Fair Game

Tasting the Best Eats at the Delaware State Fair

The Delaware State Fair is an annual event that never fails to excite my senses and transport me back to a simpler time in my youth.

This year, my family and I decided to immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, fun amusements and delectable offerings. While the fair can be a bit pricey, the experience is well worth the cost.

As we walked through the gates, the sights and sounds assaulted us, and most of all, were the intoxicating aromas of grilled meats, fried delights and sweet confections. The vibe was right, and the air was thick with laughter, music and the enticing scent of food from around the globe.

Our first moments were a whirlwind of excitement. We arrived just in time for lunch, and one of our initial stops was a stand offering fried pickle chips with a cool, creamy ranch dressing. The crispy, tangy and perfectly seasoned chips were a delightful start to our culinary adventure, introducing us to the unique texture of the cornmeal batter against the soft pickle.

We ordered a footlong corndog from that same food stand, a staple of fair cuisine. We dressed it simply with yellow mustard. The perfectly fried golden batter and juicy dog had a great texture and flavor pairing. Then, we went to a stand offering grilled corn and smoked turkey legs. You could top the corn with many various seasonings. We chose butter and tajin seasoning, a salty, sour, spicy Mexican powder. The charred, slightly smoky kernels were a simple yet satisfying treat. The smoked turkey leg was a giant, flavorful and tender piece of meat that was a feast for the eyes and the palate. The smoke was well integrated, and you felt like a Flintstone while eating it.

I couldn’t resist the next stop on our food tour; it was the sight of a nearby taco stand. One of the cooks stacked the pork for the day for the al pastor on the rotating spit roaster, layering marinated pork over pineapple, trimming and piling the layers. We ordered four different tacos, including lengua (beef tongue), pollo (chicken), birria (slow-cooked beef) and al pastor (marinated pork). The tacos had a lot of flavor, showcasing the beauty of Mexican street food. The vendor offered me two homemade hot sauces and lime quarters. I chose to get the additional avocado salsa on two of them—a cooling, creamy foil.

The beverage selection offered at the fair was awe-inspiring as well. With our tacos, I drank an earthy sour tamarindo, and we also enjoyed freshly squeezed lemonade from another nearby stand. They were a refreshing and tart contrast to all the savory foods. Then the boys wanted a red fruit neon slushy that provided some well-needed coolness for the summer heat. It was just the beginning of our food tour; we then indulged in soft-serve ice cream and cotton candy for dessert, each bite and lick bringing back childhood memories.

Someone recently asked me about my guilty pleasure foods, and I had to think about it, but after further review, I now realize that it is fried foods. Last, we ordered the most over-the-top fair offering: a fried Snickers bar. It was a crunchy, sweet, golden-battered treat smothered in ooey, gooey, melted chocolate and caramel. It created a sinful delight that had me questioning the calorie count. Still, like a trainwreck, it was hard to turn away.

The Delaware State Fair can be gluttony on every level if you want it to be. It is a veritable smorgasbord, offering a tempting array of options. The options are numerous and never-ending, from grilled, roasted and fried vegetables, Greek gyros and kebabs to hotdogs, hamburgers, fried fish, pizza, spaghetti, stromboli, all types of barbecue and various Mexican dishes. No fair would be complete without all the sweets and fried items, including the infamous fried Oreos, Twinkies, Reese’s cups, caramel and even Kool-Aid. I even saw the trendy freeze-dried candy, letting you know that the fair offers everything.

The Delaware State Fair is more than just a day or night spent with family; it’s an authentic cultural experience that brings people from all walks of life together. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, where everyone shares smiles, laughter and, most importantly, food. Each year, the fair creates a unique moment in time, a testament to the power of shared experiences.

As a chef, I left the fair full and happy with food and memories of the diversity and creativity of the foods we tasted and times that we had. The fair reminds me that food is not always just sustenance or high art; it can be an experience, a connection and a celebration. Every year, I look forward to going back, ready to discover more culinary excess and create new memories with my family. If you have never been, what are you waiting for?

As a seasoned fair-goer, I’ve learned a few tips for making the most of the Delaware State Fair. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The fair is a must for anyone who loves food, fun and adventure. It’s a crazy place where you can indulge in every type of gluttonous fair cuisine and create lasting memories. Until next year, fair fans—stay hungry and keep exploring. 


Chef Hari Cameron is a renowned culinary expert, consultant and restaurateur. He has received critical acclaim for his modern farm-to-table approach to cooking and has been recognized for his numerous contributions to the hospitality industry. With a passion for using the highest quality Mid-Atlantic ingredients, Chef Cameron has become a leading voice in today’s culinary landscape.

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