TORONTO — The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is once again celebrating the wild and wonderful food creations that have defined the fair, announcing five new inductees into its Food Hall of Fame for 2025.
Known for its outrageous culinary experiments, the CNE this year honoured a mix of quirky new creations and beloved classics “that have shaped the culinary reputation of Canada’s favourite fair,” the exhibition said.
Among the standout additions is the Rainbow Grilled Cheese, a social media sensation perfected by Adal Aguilar of Pancho’s Bakery. Famous for its brightly coloured cheese pull, the sandwich will be offered in a limited red-and-white edition this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag.
Also joining the hall is the Bug Dog — an all-beef hot dog mixed with cricket protein and topped with crispy crickets, offering a crunchy twist on the fair staple.
The other 2025 inductees are:
- Jumbo Turkey Leg – a smoky, nostalgic favourite at Meester Mike’s stand.
- Colossal Onion – a deep-fried, shareable onion “bloom” perfect for dipping.
- Corn Dog – the classic fair food-on-a-stick that continues to inspire inventive spin-offs.
The Food Hall of Fame was launched in 2024 to mark the 70th anniversary of the CNE’s Food Building, with inaugural inductees like Tiny Tom Donuts, Deep-Fried Butter, and Pickle Pizza.
The CNE runs at Exhibition Place until Sept. 1, giving visitors a chance to taste these iconic — and in some cases, daring — creations.