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I get asked a lot what is there unique to eat in Canada? And my answer, typically if they’re coming to Vancouver is all about the great seafood, lots of Chinese options, amazing sushi and talk about all the authentic ethnic food available.
Then they ask about Canadian food.
Usually, this is a tough question to ask because there isn’t really anything stand out Canadian. We eat much like our southern neighbours, plus all of the cuisines of the world.
So today, I present to you foods that are somewhat Canadian. Foods that have their roots in Canada.
Also, note that Canada is a HUGE place and I haven’t been everywhere. I may be missing things that I don’t know I’m missing so if you of some food item iconic to Canada, let me know in the comments.
Nanaimo Bars
This is a west coast item. When I was living in Budapest, my flatmate, who is also Canadian, and I wanted to through a Canada Day party. When I proposed making Nanaimo Bars she had no idea what I was talking about. Soon she saw the light. That sweet delicious light.
Nanaimo Bars hail from, you guessed it, the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. They’re a delicious concoction of chocolate, custard, nuts and a brownie / cookie crumble. Most places make it extraordinarily sweet so a small piece goes a long way.
Poutine
While this dish may look and sound unappetizing, one bite and you’ll be in heaven. What’s not to love? Crispy fries smothered in gravy and melted cheese curds. Do the cheese curds right and they’ll even squeak in your mouth.
Poutine originated in Quebec, the French-speaking part of Canada. The name poutine is French slang for “a mess” which is exactly what you get on a plate. Beyond the classic version, you can get other items layered onto your poutine like bacon or Montreal-styled smoked meat and even luxurious items like caviar and truffle. It’s a great snack after a night out, but you might want to share this gluttonous treat.
Maple Syrup
Photo: Sylvia Chan
Secret: I actually don’t really like maple syrup. Most people are just shocked that I’m shattering a Canadian stereotype. How can a Canadian not like maple syrup?! As crazy as it sounds, I find it overly sweet and I much prefer a savoury breakfast over a sweet on.
That said, this sticky morning staple is synonymous with Canada. with 80% of the world’s maple syrup made in Canada and 91% of that made in the province of Quebec alone. It’s such a serious part of our economy that we even have a maple syrup reserve which made international headlines when thieves broke in and stole $18 million worth of syrup a couple years ago.
This is a classic gift whenever I go traveling and everyone I know that comes visit will always pick up a bottle or two to take home with them. For most, breakfast is not the same without dousing your waffles or pancakes in a healthy layer of maple syrup.
Lobster Roll
Photo: Neil Conway
Canadian yes, but it’s pretty tough to find a decent lobster roll on the West coast. Lobster is all the rage in the Maritimes though, so much so that a fellow blogger attempted to seek out the best one in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A lobster roll is a sandwich made from butter lobster and served on a hot dog bun or something similar. There are many variations across the different regions and they’re usually served with potato chips or French fries. While you can also get lobster rolls throughout New England in the USA It is so ubiquitous that McDonald’s in Canada offers one on their menu in certain regions and is slowly expanding it across the country.
Caesars
Most people have heard of Bloody Mary’s right? But have you heard of the Bloody Caesar? Commonly called a Caesar around these parts, this alcoholic drink is pretty iconic to Canada. Virtually nowhere else outside Canada can you find it, unless you’re living close to the Canadian border.
Originally developed in Calgary, Alberta, a Caesar starts off similar to the Bloody Mary: vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce all served in a tall glass with a celery salt rimmed glass. And then you add the Clamato juice. Yes, Clamato, not tomato. Clamato juice is a mix of tomato juice and clam juice. The result is a spicier and less thick drink. No, it’s not gross and you can’t taste the clam at all. I was skeptical at first, but after having a few of these drinks, I’ve grown quite fond of them.
Tim Hortons
Okay, technically not a food item per say, but Tim Hortons is pretty synonymous with Canada (even though it was bought out by Wendy’s recently bought by Burger King and is now American). While the coffee is okay at best, and the doughnuts are decent, you can’t get more Canadian than walking up to the till and ordering a double-double (that is 2 sugar, 2 cream) with a maple glazed doughnut.
