Chef Oya’s guide to the best Indiana State Fair foods

Last Saturday, I pulled up to the Indiana State Fair on a three-fold mission.

Try as many new items on the Taste of the Fair list.
Visit all four local Black-owned businesses participating in Taste of the Fair.
Find those great breakfast items people keep telling me about.

I tried 17 items out of the 33 on the list. Here they are, ranked from top to bottom with reviews of the Top 5 and the rest ranked in order with my 3 bite (or sip) scale.

A sweet heat sausage sandwich is served during the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 2, 2025, at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis.. Credit: Stephanie Amador for Mirror Indy

1. Sweet Heat Sausage Sandwich, R&W Concessions

3 bites

I was pleased with the pop of the sausage casing at first bite. The jalapeño sausage was perfectly juicy. It was spicy and also filled with cheese. The sauteed veggies gave classic State Fair Italian sausage with a twist, and the sweet, tangy BBQ sauce added another layer of heat. This one is a keeper!

Chicken Philly egg rolls are served during the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 2, 2025, at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis.. Credit: Stephanie Amador for Mirror Indy

2. Dirty Dancing Eggrolls, J&J Taste of Home food truck

3 bites

Piping hot, crispy and filled with a delicious blend of chicken, onions peppers and spices. I thought the hot honey lemon pepper buffalo sauce was going to completely overshadow everything else about the roll — but it was well balanced. The creamy ranch cooled it off just right. Delicious.

An all-vegan Indianapolis Philly is served by Black Leaf Vegan, and a lemon shake-up are served during the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 2, 2025, at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Credit: Stephanie Amador for Mirror Indy

3. All-Vegan Indianapolis Philly, Black Leaf Vegan food truck

2.7 bites

Vegan Food at the Indiana State Fair almost feels sacrilegious. However, Black Leaf Vegan tells the story of a void filled with incredible taste. The expertly prepared seitan “meat” has a texture that almost tricks you into thinking you’re at the Indiana Beef tent. The sauces take it to the next level. This sandwich is absolutely worth the wait.

4. Pineapple Lemonade Shake-up, McWaters Concessions

2.5 sips

McWaters’ original Lemonade Shakeup already rivals one of the best at the fair. This super-refreshing and smooth take on the classic had me pining for a refill.

A Jessop’s butterscotch apple crunch parfait is served during the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 2, 2025, at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Credit: Stephanie Amador for Mirror Indy

5. Jessop’s Butterscotch Apple Crunch, Jessop’s Candy Products

2.5 bites

Warm, rich, fresh butterscotch syrup generously poured atop fresh-sliced tart green apples are a dynamite pairing themselves. Jessop’s upped the ante by adding a cute little helping of crunchy butterscotch caramel popcorn with crunchy pecans. It was such a sweet nostalgic treat.