Feasts and treats: The Sacbee’s interns try new foods at the California State Fair

Weaving through fair ride lines and fanning away the heat at the California State Fair will leave you with a growling stomach. For a handy guide on the newest fair food additions, some of The Bee’s interns tried new food and drink options like Dubai chocolate strawberry cups, golden fries and Mexican chocolate coffee drinks. Fair attendees can feast at shaded seating areas equipped with mist and fans.

Golden Fry House

At Golden Fry House, crispy fried chicken tenders and classic fries are elevated by its 100% beef tallow frying process.



The Sac Bee’s interns ordered the Thai street fries ($12), which feature a bed of fries moderately drizzled in a spicy Thai peanut sauce and topped with pickled Fresno chili peppers, cilantro and peanuts.



The Thai street fries were an instant hit, with a perfect combination of heat and sweetness from the Fresno peppers and Thai peanut sauce.

Rescate Coffee

To satisfy your chocolate cravings and caffeinated pick up, order the iced Zoot Suit and Mayan Mocha lattes at Rescate Coffee, each are $8.25 for 16 oz. and $9 for 20 oz.



The Zoot Suit, made with Mexican chocolate and white chocolate, is Rescate Coffee’s fan favorite and The Bee’s interns would agree on the balanced blend of two chocolates.



The Mayan Mocha consists of Mexican chocolate and habanero peppers, which was a refreshing treat despite the initial hesitations. The drink’s habanero heat was not overbearing, and felt reminiscent of an iced chai latte.

Sweets by J

Food vendors like Sweets by J have taken notes on the Dubai chocolate social media sensation and offer the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup for $18.



Watch the layering of smooth chocolate, rich pistachio cream, pistachio nuts and knafeh pastry strands layered onto a bed of strawberries in real time.

What else is new?

• Save Mart Wine Garden: Wood-fired flatbreads and shareable charcuterie boards.

• Boba King: Boba milk teas, Spam fries and Redbull energy-infused iced drinks.

• Silva Sausages: Northern California Bratwurst sausages

• Chando’s Tacos: Birria tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.

• Island Fin Poke: Customizable poke bowls with various protein options like ahi tuna, salmon, tofu or Korean barbecue chicken.
  
  

This story was originally published July 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

Kat Tran

The Sacramento Bee

916-550-6408

Kat Tran is a local engagement and retention reporter, reporting on information needs of The Sacramento Bee’s readers and subscribers, producing newsletters and organizing community events and outreach programs. Tran was a food and drink reporting intern at The Bee. They graduated from the University of Florida in spring 2025.