Unusual Carnival and Fair Foods: A Journey Through Exotic Treats

Unusual Carnival and Fair Foods: A Journey Through Exotic Treats

Every year, millions flock to carnivals and fairs, eager to try new and exciting foods. From the familiar to the bizarre, here are some of the most creative and unconventional treats we’ve encountered during our many visits.

The Deep Fried Twinkie: A Case of Sweet and Unhealthy

One of the most memorable experiences while at a carnival or fair was trying the deep-fried Twinkies. This curiosity was the first of its kind for me, and being someone who’s more conscious about food quality, it was tough to ignore. The Twinkie, encased in deep-fried batter and doused in Hershey’s Squirt syrup, was advertised as a novel take on the classic cake.

Despite its unconventional preparation, the deep-fried Twinkie surprisingly tasted good. However, the combination of artificial flavors, tasteless batter, and cheap oil didn’t sit well with my taste buds, leading to a slight nausea just after consuming it. The disappointment was compounded by the realization that this was a far cry from the classic Twinkie we all know and love.

Elephant Ears: A Flatter, Sincere Pleasure

Another treat that caught our eye was the elephant ears. These large doughnut-like snacks, shaped like an elephant ear, were a flavor sensation. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, they were flat yet delicious. While similar to funnel cakes, they had a unique and satisfying texture that made them a standout in the lineup of carnival foods.

Noir’s Love-Hate Relationship with Churros: A Love Story with a Twist

In Southern California, churros were our regular go-to snack, but they became a hit or miss experience when Hollywood stars started to dip them in chocolate sauce. However, some places had churros without the luxury of chocolate sauce, making them a bit less enticing.

Mystery Pastas: A Culinary Journey to Italy

While in Upstate New York, we stumbled upon something truly unique – a local fair with a twist. In addition to the expected fare like ribbon fries, elephant ears, fried mushrooms, and candy floss, there were some unusual entries on the menu. The most surprising was the fried Oreos, but to our disgust, they were not a hit. My first bite was a swift, nearly inaudible swallow, and it quickly turned into a thorough expulsion of the contents of my stomach, followed by copious amounts of sour lemonade. The aftermath gave me such a queasy feeling that my stomach still churns when I think about it five years later.

For many of us, the carnival and fair food represent a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and unexpected flavor combinations. While some might be a hit, others, like the fried Oreos, are never again embraced.