Spending a day New England’s largest fair doesn’t mean having to break the bank to enjoy a meal.
MassLive went around The Big E on opening day 2025 to find five foods you can eat for $10 or less this fall.
This is a non-exhaustive list, so rest assured, fairgoers can still find much of the usual and standard fair fare from corn dogs, to hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, cotton candy, candy apples, fried dough, pizza slices, grilled cheese, fries, and more for $10 or less each, depending on where you look.
Chick on a Stick
Behind the Vermont state building on the Avenue of States, fairgoers will find the So-full Sisters food truck.
For $7 — $7.70 with tax and before tip — hungry eaters can chow down on the “handheld bliss” of a “Chick on a Stick.”
The hand-prepared wooden skewers come with mini waffles layered between popcorn chicken bites, all drizzled in Vermont maple syrup.
At the counter, one can choose between either a sweet and spicy red pepper jelly or melted butter to add on top of their Chick on a Stick for extra flavor.
The order is served with a catch tray to collect any sticky drippings. Napkins and cutlery are available when one’s name gets called to pick up their order to help keep things clean and sticky-free.
Chicken Samosas
Found at The Indian Restaurant in The Big E’s Food Court, fairgoers can get two of these large triangular savory bites for $10.
Stuffed with spiced, herbaceous chicken meat and vegetables in a sealed, fried pocket, this order comes with mint and tamarind dipping sauces for added flavors.
Fairgoers can order from two windows at The Indian Restaurant, one facing the exterior of the Food Court and toward the Midway, the other facing inward toward the main courtyard seating area.
The stand offers vegetarian and vegan friendly options, halal meats and gluten free foods. Vegetable samosas are available for $8 here with the same dips, along with $6 butter naan and $7 garlic naan.
Clam Chowder
Within the Massachusetts building at the nautically-themed Massachusetts State Grange stand, fairgoers can order a classic up of clam chowder for as little as $7.
The New England-style chowder is made with a cream base, clams, fish stock, onions and potatoes and served with oyster crackers to sprinkle on top.
For $12, fairgoers can switch out their cup for a breaded bowl to place their chowder in.
Lobster rolls for $18 are also available at this stand, identifiable by the many lobsters in its signage.
Finn Cakes & Pickled Eggs
Perhaps selling some of the most affordable food items available to eat at The Big E, the Finn Cakes stand, also in the Massachusetts building, has two offerings both for under $5 apiece.
There is the eponymous Finnish pancakes, a sweet-tasting egg crepe baked in a sheet and served at $4 a slice. There is also pickled hard boiled eggs with a vinegar taste to them available for individual sale at $2 each.
Customers can have the option to drench their Finnish pancakes in Massachusetts maple syrup if they would like.
They can also buy quart jars of 12 ready-to-eat pickled eggs from locally-based Chicopee Provisions Co., Inc. available for $14 per container.
The stand is cash only and doesn’t accept card, so if you’d like a “egg-celently” cheap meal for $6 total, come prepared.
Dole Whip
Lastly, and for dessert, consider a serving of Dole Whip fruit-flavored soft serve frozen dessert from the stand on West Road.
This dairy-free, gluten-free and 100% vegan dessert option costs $10 when paid with cash. There is a 40 cent fee for paying by card.
Flavors available include strawberry, mango, lemon, pineapple and the recent addition of a watermelon flavor.
Customers can two mix flavors as well, such as combining pineapple and watermelon for a pink and yellow blend.
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