I ate 27 new Big E foods so you don’t have to: Here’s what’s good, what to skip – MassLive.com

Trying out some of the new foods at The Big E in 2022. (Will Katcher, MassLive)
I’ve been covering The Big E for about a decade now and I’ve long given up on trying every single thing at the fair.
I’m just one man with one stomach and I’m kind of afraid my health insurance might read the column and jack up my rates. But more than anything, there’s just so much crazy food constantly popping up all around. It’s hard to keep track of it all.
It’s like trying to watch every TV show that comes out. Once upon a time, you could keep up with “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones” and you’d be locked in with the pop culture zeitgeist.
Now, it’s impossible to keep track of it all. There are Spicy PB&J Burgers and milkshakes with rubber ducks popping up over here at the fair. There’s a tidal wave of new shows on stuff like Apple TV+ and whatever the Roku Channel is over here. I still haven’t watched “Squid Game” and I’m constantly afraid that someone is going to quiz me on it.
Fortunately, at The Big E, I don’t have to shell out $7.99 a month for some CornDog+ app to see what exactly a “Waffle Dog” is.
Here’s everything I’ve eaten at The Big E in 2022 (So far)
This year, I stood valiant against the encroaching hoards of Fried Brownies and fickle fritters. I braved the stormy seas of not one, but two new pickle beers that threatened to drag me down to the briny depths.
I survived the asphalt-paved carb march of navigating the fair on a Tuesday where it’s 10 degrees hotter than I expected and all the cloud cover from the morning had vanished. My only respite: Dipping into the shady sanctuary of the Mallary Complex to look at all the sheep that had just been sheared and yelling “It’s a cow!” upon seeing a cow.
Between preview events and visits to the fairgrounds this year, I’ve tried 27 foods that are new additions to the lineup this year. Here’s a full rundown of what’s good, what to skip and what’s just plain weird.
The S'Mores Macaron from the marshmallow lady behind the Vermont Building. (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
1. S’mores Macaron | From the marshmallow stand | Behind the Vermont Building ($7)
This is what The Big E is all about: small businesses with unique ideas that are pulled off with imagination and culinary skill. If I could recommend people try out one new thing at The Big E this year, it’s this.
Located in an unassuming shed behind the Vermont Building, the marshmallow stand (AKA nomadic kitchen out of Vermont) features handcrafted marshmallows and a new confection that is now my favorite dessert food in the world: The S’mores Macaron.
Also known as the S’Macaron, it’s one of the chewiest things I’ve ever eaten, in a good way. It combines the wonderful sugar cloud-like texture of a French macaron with the caramelized gooeyness of a toasted marshmallow. Then there’s the little bit of melted chocolate to add a nice little bit of depth to the sweet flavors.
It’s unbelievably soft and pillowy. It’s what I imagine eating a cloud in a cartoon feels like, with a genius design that makes it easy to bite into and easier to enjoy.
The S’Macaron is the invention of nomadic kitchen owner Alexx Shuman, who worked as a pastry chef at Blue Ginger, the former Wellesley restaurant owned by Iron Chef Ming Tsai. Shuman crafts them herself by loading up a classic macaron with a handmade marshmallow square that’s torched to order. The end result: One of the coolest things I’ve seen at The Big E in a while.
Rating: Must-try. Skip the rest of the article if you want. If you eat this, my job is done.
The Fried Brownie from Chick-Fil-A on Springfield Road (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
2. Fried Brownie | From Chick-fil-A | On Springfield Road
Listen, Chick-fil-A, I love the energy. You’re a national chain coming in for your first year at the fair. You could have just sold chicken sandwiches and called it a day. Instead, you understood the assignment and decided to take your brownies and deep fry them.
It’s a nice gesture. It’s just not a nice thing to eat.
The Fried Brownie doesn’t have a lot of thought put into it. It’s just a brownie covered in bread-like batter. It tastes like hot, oily, chocolate bread that’s uncomfortably moist on the outside.
Rating: Hard pass. Get a Fried Oreo instead. You can get it anyway if you want. This is just an article on the internet. I have no actual power here.
3. Coolin’ on the Ranch Triple Decker Grilled Cheese | From Harpoon Beer Hall | Located on New England Ave.
Harpoon Beer Hall has really upped its food game this year, especially with the Triple Decker Grilled Cheeses. They feature three slices of bread with two cheesy layers. It’s like a Big Mac or club sandwich, but cheese-centric.
