The Iowa State Fair is known for its unique and delicious food offerings, and the People’s Choice Best New Food Contest is always a highlight of the event. This year, fairgoers had the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite dish among three finalists: a bacon cheeseburger egg roll, an Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll, and a lobster corn dog.
The bacon cheeseburger egg roll from Winn & Sara’s Kitchen emerged as the winner of the contest. Located southwest of the Jacobson Exhibition Center, this innovative dish takes a classic burger and transforms it into an egg roll. Filled with seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, pickles, and cheese, the egg roll is then drizzled with Winn and Sara’s house-made burger sauce, giving it a delicious kick. Priced at $12, this mouthwatering creation can be found at 122 W. Ashland Ave. in Indianola.
On the other hand, the Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll from Whatcha Smokin‘ BBQ offers a unique twist on a traditional pork tenderloin sandwich. Layered with jalapeno cream corn and house-made Texas taco sauce, smoked to perfection, and topped with poblano ranch, this dish is a flavor explosion. Priced at $14, you can find this delectable creation at 403 Iowa Ave. in Luther.
For seafood lovers, the lobster corn dog from Destination Grille is a must-try. Featuring a six-ounce North Atlantic lobster tail breaded, fried, and coated with chives, fresh Parmesan, and paprika, this indulgent treat is a true delicacy. Priced at $20, you can find this luxurious dish at 2491 E. First St. in Grimes.
With 9,204 votes cast for the People’s Choice Best New Food, the bacon cheeseburger egg roll emerged as the clear winner, receiving 48.6% of the votes. The winners were announced by an entourage of fair officials, Iowa State Fair Queen Elli Blackford, and Iowa State Fair mascots Fairfield and Rosetta, who made their way through the Fairgrounds to surprise the winners.
In addition to the Best New Food Contest, other categories were also awarded, including Best New Drink (Alcohol Free), Best New Drink (with Alcohol), and the Choose Iowa award for a dish that uses Iowa products. Bubbly Bistro & Bar took home the Best of Show prize and the Best New Drink (Alcohol Free) award for their Abracadabra Color-Changing Butterfly Lemonade, while JR’s SouthPork Ranch won for Best New Drink (with Alcohol) with their Cowgirl Cooler.
Overall, the People’s Choice Best New Food Contest at the Iowa State Fair showcased the creativity and culinary talent of vendors from across the state. From innovative twists on classic dishes to luxurious seafood offerings, there was something for every palate to enjoy at this year’s event.