The Amaze Bao at Wicked Kitchen, a new vegan food outlet at the 2023 San Diego County Fair.

(Pam Kragen/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Wicked Kitchen, a national vegan food service company, is making its first appearance at the fair this year inside the 17 Hands cafe in the Paddock area. Although the prices are quite high (as all vegan prepared foods seems to be these days), the dishes are really flavorful and well-prepared. There’s an Italian meatball dish, a “fish” filet sandwich and a spicy taco. But the best is the Amaze Bao, a bao bun sandwich made with plant-based meatballs, pickled vegetables, jalapeño, cucumber, cilantro, spicy slaw and sweet chili sauce. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth. $16.50. There is also a trio of dairy-free Ice Dream bars and drumsticks ($7.50 each) that have all the creamy sensation of real ice cream. Inside 7 Hands restaurant, The Paddock.