I was a big fan of the Coolin’ on the Ranch version, which inserts some Cool Ranch Doritos into one of the layers for some crunch and zing. I’m glad someone’s finally delivering on my desire for more elaborate cheese-and-carb delivery inventions.
Rating: Highly recommended. Unless you’re lactose intolerant, in which case I’m sorry. The Big E has to be an absolute minefield for you.
4. Spicy PB&J Burger | From SoulFully Vegan | In The Front Porch
This isn’t just “good for vegan food.” This is a legitimately delicious sandwich.
The key here is the peanut butter and jalapeño jelly, which create an awesome spicy-sweet combination. That all teams up well with the oat milk cheese and meatless patty, which is subtly savory, allowing it to play along with the other flavors better than a beef patty.
Rating: Highly recommended, even if you eat meat. Heck, you can basically say you ate something healthy. Sure, it’d be a lie. But it sounds accurate because it’s vegan.
5. Soulful Burger | From SoulFully Vegan | In The Front Porch
This is a less adventurous burger option that leans more toward Jamaican jerk flavors for another sweet-spicy combination. If you’re not feeling the craziness of the peanut butter burger, this is another solid option.
Rating: Worth a try, especially if you didn’t scroll past this part when you saw the word “vegan.”
The Oreo Pancake Milkshake from The Place 2 Be in The Front Porch (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
6. Oreo Pancake Milkshake, Morning Rooster Milkshake, Cotton Candy Milkshake | From The Place 2 Be | In the Front Porch
You may see this milkshake and go, “Well that thing is ridiculous and excessive.”
Correct. It is ridiculous, excessive and just the sort of wonderful Candyland nonsense that makes The Big E great.
The shake comes topped with a sweet avalanche of whipped cream and Oreos along with a few mini-pancakes on a skewer. The shake itself is sweet and delicious, giving strong cookies & cream vibes.
Rating: Highly recommended, especially if you want a cool picture. I won’t judge you. Heck, if you tag me in your photo, I will personally defend you from your haters. I stick up for people that read this far into an article.
The Morning Rooster Milkshake from The Place 2 Be in The Front Porch (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
7. Morning Rooster Milkshake | From The Place 2 Be | In the Front Porch
The Morning Rooster is similar in wackiness, but comes loaded with mini waffles, popcorn chicken and a delightful mix of maple, caramel and vanilla flavors.
The shake clearly goes for a “chicken and waffles” vibe — and it sticks the landing.
Rating: A little messier than the Oreo Pancake shake, but a little tastier. Eating the chicken is fine. Eating the rubber duck is not. I don’t want to get calls from angry family members.
The Cotton Candy Milkshake from The Place 2 Be in The Front Porch. (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
8. Cotton Candy Milkshake | From The Place 2 Be | In the Front Porch
Unlike the previous two concoctions, the Cotton Candy Milkshake is not exclusive to The Big E and is available on the menu at one of its multiple locations.
But the slice of cotton candy cheesecake that’s placed on top of the shake? You can only get that at the fair.
Rating: If you’ve ever wanted a whole slice of cheesecake atop a milkshake, this is a good way to make your dreams come true.
9. Pickle Beer No. 1: Amherst Brewing Company Dill With It Pickle Ale | Beer Stand Near Gate 5 | On Industrial Ave.
Of the two pickle beers I tried at The Big E this year, this is my favorite. It tastes like a well-balanced pale ale that has a nice, nuanced level of hoppiness that uses the pickle flavors as a well-tuned accompaniment. It’s a tasty beer that has a colorful flourish.
This one’s hard to track down. But if you can find it, you’ve stumbled upon a gem.
Rating: Come on, you’re at The Big E. There are 12 IPAs on tap at every beer bar in the state. Try something different.
The CT Valley Pickle Juice Sour Ale from New England Craft Beer Pub on the Avenue of States (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
10. Pickle Beer No. 2: CT Valley Pickle Juice Sour Ale | From New England Craft Beer Pub
This is a slightly different spin on a pickle beer, lying somewhere between the dill and bread and butter pickle flavor range. It’s got a nice tart flavor with a nice brine-like rush. It’s definitely the more pickle-forward of the two.
It’s a bright, almost bready beer that’s good for warm weather — if you’re adventurous.
Rating: If you want a crazy beer and like sours, try this one. Also, you get to keep a cool cup.
11. Rise n’ Shine Twisted Pretzel from Harpoon Beer Hall | Located on New England Ave.
There are a lot of pretzel options a The Big E. But none of them compare to the new upgrades that the Twisted Pretzels from the Harpoon Beer Hall bring.
