Ohio State Fair 2022: 8 new foods to try, from deep-fried olives to waffle bombs

David Kwiatkowski, The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read

Ahhh, the Ohio State Fair.

Pigs rush out of cages without a clue that they are in a race against each other. Families marvel at the record-breaking butter cow sculptures. And there are carnival rides galore to enjoy on the midway.

But the best part of the fair is, of course, the food.

This year, the Ohio State Fair has more than 25 new items for attendees to try as well as plenty of deep-fried favorites, too.

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The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends, except the last day of the fair, Aug. 7, when the event will close at 6 p.m.

To help guide your food decision-making, here are eight must-try items.

Soul Rolls

Soul Rolls from Hickory Tree BBQ feature mac and cheese and collard greens wrapped into a crispy, fried eggroll wrapper.
Soul Rolls from Hickory Tree BBQ feature mac and cheese and collard greens wrapped into a crispy, fried eggroll wrapper.

Hickory Tree BBQ, located at WNCI Food Highway north of WCOL Celeste Center near Main Street Stage, is the place to stop for all barbecue-related grub.

Their Soul Rolls ($12 a pair) are worth trying as a side dish to any meal. They feature mac and cheese and collard greens wrapped into a crispy, fried eggroll wrapper. They are made fresh so be careful, they will be piping hot.

Waffle Bombs

Waffle Bombs are chocolate-covered strawberries on a stick that are dipped in waffle batter and deep-fried.
Waffle Bombs are chocolate-covered strawberries on a stick that are dipped in waffle batter and deep-fried.

The treat from the vendor Waffle Bombs, located on the WNCI Food Highway on the east side of the fairgrounds near Bricker Marketplace Building and Paddock, is a must-eat for everyone with a sweet tooth.

Chocolate-covered jumbo strawberries on a stick are then dipped in waffle batter, deep-fried and served fresh. A classic fair food for all ages to enjoy for dessert for $6.

Deep-fried olives

For food daredevils, try out the new fried olives from Waffle Bombs.
For food daredevils, try out the new fried olives from Waffle Bombs.

For brave eaters who will try anything deep fried once, head over to Waffle Bombs and try a stick of five crispy fried olives for $6, stuffed with a choice of bleu cheese or jalapeno and garlic with a side of ranch dressing.

Caution: They are made fresh and could burn the roof of one's mouth (not that anyone is speaking from experience here).

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Biscuits, biscuits, biscuits...

A pulled pork biscuit from the Biscuit Barn
A pulled pork biscuit from the Biscuit Barn

The Biscuit Barn, located on the WNCI Food Highway north of WCOL Celeste Center near the Main Street Stage, offers biscuit sandwiches for every meal of the day.

Options include a chicken biscuit with gravy; brisket biscuit; sausage, egg and cheese biscuit; pulled pork biscuit; chicken pot pie biscuit; chicken biscuit; meatloaf biscuit; and a Philly biscuit. Sandwiches are priced at $9.

Edible cookie dough sundae

An edible cookie dough sundae from Cookie Dough Monster at the Ohio State Fair.
An edible cookie dough sundae from Cookie Dough Monster at the Ohio State Fair.

As a child, eating cookie dough feels like being an outlaw from the Wild West — dangerous yet irresistible. So make a kid's day with this "cookie dough" sundae ($9) at Cookie Dough Monsters on the west side of the Land & Living Building, near the east edge of Kiddieland. They are very sweet, and though it appears to be made of ice cream, rest assured it is cookie dough.

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Veggie bowl

This veggie bowl from S&C Concessions is more like a veggie taco.
This veggie bowl from S&C Concessions is more like a veggie taco.

Despite the name of this dish, this "bowl" is served on a tortilla with potato salad, lettuce, green beans and avocado. Fairgoers looking to eat healthier this year can head to S&C Concessions and pick one up for $7.

Alfredo stuffed turkey leg

A juicy turkey leg stuffed with creamy alfredo sauce ($30) is available at Hickory Tree BBQ. Definitely grab some napkins for this one as it could get messy.

Bayou Fries

These waffle fries are served with queso cheese, diced bacon, sour cream and green onions for $6. Find them at Waffle Bombs on the WNCI Food Highway on the east side near Bricker Marketplace Building and Paddock.

David Kwiatkowski is a features intern for The Columbus Dispatch. You can reach him at dkwiatkowski@gannett.com or on Twitter @kwiatkdm.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State Fair 2022 has 8 new foods to try