The Canadian National Exhibition is showcasing a series of eccentric food offerings this season. Visitors can find everything from ramen-shell tacos to cheese-flavored smoothies across the event grounds.
The $31 Funnel Cake and the Era of 'Stunt Food'
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) continues a long-standing tradition of culinary experimentation, but this year's menu leans heavily into "stunt food"—dishes designed more for social media visibility than traditional sustenance . According to the report, the most expensive item highlighted is a funnel cake featuring Cinnamon Toast-crusted chicken, vanilla ice cream, and cotton candy, which costs approximately $31.
This pricing strategy reflects a broader industry shift where fair food is no longer just about convenience or indulgence, but about creating a viral moment.. By combining contrasting textures and flavors—such as spicy chicken with sweet cootton candy—the CNE is catering to a demographic of "foodies" who value the novelty of the experience as much as the taste.
From Buldak Ramen Shells to $18.35 Bacon Burgers
The "Food Truck Frenzy" and "Food Building" areas serve as the epicenters for these culinary risks. Los Vietnamita, located in the Food Truck Frenzy section, is offering a Buldak lovers' taco for roughly $18, which utilizes a Buldak ramen taco shell topped with cotton candy aioli and kimchi. The vendor also provides a Korean Fried Chicken Ramen Taco at the same $18 price point.
Meanwhile, Bacon Nation is targeting meat enthusiasts within the Food Building. As the report says , the menu includes a cheesy bacon burger priced at $18.35 and a bucket of thick-cut bacon coated in Root Beer BBQ sauce for $10.84. Bacon Nation also offers a bucket of fries topped with maple drizzle and a cheese foam infused with the CNE's Sweet Heat Hot Sauce for about $14.82.
KD Smoothies and Flamin' Hot Cheeto Pizza Slices
The blurring of sweet and savory reaches its peak at the Booster Juice stall in the Food Building. Visitors can purchase a smoothie infused with KD's original cheese flavor, blended with mango, pineapple juice, and vanilla frozen yogurt; a regular size costs $10.39, while a snack size is $6.69.
Similarly, Pizza Pizza is leaning into the trend of spicy, processed toppings with deep-fried cheese pizza slices. These options, which include versions coated in Flamin' Hot Cheetos or a mix of pickles and Cheetos, are priced between $11.11 and $13.11. This approach mirrors a wider trend in North American snack culture where "extreme" flavors from branded chips are integrated into traditional meals.
The Missing Price Tags on Nitrogen Oreos
While most items have clear pricing, some of the most futuristic treats remain a mystery. The report mentions nitrogen-infused Oreos, freeze-dried Nerd Clusters, and ice cream sandwich bites, but it does not list their costs, leaving visitors to wonder if these high-tech snacks follow the premium pricing of the rest of the fair.
Additionally, the source frequently mentions "CNE's Sweet Heat sauce" used in the waffle dogs at Supreme Pierogi and the fries at Bacon Nation, but it remains unclear if this is a proprietary event-wide condiment created by the exhibition organizers or a specific vendor's creation. The report also fails to mention the nutrtiional content of these items, which is a significant omission given the deep-fried and sugar-heavy nature of the menu .
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