Must-Try Food at the CNE in Toronto

Every summer, Toronto comes alive with the return of one of the city’s most iconic traditions: the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Known by locals as “The Ex,” this annual event has been a summertime staple for more than a century, bringing together exciting midway rides, live entertainment, shopping, games, attractions and unforgettable food experiences. Drawing visitors from across Toronto, Canada and around the world, the CNE is one of Toronto's most beloved summer traditions.

While there is plenty to explore at the CNE, food remains one of the biggest reasons visitors return year after year. The fair is known for its incredible variety of food options, from nostalgic favourites that have become part of CNE tradition to creative, over-the-top creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re craving classic fair food, looking to try something completely unexpected or simply want to enjoy a fun summer treat, the CNE offers something for every appetite. 

For travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and staying downtown, getting to your CNE food adventure is easy with UP Express. Travellers can take UP Express from Pearson Airport to Union Station in just 28 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes. If you’re travelling with friends or family, the UP Express Group Pass is a convenient and affordable option, allowing groups of 3-5 to travel together from the airport to downtown Toronto. With convenient connections to the fairgrounds, you can spend less time navigating the city and more time discovering the best food the CNE has to offer. 

The Best Food in the CNE Food Building 

The CNE Food Building is the heart of the fair’s food scene and a must-visit destination for anyone attending the event. Located at Exhibition Place, the Food Building brings together dozens of vendors under one roof, making it easy to sample a variety of flavours in one stop. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or exploring the CNE on your own, it’s the perfect place to experience the wide range of food options that make the fair such a memorable Toronto tradition. 

Inside the Food Building, you’ll find a mix of classic Canadian fair favourites, international flavours and creative takes on familiar dishes. From savoury meals to sweet treats, there are plenty of options to fuel your day of exploring. Visitors can enjoy Toronto favourites like peameal bacon sandwiches, a local classic featuring slices of savoury peameal bacon served on a fresh bun. This simple but satisfying sandwich has become a longtime staple at the CNE and is the perfect handheld meal while walking around the fairgrounds. 

Another must-try Canadian favourite is poutine, combining crispy fries, rich gravy and cheese curds for the ultimate comfort food experience. While traditional poutine remains a popular choice, the CNE is also known for offering creative variations that put a unique spin on this beloved dish. 

For those looking for a more elevated take on classic comfort food, gourmet grilled cheese is another popular option. With crispy bread, melted cheese and creative toppings, this fair favourite transforms a childhood classic into an indulgent summer treat. Visitors can also cool down with refreshing options like bubble tea or enjoy a sweet dessert from the many ice cream and frozen treat vendors throughout the fair. 

Of course, no CNE food experience is complete without trying some of the fair’s most iconic treats. Tiny Tom Mini Donuts have been a beloved CNE tradition for generations, with visitors lining up for warm, bite-sized donuts covered in cinnamon sugar. Their nostalgic flavour and fresh-from-the-fryer experience make them one of the most recognizable foods at the fair. 

Another fan favourite is the ice cream waffle sandwich, which combines two crispy waffles with a generous serving of ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while exploring the CNE on a warm August afternoon. 

For visitors looking for a classic CNE meal that has stood the test of time, Primo Spaghetti is another must-try. Known for offering delicious pasta at an affordable price, Primo Spaghetti has become a fair tradition and remains one of the most iconic food stops at the CNE. At only $1.99, it’s a nostalgic favourite that has been enjoyed by generations of fairgoers.

Weird Foods at the CNE 

One of the biggest traditions at the CNE is its collection of unexpected food creations. Every year, vendors introduce unique combinations and limited-time dishes that challenge visitors to try something new. For many fairgoers, discovering the latest “weird food” has become one of the highlights of their CNE experience. 

The CNE is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional fair food, combining unexpected flavours and creating dishes that are designed to surprise. These creative creations often become some of the most talked-about attractions at the fair, with visitors sharing their discoveries and experiences long after their visit. 

The 2026 CNE featured food lineup will introduce new and exciting creations, so visitors should stay tuned for the latest must-try dishes. Past years have featured everything from pickle-inspired creations and deep-fried desserts to cereal-covered snacks, unusual milkshakes, spicy fusion dishes and unexpected sweet and savoury combinations.

Previous CNE food creations have included unique mashups like the Fruity Pebble Corn Dog, which added a colourful cereal-inspired twist to a classic fair favourite, as well as Lobster Ice Cream, a bold creation that combined a traditional dessert with an unexpected savoury ingredient. Another memorable dish was the Chicken Nugget Cookie, which blended two very different comfort foods into one surprising creation. 

While these foods may sound unusual, that’s exactly what makes them part of the CNE experience. Trying something completely new, even if it sounds a little strange, is all part of the fun and one of the reasons visitors continue to return every summer. 

Crazy Foods at the CNE 

Alongside its unusual creations, the CNE is also famous for its oversized and indulgent foods. These larger-than-life dishes are designed to make an impression, offering visitors the chance to enjoy some of the most extravagant fair foods around. Whether you’re sharing with family and friends or looking for a memorable food photo, these creations capture the fun and excitement of the CNE. 

The fair is known for taking classic favourites and making them bigger, bolder and more indulgent. Giant burgers stacked with toppings, loaded fries covered with flavourful additions and foot-long hot dogs are just some of the oversized options visitors can expect to find throughout the fairgrounds. 

Giant turkey legs are another classic fair food experience, offering a hearty and memorable meal that has become synonymous with festivals and fairs around the world. For something a little more shareable, the CNE’s famous blooming onions are a crispy, golden treat served with dipping sauces that make them a popular choice for groups exploring the fair together. 

When it comes to desserts, the CNE delivers plenty of indulgent options. Funnel cakes topped with powdered sugar remain a fair favourite, offering the perfect combination of crispy, sweet and nostalgic flavours. Visitors can also cool down with oversized lemonades and creative summer drinks that are ideal for sipping while taking in the sights and sounds of Exhibition Place.

Plan Your CNE Food Adventure with UP Express 

The CNE is more than just an event. It’s a Toronto summer tradition filled with entertainment, experiences and unforgettable food. From classic favourites like Tiny Tom Mini Donuts and peameal bacon sandwiches to unique creations that push the boundaries of fair cuisine, there’s always something new to discover. 

Whether you’re a local looking for a fun summer outing or a visitor exploring Toronto for the first time, UP Express makes it easy to get your CNE adventure started. Travel from Pearson Station to Union Station in just 28 minutes, then connect easily to Exhibition Place and spend your day enjoying everything the CNE has to offer. 

Bring your appetite, gather your friends and family, and get ready to explore some of the best food at the CNE in Toronto! Travelling with a group? Make your trip even easier with the UP Express Group Pass, a convenient and affordable option for friends and family travelling together.