Designed to highlight the creativity of fair concessionaires, the competition includes categories based on the Fair’s 2025 theme, Summer Pet-tacular, along with "WOW" dishes meant to go viral on social media, and a new "So San Diego" category celebrating flavors unique to the region. Each category is split into sweet and savory classes.
On opening day, the 45 semi-finalists will be whittled down to 18 finalists, who will be featured throughout the Fair and specially showcased as part of "Foodie Fridays." From 11am to 4pm every Friday during the Fair’s run, all 18 finalist dishes will be available to fairgoers at 50% off, making it an ideal time for adventurous eaters to indulge in creative concoctions without breaking the bank.
A panel of celebrity judges - including San Diego Magazine’s Troy Johnson, Univision host Rudy Acosta, and local MasterChef winner Claudia Sandoval - will sample the finalist dishes during a live tasting event on Friday, June 13 at 11:30am in the Fair’s Paddock area. A 24-person tasting panel of local media, influencers, and VIPs will also cast votes to help determine a "People’s Choice" winner and break any ties.
The winners will receive prominent signage throughout the Fairgrounds, a coveted spot on the Fair Food Map, and their names engraved on the Fair’s giant "Best of Show" trophy. Past top honors have gone to TJ’s Ice Cream’s Disco Pop Shake (2024) and Biggy’s Hot Cheeto Chicken Sandwich (2023).
Among this year’s standouts are the Cajun Honey Dog from West Coast Weenies, Hot Honey Goat Cheese Pistachio Pizza from Pat’s Pizza, Watermelon Sour Patch Kids Slushie from Sugar Puff Candy, and deep-fried caramel apple slices from Candyland. Local flair shines in dishes like the Loaded Plantains from Rafikiz Foodz, the Black’s Beach Naked Chicken Wrap by Disco Chicken, and the pineapple cream cheese coconut sambusa from Tuna Time.
The 2025 San Diego County Fair runs from June 11 to July 6, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and features rides, live music, exhibits, pet-themed attractions, and more. For details on the Fair-tastic Foods competition and the full menu of this year’s culinary contenders, as well as to purchase fair tickets, visit sdfair.com/food.
Among this year’s standouts are the Cajun Honey Dog from West Coast Weenies, Hot Honey Goat Cheese Pistachio Pizza from Pat’s Pizza, Watermelon Sour Patch Kids Slushie from Sugar Puff Candy, and deep-fried caramel apple slices from Candyland. Local flair shines in dishes like the Loaded Plantains from Rafikiz Foodz, the Black’s Beach Naked Chicken Wrap by Disco Chicken, and the pineapple cream cheese coconut sambusa from Tuna Time.
The 2025 San Diego County Fair runs from June 11 to July 6, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and features rides, live music, exhibits, pet-themed attractions, and more. For details on the Fair-tastic Foods competition and the full menu of this year’s culinary contenders, as well as to purchase fair tickets, visit sdfair.com/food.
Originally published on May 28, 2025.
