Our 6 Must-Try Dishes at Taste of Cincinnati 2025
The Taste of Cincinnati 2025 has come and gone, but the culinary delights linger on the palate. This year, our team splintered off into different zones, each on a quest to discover the festival’s hidden gems. From food trucks to vibrant restaurant stalls, we unearthed several standout dishes that are bound to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s dive into our top six picks that you simply cannot miss!
Best of the Food Truck Zone
1. The Purple People Bridge Donuts from Little Trolley Donuts
Imagine stepping into Food Truck Alley, your senses enveloped by the sweet scents of fried dough – this was my first encounter with Little Trolley Donuts. As a dedicated donut aficionado, starting my day here was an absolute no-brainer!
Initially tempted by their Cincinnati Reds-inspired pastry, The Rosie Red, I found my heart drawn to the Purple People Bridge dish instead. Picture several mini donuts, luxuriously drizzled with blueberry lemon glaze and dusted with powdered sugar. The first bite was pure bliss: light, airy, and gloriously soaked in blueberry juice, all harmoniously complemented by that zesty lemon drizzle. This delightful creation deserves an 8.5/10. – Kaycee Sloan, Trending News Reporter.
2. Crispy Mild Wings from Buffalo’s Best
Next, I found myself going head-to-head with the legendary Buffalo’s Best food truck, where a Buffalo Bills welcome sign greeted me like a warm hug. How could wings from Buffalo not be exceptional?
I opted for the mild sauce, which accompanied five perfectly crispy wings alongside crunchy celery sticks and ranch dressing. The wings boasted the ideal crisp and a flavor profile that danced just right on the scale of spiciness. Both my fiancé and I relished every bite—though he humorously declared that he’d go hotter next time. I chalked this dish up to a solid 9/10. – Kaycee Sloan, Trending News Reporter.
Best of the Restaurant Zone
3. Korean Fried Chicken from Fortune Dumpling Catering
Fortune Dumpling may not have a physical location or even a website, but their Korean fried chicken is a revelation! Fried to a perfect golden crisp on the outside while maintaining a succulent tenderness inside, it was drenched in a flavorful sauce that left no bite without satisfaction.
Even my picky children reveled in its glory, dancing with joy after devouring their portions. This dish is undoubtedly a must-try at this weekend’s festival. – David Wysong, Trending News Editor.
4. Fried Green Tomatoes from Hankering Southern Kitchen
Winning gold for the Best Appetizer category, the fried green tomatoes from Hankering Southern Kitchen were a revelation. Maybe it was the craving shared by my pregnant wife that led us to this dish, but it surely satisfied!
Each piece, topped with rich goat cheese, zesty Cajun remoulade, and vibrant hot pepper jam, exploded with flavors that seemed to vanish too quickly. I may not find myself in Aurora, Indiana often, but I’m considering a road trip just for another plate of these heavenly tomatoes. – David Wysong, Trending News Editor.
Best of the Findlay Market Zone
5. Judgy Jen Baked Brie Ice Cream from Walkerbar
The creative minds at Walkerbar brought us an inventive twist: baked brie ice cream! This charming creation features creamy brie intermingled with crunchy ginger-pecan pralines and swirls of fig jam and salted honey.
Its subtle buttery flavor stood out, and a friend aptly described it as "charcuterie ice cream." It was an unusual yet delightful experience, evoking nostalgia in both taste and presentation. – Keith Pandolfi, Food & Dining Writer.
6. Asian Fried Jerky from Lotus Street Food
Finally, I stumbled upon Lotus Street Food, where the Asian fried jerky completely stole my heart! Infused with rich flavors of brown sugar, soy sauce, and black pepper, this dish’s simplicity belies its depth of taste.
Served with a zesty hot jam dip spiked with chilies, this dish brought back fond memories for its owner, who used to enjoy this exact meal during his childhood in Minnesota. Sometimes, the love put into a dish makes it all the more special. – Keith Pandolfi, Food & Dining Writer.
Conclusion
From sweet to savory, the Taste of Cincinnati 2025 showcased a vibrant smorgasbord of flavors that enchanted both locals and visitors. Each dish tells a story, and the artistry behind each creation adds an extra layer to the experience. So, whether you missed this year’s festival or are simply looking forward to next year, be sure to keep these delicious finds in your culinary repertoire!
