A 3-course meal at the York Fair for under $25? Yes! Here's what to try

It's nearing the end of July, and you know what that means!

Despite the heat, and now plenty of rain, Yorkers and out-of-towners are once again enjoying the smell of fried funnel cake, chicken on a stick and festivities at this year’s York State Fair.

Most years we find ourselves beating the heat, and while this year is no exception, at least there's rain to balance everything out. But I didn't let either of those factors keep me from venturing out for some good eats Monday.

Last year, I tried a plate of General Tso’s Brussel Sprouts, followed by a delightful Philly Cheesesteak egg roll that oozed with cheese, and for dessert a deep-fried ball of chocolate. This year I set out to see if I could enjoy an appetizer, meal and dessert for under $25, and to my surprise, I did!

Chicken Shish Kabob appetizer, $9

Nothing says summer like meat on a grill, and while I didn't see souvlaki at the fair this year, a chicken shish kabob from Mr. Shish Kabob located near the rides by the grandstand, was one of several options for grilled meat on a stick.

Coming in at $9, the chicken kabob had a sweet teriyaki-like flavor coming from the sauce brushed generously on top before serving. While it's slightly smaller than the juicy, tender grilled chicken on a stick, served at Royal Siam Catering, located just a few steps away from the pig racing, this kabob is a good pre- or post-ride snack.

Chicken tacos, $11

Up next, ringing in at $11, were chicken tacos from the Street Tacos: Authentic Mexican Grill Concessions, next to the grandstand, a longtime stand that's been serving fairgoers for the last decade.

Three tacos are topped with cilantro, onion, cucumber slices and a lime wedge, and come with your choice of one free, additional side − I chose the salsa. I recommend you do, too. And for two more dollars, you can add a fourth taco.

While it's not the fanciest plate of tacos, they're filling. Worth the price? I would say so.

Sfogliatella, $5

A few steps away from the pig races along Memorial Boulevard, you'll find a tent serving Italian pastries and giant slices of pizza. Massimo's Italian Bakery operates storefront bakeries in Mechanicsburg and Lemoyne, serving Central Pa. homemade Italian pastries, pizza and more for three years, and this is the first time owners Samuel and Claudia Troia are set up at the fair.

Hopefully, this is just the first of many more years at the fair, because their pastries are, in a word, incredible.

For $5, this shell-shaped pastry with layers of thin and flaky dough, filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese and semolina, infused with orange, beats cotton candy and funnel cakes.

These were just some of the many food stands cooking in the hot sun this year, so be sure to give them a try, as well as some of the 50 other vendors at the 2024 York State Fair.

And you still have time. The fair continues through Sunday.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: A 3-course meal at the York Fair for under $25? Yes! Here's what to try