Here, you get a delightful braid of bready goodness that you can pick apart and share with friends while dipping in accompanying sauces. The Rise n’ Shine is an everything bagel-flavors pretzel that nails the wonderful tastes of its inspiration — and comes with a side of cream cheese.
Rating: Highly recommended, especially if you skipped breakfast, which is the smart call if you’re going early.
Rise & Shine Pretzels from Harpoon Beer Hall (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
12. Gettin’ Dilly with It Twisted Pretzel from Harpoon Beer Hall | Located on New England Ave.
This version gives you the same chewy pretzel, but tops it with melted mozzarella, bacon and pickles — and comes with a side of ranch dipping sauce. It’s got a lot of zing, but isn’t quite the home run that the Rise ‘n Shine is.
Rating: Listen, not everything needs bacon and pickles. I get that those are in this year, but we have to stop somewhere.
13. Sweet Thang Twisted Pretzel from Harpoon Beer Hall | Located on New England Ave.
With a cinnamon and sugar crust, this version comes with a warm caramel dipping sauce. Sweet pretzels are underrated, even if I would have preferred icing like the kind you get on a cinnamon roll.
Rating: Recommended. What’s not recommended is swinging this at someone like a pool noodle — even though I’m curious what it would feel like.
The Craz-E Chicken Sandwich from the Craz-E Burger Cafe on New England Ave. (Nick O'Malley)
14. Craz-E Chicken Sandwich | From Craz-E Burger Cafe | On New England Ave.
This is the latest Craz-E experiment, following the Craz-E Burger and Craz-E Breakfast Sandwich. Like its predecessors, this is also served with bacon atop a pair of glazed doughnuts. Unlike the Craz-E Burger, it’s actually kind of good.
The sweet-savory combination of the fried chicken and doughnuts makes it a more efficient version of a chicken-and-waffles sandwich. However, it’s still pretty dry and could have used some sort of sauce.
Rating: It’s a really cool idea. However, the individual components aren’t as good. However, it is quick. They just turn around, grab one and hand it to you.
The Waffle Dog (with a hot dog) from Tripp's Breakfast Cade in the Maine Building (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
15. Waffle Dog – Hot Dog Version | From Tripp’s Farmhouse Cafe | Inside the Maine Building
This is a hot dog on a stick that’s inside a cylindrical waffle and covered in honey mustard (you can also get it with sausage on the inside). It’s a scientific marvel that’s a fun little spin on a corn dog.
Rating: The stick is really what makes this fun. If it wasn’t on a stick, I’d be 37% less likely to order it.
The Waffle Dog (Dessert Version) from Tripp's Breakfast Cafe in the Maine Building (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
16. Waffle Dog – Dessert Version | From Tripp’s Farmhouse Cafe | Inside the Maine Building
Let’s be clear: This version does not have an actual hot dog inside. Instead, it’s a hot dog-shaped waffle that’s loaded with sundae toppings.
It’s a quick, quirky sweet treat that you can eat on the go.
Rating: To be honest, I thought there was going to be a hot dog inside this and was a little disappointed there wasn’t. I know it would have made it worse, but sometimes I just want to embrace the chaos of the world.
The General Tso's Pizza from the Sam Adams Beer Garden on the Avenue of State. (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
17. General Tso’s Chicken Pizza | From the Sam Adams Beer Garden | On the Avenue of States
This is a changeup from the rest of the fair. The Sam Adams Beer Garden is a sit-down restaurant area and only offers the General Tso’s Pizza in a four-slice personal pizza form.
It’s a good way to take a break if that’s what you’re looking for. As for the pizza, the chicken topping is a wonderfully crispy, sweet addition. It’s similar to a BBQ chicken pizza, with a little more of an Asian fusion zing. The crust is on the thin, crispier end.
Rating: I like it, but sort of which I could get it as just one slice. I have other stuff to eat.
Boba Tea from Cha Feo (Taylor Sanzo, MassLive)
18. Boba Tea | From Cha Feo | Located in the Young Building
I didn’t realize until this year just how much The Big E needed boba tea. It’s the perfect non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy to help cool you down, give you a sweet treat and not bog you down with too much sugar.
Rating: Boba tea should be everywhere. It should be as common as Dunkin’. In fact, they should sell it at Dunkin.
