It’s still cold outside, but TQL Stadium is cranking up the heat again by hosting FC Cincinnati’s first home match of the 2025 season Saturday.
The team is set to battle the New York Red Bulls, the reigning Eastern Conference champions, for its MLS regular-season opener. But before the Queen City’s own takes the pitch, Enquirer journalists got to try the new food offerings available at home matches this season.
Fans will have a variety of dishes to pick from this year, including some delicious vegan and vegetarian options, selected by Executive Chef Sheldon Morgan.
But of all the food we tried, five dishes immediately transported us to some of our favorite fine-dining restaurants (rather than a soccer stadium).
Here were our favorites.
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Olive & Whipped Feta Platter
When you think of concession stand food, a hummus-inspired dish hardly comes to mind. Believe me, I was also hesitant about the new offering due to the addition of olives, which I admittedly hate.
However, the Olive & Whipped Feta Platter, available in premium suites, was surprisingly delicious. The dish consists of a feta honey yogurt spread, kalamata and Castelvetrano olives, toasted pine nuts and parsley, served with garlic herb focaccia crostinis and grilled naan.
The sweet and savory spread reminded me of something I would get at my favorite Mediterranean restaurant and is perfect for the unconventional sports fan and adventurous foodie, like myself. − Haadiza Ogwude, trending news reporter.
Roasted Chicken Banh Mi
My tastebuds are about as basic as they get, but it’s undeniable that FC Cincinnati’s new cold-cut sandwich, a roasted chicken banh mi, is the perfect menu addition for a soccer-filled summer day.
The dish, also available in premium suites, is made up of daikon (a winter radish), carrots, cilantro, jalapeño and sriracha aioli (a spicy and creamy sauce), in between a baguette bun.
From the first bite, I knew this dish would be my favorite among the soccer club’s newest items. From the crunchy daikon to the saucy sriracha aioli, I’m already eager to indulge in the sandwich this season. − Kaycee Sloan, trending news reporter.
ELT
I’m not vegetarian nor am I vegan, but FC Cincinnati’s vegan take on the classic BLT, dubbed the “ELT,” was surprisingly a standout dish for me.
The ELT has all the makings of the classic bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich but with eggplant “bacon,” romaine lettuce, thyme-roasted tomatoes and vegan Parmesan spread on pita bread. Bursting with plenty of flavor and a nice crunch from the grilled pita, this faux-BLT is a tasty and refreshing snack perfect for someone wanting to enjoy light fare during a game.
Keep an eye out for the ELT in section 124 at Queen City Eats. − Grace Tucker, trending news reporter.
Alfio’s empanadas
I don’t believe my colleagues above. I know this was actually their favorite dish.
If you’ve been to Alfio’s Buon Cibo in Hyde Park, you know its empanadas are delicious. FC Cincinnati is offering two types this season: spinach and cheese, and Korean pork barbecue. I ate the latter, and it was easily the best decision I’ve made all month. The pork was juicy and flavorful, and the Yum Yum Sauce on top was a chef’s kiss to an already great dining option.
The empanadas, available in the premium First Financial Club, also don’t make too much of a mess for those people trying to stay stain-free during an intense match. − David Wysong, trending news editor.
Orange Polenta Cake
This was also a consensus favorite among our taste-testers Thursday. The fruit-flavored cake, available in the all-inclusive clubs, was perfectly moist (yep, I said the word), just as a cake should be. It was also topped with oranges, which added some extra flavor.
If you aren’t someone who likes sweets, this may not be for you, but I am a dessert lover, and this tasted like Skittles in cake form, which is right up my alley. − David Wysong, trending news editor.
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