Train in the Food Court.
- Belgian Waffle Green Chile Cheeseburger (Rex’s Hamburgers): Sweet meets savory with this all-beef patty served on a Belgian waffle, garnished with pickle, lettuce, tomato, and drizzled with green chile maple syrup. Dusted with powdered sugar, this burger offers a unique flavor experience. Available at Rex’s, south of the Natural Resources Building.
- Desert Chimichanga (Fried Fantasy): This deep-fried creation is a must for dessert lovers. A flour tortilla filled with cream cheese, wrapped in smoked bacon, and smothered in cinnamon sugar, strawberry, and chocolate sauce. Indulge in this sweet treat at Fried Fantasy in the Food Court.
- Deep Fried Carne Asada Taco (Quesada’s Mexican): Take your taco experience to the next level with this deep-fried carne asada taco stuffed with Monterey jack cheese and fried to crispy perfection. Find it at Quesada’s Mexican, on Heritage and Main Street.
These unique foods are available throughout the fair, and if you’re looking for something new and exciting to try, these dishes should be at the top of your list.
The 2024 New Mexico State Fair Unique Foods Contest will take place on Thursday, September 5, at 11:00 AM at the Chevron Pavilion.
Update: The 2024 Unique Foods Contest at the New Mexico State Fair ended in a TIE! Congrats to Rex’s Hamburgers for their Belgian Waffle Green Chile Cheeseburger and Gravy Train for their Conductor’s Corn Dog!
Classic Fair Favorites
No visit to the New Mexico State Fair is complete without indulging in some classic fair food. Here are the must-try staples that have stood the test of time:
- Funnel Cake: A timeless fair favorite, these deep-fried cakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with powdered sugar. For an extra treat, top yours with fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream.
- Ribbon Fries (Curly Fry Stand): These thinly sliced, spiral-cut fries are crispy, salty, and utterly delicious. Perfect as a side or a snack, you can find them at the Curly Fry Stand.
- Mini Donuts: Bite-sized and covered in cinnamon sugar, these fresh mini donuts are served by the bag or bucket and come with optional dipping sauces like maple, vanilla, or chocolate. They’re a sweet treat you’ll want to indulge in more than once.
- Hand-dipped Green Chile Corn Dogs (Green Chili Dog on a Stick): Take your corn dog experience up a notch with these hand-dipped green chile corn dogs. The perfect blend of spicy green chile and crispy corn dog batter creates a flavorful twist on this classic fair food.
- Navajo Taco (Navajo Cafe, Indian Village): A staple of Native American cuisine, the Navajo Taco is made with fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Fry Bread (Zina’s Cafe, Indian Village): A staple of Native American cuisine, fry bread can be enjoyed sweet or savory. Try it topped with honey for a traditional sweet snack.
- Elote (Cornfield): This Mexican street corn is a crowd favorite, served on the cob and smothered in a mixture of mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime. It’s a messy, delicious treat that’s well worth the effort.
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Corn Dog (Top Notch Concessions): This corn dog is coated in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dust, giving it a vibrant red color and a spicy kick. It’s a fun, fiery twist on the classic corn dog
- Slice of Pie (Asbury Café): For a taste of home, head to the Asbury Café for a slice of their famous pie. Whether you prefer apple, cherry, or pecan, these pies are made with love and are the perfect way to finish off your meal.
International Flavors
Explore the diverse culinary offerings with these international delights:
- Gyros, Croffles, and Monte Cristos (Dragonfire Bistro): Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with a delicious gyro, or try something new like a croffle (a croissant-waffle hybrid) or a Monte Cristo sandwich, a classic with a twist.
- Gourmet Doner Kebabs (Gourmet Doner Kebab Food Truck): Enjoy a taste of Turkey with these flavorful doner kebabs, packed with seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and drizzled with sauce.
- Cacho’s Latin Flavor: Specializing in Venezuelan bistro bites, Cacho’s offers delicious options like ham bread, arepas, and empanadas.
- Island Noodles of NM: A locally-owned, women-led business that specializes in making delicious Hawaiian-style yakisoba noodles.
Sweet Treats and Snacks
When you need to satisfy your sweet tooth or grab a quick snack, check out these vendors:
- Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream: The “ice cream of the future” is always a hit, with its fun, beaded texture and a variety of flavors. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
- Kettle Corn (Popcorn Nation): Enjoy the sweet and salty goodness of kettle corn, freshly popped and served in generous portions. Perfect for snacking as you wander the fairgrounds.
- Icee: Refresh yourself with an Icee, a frozen slush treat that comes in a variety of flavors. It’s a fun and cool way to beat the heat.
- Shaved Ice (Snowie): Cool off with a colorful cup of shaved ice, available in a rainbow of flavors. It’s a sweet treat that’s as refreshing as it is delicious.
- Dirty Dough Cookies (NM Cookies LLC): Indulge in some decadent cookies that are soft, chewy, and stuffed with various flavors. These cookies are a must-try whether you like them classic or stuffed with creative flavors.
The 2024 New Mexico State Fair is a food lover’s dream, offering everything from unique, innovative dishes to timeless fair favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or a little bit of both, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore. So bring your appetite, and get ready to taste your way through the fairgrounds!
Related Article: Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 New Mexico State Fair – For more information on daily events, discounts, and more, check out our full guide!
