Twin Cities food writers suggest you try these Minnesota State Fair treats

Sashimi tuna tacos
Crisp wonton shells filled with ahi tuna, avocado and sesame soy. Thai slaw with peanut dressing, pickled ginger and wasabi served on the side. Find it at Scenic 61 by New Scenic Café.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair

MPR News reporter Tim Nelson convened a panel of Twin Cities food reviewers on the Minnesota State Fair’s first day to get quick takes on their culinary discoveries.

Jess Fleming, food editor, Pioneer Press: I liked the ChoriPop. It's a vegan chorizo on a stick, battered and deep fried. I just handed it to [people in my group] and they didn't know that it was vegan. It’s at Andy’s Garage.

ChoriPop
ChoriPops by The Herbivorous Butcher.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair

At the New Scenic’s Scenic 61, in a cute little Airstream trailer in this new food truck area, they have sashimi tacos. They don't seem necessarily like fair food, but they were so good. I can't not mention them.

Nicole Hvidsten, Taste editor, Star Tribune: Scorching ghost pepper bites from LuLu’s Public House. They are cheese curds with ghost pepper cheese and a spicy dipping sauce. It’s kind of a low-key spice. It didn't scare me like I thought the ghost pepper would.

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The Naughty Biscuit
The Naughty Biscuit. Find it at RC's BBQ.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair

My other [recommendation] is the Naughty Biscuit from RC’s BBQ, which is biscuit sandwich with pork belly, some arugula, jalapenos, and cheese sauce.

Sharyn Jackson, food and drink reporter, Star Tribune: I love that new area that Jess mentioned at the north end with Airstream trailers and cute little huts where there wasn't a lot of food before.

Two of my favorites were there. One was from Baba’s, which is a new vendor this year, and they make hummus bowls and their hummus is fabulously creamy. It's delicious. And they have different flavors: one of them is a dill pickle with cheese curds on top.

One of the most refreshing things was from Summer Lakes Beverage, and I had a kind of a sparkling Arnold Palmer. I can say it's the only thing I finished.

Wedge-Hammer, Lake Storm Lemonade and Bama! Lemon Sweet Tea
A variety from Summer Lakes Beverage.
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair