Canada is known for its stunning landscapes, but its food scene deserves just as much attention. From iconic dishes like poutine to fresh seafood on the Atlantic coast, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to what you should eat while exploring the deliciously diverse cuisine of Canada.
Poutine: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Poutine is Canada’s most famous dish. It’s made up of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The fries are crispy, the cheese curds squeaky, and the gravy is rich. You can find classic poutine all over Canada, but some restaurants add unique toppings like pulled pork, bacon, or even lobster.
For an authentic experience, head to La Banquise in Montreal. They have over 30 variations of poutine, so there’s always something new to try. It’s open 24/7, perfect for a late-night snack!
Nanaimo Bars: A Sweet Treat
Nanaimo bars are a no-bake dessert from British Columbia. They have three layers: a crunchy base made with graham crackers, a creamy middle layer, and a chocolate topping.
You can find Nanaimo bars in many bakeries and cafes across Canada, but why not head to a local bakery in Nanaimo to try the original? It’s sweet and satisfying, and you’ll definitely want seconds.
Maple Syrup: A National Treasure
You can’t visit Canada without trying real maple syrup. It’s sweet, rich, and a symbol of the country. Maple syrup is tapped from sugar maple trees, especially in Quebec, which produces over 70% of the world’s supply.
While maple syrup is often poured over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, there’s a Québécois treat you can’t miss: “Tire sur la neige” (maple taffy). Maple syrup is poured over fresh snow and then rolled onto a stick, creating a chewy candy. Head to a sugar shack (known as a “cabane à sucre”) to try this during spring!
Tourtière: French-Canadian Meat Pie
Tourtière is a traditional meat pie, particularly popular in Quebec. It’s usually made with minced pork or a mixture of meats, baked inside a pastry crust. Tourtière is especially popular during Christmas and New Year’s, but you can find it year-round in many places.
Boulangerie Au Pain Doré in Montreal is a great spot to find this hearty dish. Pair it with a nice salad or pickles, and you’ve got a filling meal that will give you a taste of classic Québécois cuisine.
Donairs: Halifax’s Favorite
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, donair is king. This street food features spiced ground beef, garlic sauce, and toppings like tomato and onion, all wrapped in pita bread. It’s savory, messy, and absolutely delicious.
King of Donair in Halifax is known as the birthplace of this popular meal, and it’s the perfect place to try your first (or tenth) donair. They also serve them as pizza toppings!
Butter Tarts: A Sweet Canadian Classic
Butter tarts are a simple yet incredibly rich Canadian dessert. The filling is made from sugar, butter, and eggs, sometimes with raisins or nuts added in. The filling is gooey, and it contrasts perfectly with the crispy edges.
Small towns across Ontario are known for their butter tarts, but you can find them in bakeries all across the country. For some of the best, check out the Butter Tart Trail in Ontario, where you can sample different takes on this classic treat.
Pacific Salmon: Fresh from the West Coast
The west coast of Canada is known for its incredible seafood, especially Pacific salmon. The salmon is caught fresh and often served grilled, smoked, or even in sushi. The flavor is rich, and the texture is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
For some fresh-out-of-the-sea salmon, head to Vancouver. Fish restaurants like The Salmon House offer incredible views along with some of the freshest catches.
Montreal Bagels: Different Yet Delicious
Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and chewier than New York-style ones. They’re boiled in honey-sweetened water before baking, which gives them a slightly sweet flavor. They’re usually topped with sesame or poppy seeds.
St-Viateur Bagel is the go-to spot for Montreal bagels. Open since 1957, their bagels are handmade and baked in wood-fired ovens. Grab one fresh out of the oven for the full experience.
Wild Game: A Taste of Canada’s Wilderness
With its vast forests and open plains, Canada has a history of hunting and consuming wild game. You can find elk, venison, bison, and even boar served in many regions of the country. These meats are rich and earthy in flavor, making them a must-try for any adventurous eater.
For a fine-dining experience, head to restaurants like Canoe in Toronto, where they serve modern Canadian cuisine using high-quality wild game and local ingredients. It’s a true taste of the wilderness on a plate.
Peameal Bacon: Toronto’s Specialty
If you’re in Toronto, don’t leave without trying peameal bacon. Also known as “back bacon,” it’s pork loin rolled in cornmeal. Unlike regular bacon, it’s lean and juicy. It’s often served on a bun or as part of a full breakfast.
Stop by Carousel Bakery in Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, where they’ve been serving their famous peameal bacon sandwiches for over 30 years. It’s a local favorite that shouldn’t be missed.
Street Food You Shouldn’t Miss
Street food culture is alive and well in Canada, and there are regional specialties worth seeking out. Aside from donairs, here are a few other street eats that you’ll want to try:
BeaverTails: Sweet and Fried
These fried dough pastries, resembling the tail of a beaver, are topped with anything from cinnamon sugar to Nutella and bananas. They’re crispy on the outside, doughy on the inside, and absolutely heavenly.
You’ll find BeaverTails stands in touristy areas across Canada, especially in places like Ottawa and Banff. They make for a perfect snack after a day of sightseeing.
Japadog: A Fusion Street Food in Vancouver
If you’re in Vancouver, you’ll want to track down Japadog. This street food combines a hot dog with Japanese flavors like teriyaki sauce, nori (seaweed), or wasabi mayo. It’s a fusion of east and west that works surprisingly well!
Japadog started as a small food cart but has grown into a local institution. It’s the kind of street food that will leave you thinking about hot dogs in a whole new way.
Smoked Meat Sandwiches: A Montreal Must
Montreal is famous for its smoked meat sandwiches. These giant sandwiches are packed with spiced and smoked beef, topped with mustard, and served on rye bread. It’s similar to pastrami but with slightly different seasoning.
Schwartz’s Deli is the go-to spot for these sandwiches. The line can be long, but the wait is worth it for one of the best smoked meat sandwiches in the world.
Best Markets to Visit for Local Flavors
If you want to eat like a local, a great way to do so is by visiting Canada’s local markets. Each market offers a unique blend of fresh produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat bites:
Granville Island Market – Vancouver
Directly on Granville Island, this market is packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and local goodies. You can grab a quick bite to eat or stroll around sampling some local cheeses and meats.
Jean-Talon Market – Montreal
This is one of the largest public markets in North America. It’s a foodie paradise, with fresh produce, Quebec cheeses, maple products, and everything you could possibly want. It’s a great place to pick up snacks or ingredients if you’re cooking your own meals.
St. Lawrence Market – Toronto
If you’re in Toronto, don’t miss St. Lawrence Market. This historic spot has been around for over 200 years. You can find everything from fresh seafood to peameal bacon sandwiches here, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves food.
Getting a Taste of Canada’s Diverse Cuisine
Canada’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. From classic dishes like poutine to fresh fish along the coasts, there’s always something to try. So, grab a fork and start your food journey—it’s one of the best parts of visiting this beautiful country!
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