Skip the pickle pizza. These are the best things to eat at the Arizona State Fair this year
With the enormous portions State Fair foods have come to be known for, with prices to match, we thought we'd do some of the legwork for you to steer you toward the best bites.
In general, I noticed that State Fair desserts are better than savory food, but I included a solid savory choice, partly for the price and partly for the taste.
While I didn't eat everything, and I pity the fool who tries, I ate enough to conclude that these four dishes are worth standing in line for.
Here are the best bites at the Arizona State Fair 2023, from solid choice to must-try.
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Birria tacos are a solid choice
Stand: Chubs
Price: $15
The verdict: Seeing the unnecessary sizes of the fair food, I would say this was a solid choice if you want something you can actually finish without feeling sick. While it isn't the craziest bite on offer, I enjoyed the tender texture of the beef birria.
Citrus lovers need to order the Lemony Snicket crepe
Stand: La Crepe AZ
Price: $10
The verdict: I really enjoyed this crepe and highly recommend it if you like lemon flavors. Lacy on the edge and tender under the tooth, the cream on top balanced the tartness of the lemon curd and there was just the right amount of sweetness. I really enjoyed this treat and it was gone in minutes.
If you want something different, try the Mazapan con Lechera doughnut
Stand: Texas Donuts (48)
Price: $12
The verdict: This is a Texas-size glazed yeasted doughnut made with condensed milk and topped with Mazapan, a Mexican candy of peanuts and powdered sugar turned into a powder, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce to finish things off. The bite had pleasant chewiness and the flavor of Mazapan came through. It's impossible to finish the 6-inch round of sugar on steroids in one sitting, but it's a fun bite to share. One of us preferred the bite without the chocolate sauce, but I didn't mind it.
You must try the agua fresca pepino con limon
Stand: Michelaguas
Price: $15
The verdict: This is a must in Arizona. The drink comes in a tajin-rimmed, large, barrel-shaped cup and is topped with mango cubes. The sip is cooling and beautifully refreshing with bites of cucumber acting as Mother Nature's boba. It offers a respite from the heat and all of the dense fair food. So, maybe have this after your edible adventures.
Pickle pizza? Check out all the over-the-top new foods to try at the Arizona State Fair
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Must-try foods at the Arizona State Fair 2023: Birria to giant donuts
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