Nothing signals the end of summer and the start of school like the CNE! With the final week of The Ex in full swing, some of the isure team have tested out the classic and more out-there Canadian National Exhibition menu features. We’ve gathered our top picks for CNE food and drinks that you won’t want to miss this year, so we hope you come here with an appetite!
CNE Food and Desserts
1. Tiny Tom Donuts
First up is an institution that has been serving fairgoers for the last 64 years. This family-run doughnut shop is a staple at any carnival, and this one is no different. So, if you are looking for bite-sized sweet treats, this CNE Food Hall of Fame member is the perfect fit. Don’t miss their delicious flavours, including Cinnamon Sugar, Icing Sugar, Apple n’ Cinnamon, and of course, Chocolate. A trip to the Ex is not complete without Tiny Tom Donuts!
2. Ice Cream Waffle Sandwich
Next is another member of the CNE Food Hall of Fame this year. The ice cream waffle sandwiches are a simple staple of the Ex. Classic and straightforward treats have also withstood the test of time. This treat shows that the simplicity of fresh Belgian waffles and vanilla ice cream is truly a match made in heaven on a hot, summer day.
3. UFO Burger
This next food offering is a celestial-level burger. Two smashed beef patties layered with melted cheese, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a mystery sauce, all sealed within a brioche bun. With every juicy bite delivering a complex flavour, it’s as messy as it is mouthwatering. This food offering is just the kind of chaotic culinary experiment the CNE is known for.
4. Deep-Fried Maple Cookies
Imagine a maple-cream-filled cookie, lovingly dunked in batter and deep-fried until it reaches golden perfection. The result? A warm, gooey center surrounded by a crisp, sugary exterior, this offering is a decadent mashup that’s both comforting and outrageously curated for that perfect “fair food” moment.
5. Biscoff Fried Chicken Ice Cream Sandwich
This decadent fair creation is a wild mash-up that leans into both the sweet and savoury. It comes with a juicy fried chicken breast, first dipped in Biscoff butter, then thoroughly coated in crushed Biscoff cookie crumbs. It’s then assembled into an ice cream sandwich; layered with velvety vanilla ice cream, drizzled with maple hot honey, and crowned with a Lotus Biscoff cookie for that extra bit of flair. It is perfect for those looking for a delicious combination of flavours for adventurous eaters. This was a must to include on our CNE food and drinks list!
CNE Drinks
1. Glitter Teas
Introducing the new Glitter Teas! Available in two enchanting flavours. These sparkling beverages glisten with edible glitter, offering a visually dazzling sip that’s as delicious and refreshing as it is beautiful. Whether you’re chasing aesthetics for social media or just seeking a fun, floral-flavoured cooldown, these teas deliver both style and flavour in one glittery cup.
2. Black & Pink Latte
One of the most eye-catching combos at the 2025 CNE comes from Marry Me Mochi, who are serving up a Black & Pink Latte. This drink is a two-toned creation, featuring a rosy pink latte topped with dramatic black carbon whipped cream. Based on the K-pop group BLACKPINK, this drink is equal parts bold and playful, with a creamy sweetness that nods to the K-pop flair. Plus, if you are looking for a bite to go with it, the chewy mochi donuts mirror the same colour palette, making this duo as photogenic as it is indulgent.
3. Butter Sodas
This year’s most buzzworthy drink at the CNE is the Butter Soda! This drink is a fizzy, golden concoction topped with a cloud of butter-flavoured foam. It takes inspiration from nostalgic butterscotch, offering something that’s part dessert, part drink. Creamy, sweet, and slightly salty, it’s designed to be both visually appealing and delicious to drink. This choice is perfect for sipping to cool off while wandering the midway.
4. Dirty Sodas
Also making their mark are Dirty Sodas, a viral TikTok favorite now hitting the CNE stalls this summer. These customizable sodas start with a fizzy base and are elevated with flavoured syrups, splashes of cream, and foamy toppings. Each one is unique, combining fun flavour combinations with a social media-ready presentation.
We hope you enjoy your time at this year’s Exhibition! Look out for all these delicious CNE food and drink options to ensure you leave with a full belly and cravings kicked!
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