This year’s menu is getting extra playful, with treats like crispy fried watermelon, creamy butter ice cream, cookies packed with chicken nuggets, and cheese curds inspired by the quirky Labubu character. CBC
The Canadian National Exhibition has returned with its most outrageous food lineup yet. Visitors can expect a mix of sweet, savoury, and downright unusual combinations spread across 136 food stalls. This year’s culinary adventure includes everything from a massive two-foot-long hotdog to a sushi-inspired corndog.
Craig’s Cookies is turning heads with its chicken nugget-stuffed cookie. If that doesn’t grab your attention, frozen deep-fried watermelon on a stick surely will. Other must-try creations include deep-fried pizza, butter soda, a hash brown ice cream sandwich, and street corn honey lemonade. Funnel cakes get a twist too, coming in butter tart, ube chocolate, and matcha flavours.
More Daring Food Mash-Ups
The list of inventive dishes doesn’t stop there. Chicago mix-inspired fried chicken, churro pizza, butter chicken birria tacos, and poutine dumplings are all part of the menu. Those with adventurous taste buds might try a biscoff fried chicken ice cream sandwich or even kimchi dumpling ice cream.
Visitors will also find deep-fried maple cookies, butter chicken waffles, and butter tart cotton candy. Six new vendors have joined the food scene this year, offering even more variety between the Princes’ Gate and the food building beside BMO Field.
Beyond the Food
While the food steals the spotlight, the CNE offers much more. This year features a dinner in the sky for those seeking a dining experience with a view. Toronto drag queen Devine Darlin will host the event’s first-ever drag brunch.
The Canadian International Air Show returns for its 76th year, bringing high-flying thrills. Classic midway rides and games also make a comeback, with 63 attractions including favourites like the Polar Express, Scrambler, and the giant Ferris wheel.
Unique Cultural Experiences
The CNE is also presenting Mythos, an immersive exhibit sharing stories from China, Nigeria, and the Haudenosaunee First Nation. Created in collaboration with artists tied to these communities, the series blends visual art, performance, and storytelling into a one-of-a-kind cultural journey.
From daring dishes to aerial displays and cultural showcases, this year’s CNE offers something for everyone. Whether you’re in it for the food, the rides, or the art, the 2025 exhibition promises a feast for all senses.