Chocolate Cream Puff from the Big E Bakery (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
19. Chocoholic Cream Puff | From Big E Bakery | Located in the New England Center, Food Court, near Gate 9A and Avenue ShowPlace
The Big E Cream Puff is an institution and one of the 10 must-try foods for beginners at the fair. The chocolate version was introduced this year as a refreshing revamp, giving a satisfying buzz of chocolate inside the familiar pillowy cream puff cloud.
Rating: A highly recommended spin-off of a classic. Resist the temptation to smush it in someone’s face like a pie.
The Mac Daddy Pizza from Deep South Company on Industrial Ave. (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
20. Mac Daddy Pizza | From The Deep South Company | On Industrial Ave
This is a cool concept, but it’s a little dry and disjointed. It’s a lot like an actual Big Mac in that way.
The cheddar and just melted directly on the crust while the lettuce, pickles and beef are barely secured as toppings. The Thousand Island dressing is a nice touch. But it’s not even distributed.
Rating: It’s baffling to me that they’re selling these as whole pizzas and not slices. Who gets a whole pizza at the fair? That’s so much responsibility.
The Chicken Pot Pie Break Bowl from Storrowton Tavern (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
21. Chicken Pot Pie in a Bread Bowl | From Storrowton Tavern | Located on the Avenue of States
With the savory combination of chicken, veggies and gravy, this has all the classic elements of a chicken pot pie. However, it swaps out the puff pastry for a big, chewy bread bowl that soaks up the flavors of the fillings and enhances them.
Rating: Delicious and fully capable of making me fall asleep in a gazebo.
22. Apple Bacon Fritters from Bakery on Brewer | Located in The Front Porch
It starts with a delightful apple fritter, but finishes with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of bacon. It’s a really cool savory-sweet combination.
Rating: Grab some of these. Sit in one of the nearby Adirondack chairs. Take a break from walking for once. You deserve it.
Pumpkin Fritters from Bakery on Brewer | Located on New England Ave. (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
23. Pumpkin Fritters from Bakery on Brewer | Located on New England Ave.
These remind me of pumpkin Dunkin’ Munchkins — but way, way better.
Rating: Remember when Dunkin’ had doughnuts that were actually good? That was nice.
Sweet Potato Tacos from Sassys Sweet Potatoes (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
24. Sweet Potato Tacos from Sassy’s Sweet Potatoes | Located on East Road
If you’re looking for meatless options, this is a home run. The sweet potatoes are an awesome pairing with the cilantro-lime salsa and sweet corn topping. It’s an electric mix of Tex-Mex flavors.
Rating: No, seriously, there are really good vegetarian options at The Big E. No! Stop! Come back! Where are you going?
25. Espresso Martini | From V1 Vodka | On Industrial Ave. and in the Young Building
This is a simple, lights-out cocktail that’s great to give you a little caffeine kick while you’re out at the fair. The key here is V-One’s espresso bean-infused vodka, which kicks the coffee flavors to a whole new level.
Rating: Listen, sometimes I want a drink at 11 a.m. that won’t put me to sleep. I didn’t come here to be judged. Neither did the person in the Doug Flutie Chargers jersey ripping cigarettes outside the Rhode Island Building.
Yellow Rice with Pigeon Peas from Las Kangris (Taylor Sanzo, MassLive)
26. Rice with Pigeon Peas and Baked Pork | From Las Kangris | Located in the Young Building
Not everything has to be overpriced and wacky. You can go to The Big E and still get a big, delicious plate of food from a local restaurant. The pork is a savory blast that pairs wonderfully with the spice-tinged rice.
Rating: A recommended way to get a bunch of actually good food.
27. Cake! Pumpkin Coffee Cake Beer | From Valley Malt Beer Garden | Behind the Massachusetts Building
This beer from Exhibit A Brewing in Framingham has been around for a while. But this is the first time I’ve spotted it at the fair. It’s an autumn ale brewed with “cinnamon and vanilla beans, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice coffee cake from My Grandma’s of New England” and coffee.
The end result is a blast of all the good flavors of fall: coffee, pastries, pumpkin and a nice malty beer.
Rating: The ideal fall beer for the one day where it’s weirdly cold and there’s a weird clammy mist that makes every picnic table uncomfortably wet.
Six Foods I Didn’t Get To
I only have one stomach, so there are still some new foods out there at the fair that are worth a try. Keep a look out for these:
One final food I didn’t get to
RIP to someone's lunch. Is it me, or does that still look pretty good? (Nick O'Malley, MassLive)
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