CNE Food You Have to Try in Toronto

If there’s one thing the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is known for—besides rides and games—it’s the food. And not just any food… we’re talking outrageous, over-the-top, “did they really just combine that?” kind of creations.

Every year, the CNE Food pushes the limits of what fair food can be, serving up bold, bizarre, and sometimes downright confusing combinations that somehow work. If you’re heading to the Ex this summer, here’s your guide to the weirdest and most talked-about eats.

Why CNE Food Is So Iconic

To begin with, the CNE has built a reputation for going all out when it comes to food. In fact, vendors compete to create the most viral, Instagram-worthy items, often mixing sweet and savory flavors in ways you wouldn’t expect.

For example, in 2025 alone, there were over 30 new food items, many featuring deep-fried twists, sugary mashups, and unexpected global fusions.

Ultimately, from butter-infused everything to cereal-covered hot dogs, the goal is simple: surprise people.

The Craziest CNE Food Combos You’ll See

Chicken Nugget Cookie

Yes, really, this one is as wild as it sounds. A soft, warm cookie stuffed with crispy chicken nuggets and served with dipping sauce. As a result, it’s one of the most talked-about items and perfectly sums up the CNE’s chaotic creativity.

Sushi Corn Dogs

Another unexpected mashup, this features a hot dog wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed, then deep-fried in tempura batter. Not surprisingly, it’s weird, it’s pricey, and people are lining up to try it.

Lobster Ice Cream

Meanwhile, sweet meets seafood in this unexpected combo. Creamy ice cream blended with real lobster pieces creates a flavor that’s equal parts intriguing and risky.

Hash Brown Ice Cream Sandwich

In true CNE fashion, this dish pairs a crispy hash brown with ice cream and cookies. As a result, it perfectly highlights the fair’s love for mixing textures and temperatures.

Deep-Fried Watermelon

On the lighter side, watermelon gets the carnival treatment—fried until crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Surprisingly, it’s sweet, crunchy, and refreshing.

Deep-Fried Pickle Oreo

Finally, this one leans fully into chaos: tangy pickles combined with sweet Oreos and then deep-fried. It may sound strange, but that’s exactly the point.

The “Butter Era” of CNE Food

In recent years, one of the biggest trends has been butter—lots of it.

After deep-fried butter became a fan favorite, vendors doubled down with butter burgers, butter ice cream, and even butter-based drinks. As you might expect, it’s indulgent, messy, and exactly what people come to the CNE for.

Sweet, Savory, and Everything in Between

What truly makes CNE food so fun is the constant blending of flavors:

Sweet + savoury (cookies with chicken, cereal on hot dogs)
Hot + cold (fried ice cream sandwiches)
Global fusion (butter chicken tacos, sushi-inspired snacks)

As a result, the food becomes just as much about the experience as it is about taste.

Is It Worth Trying?

Honestly, it depends on your vibe.

While some items are genuinely delicious, others are more about the novelty. Either way, that’s part of the fun. The CNE isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about trying something you probably won’t find anywhere else.

Even if you don’t love every bite, you’ll definitely leave with a story (and probably a few photos).

Tips for Trying CNE Food

To make the most of your visit:

Before you go, check social media to see what’s actually worth the hype

Try to share with friends so you can sample more without overspending

Go in with an open mind—some combos will surprise you

References…