So there you have it. Foods that are somewhat symbolic of Canada. There really isn’t much that is truly Canadian. Our food reflects our culture of multiculturalism, borrowing the best from other countries and cultures. Especially in Vancouver where it is so easy to find great ethnic food.
Have you tried any of these? Which would you like to try?
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OMG, I can’t believe Wendy’s bought Tim Horton’s…. why didn’t I know that!? Ugh 🙁 I am sad on your behalf.
Totally want to try Poutine 🙂 it’s Up There on my bucket list
Right after you commented, word got out that Burger King came in and bought Tim Hortons. Still American, but now part of another fast food conglomerate. I bet you could find poutine in the UK, but I wouldn’t even know where to look.
The nanaimo bars, the poutine and the lobster roll … i would love to try 🙂
Yeah, the Nanaimo bars I would love to try.. the Caesars do sound gross, but I trust your judgement.. I’d love to give it a try! 😛
I think it took me a couple times to fully enjoy Caesars. Even now, I’m not entirely convinced, but my friends love them and always order them. They almost always seem to be on special too during brunch hours.
I think I just drooled on my laptop when I saw the picture of poutine. I miss that stuff soo much 🙂 I think I’ll give all the other things you listed a try as well when I get back to Canada in a few weeks.
Even though I don’t have poutine very often when I’m in Canada, for some reason, whenever I’m traveling I desperately crave it. Hopefully you get to enjoy the rest of these foods!
I grew up on the Michigan/Ontario border and I believe that there is distinct Canadian food. Yes to Tim Hortons, Nanaimo, Poutine. Yes to my uncles home-made maple syrup. But you missed a bunch – Perth county pork, maple sugar candy, maple syrup pie. How about all the wonderful relishes that Canadians put on their meat? Wedding fruit cakes too (I enjoyed them).Chelsea rolls.
One of the best Christmas presents I ever received was the Laura Seacord Canadian Cookbook. My cousin went through and made check marks next to all the best recipies. Those pages are now spattered and worn – testimony to the yummy goodness of Canada.
There are definitely a bunch I missed and everyone keeps telling me about them. Time for another list! Canada is such a HUGE country and being on the west coast doesn’t help. While I’ve been to most provinces, I’m sure there are regional favourites that I just don’t know about.
I love the sound of lobster rolls but mostly of Nanaimo bars – I’ve never heard of these and they sound just totally divine!!
The Nanaimo bars are pretty tasty! Very sweet, but the perfect after dinner treat.
Wow.. I would LOVE a lobster roll! I’ve never had one in my life and I think I need to change that pronto. I’ve heard of poutine, and it does look pretty unappealing! But I trust that you say it’s better than it looks.
It’s so good! Greasy and artery clogging, but delicious. Just close your eyes and eat 🙂
That poutine doesn’t look all that appealing, but I will try it for sure when I am in Canada next month.
It really doesn’t look that good, but it tastes pretty good. Some places manage to make it look less like slop on a plate though too.
Nanaimo bars – so yummy! I’m not that much into sweets but I do get a craving looking at the photo! I recently visited Montreal and Ottawa and enjoyed a Caesar and a lobster burger which I presume is similar to the lobster roll. I would love to get out to the east coast to sample the lobster rolls. After a visit to the Motherland I always bring back maple sugar candies for my friends here in Austin – they love them!
Maple sugar candies are the BEST souvenirs. A lobster burger sounds yummy and I’d definitely would try it. It sounds like it would be similar to the lobster roll.
Oh man, poutine. DROOOOOOL.
I also miss maple syrup, and All You Can Eat sushi.
mmm that lobster roll looks so good! Poutine always looks and sounds so gross, but I’ve only heard good things- I need to try it eventually.
Maybe try eating it without looking at it. It does look pretty gross, but some places manage to make it look really nice. I should take a photo of one of those!
I have beef with Tim Hortons! I love their iced coffee. When I went to the store nearest my hotel in Toronto, they did not have iced coffee at all! I am still upset.
Aww booo! That’s the worst! I do agree, their iced capps are pretty darn good.
What about Canadian Butter Tart Yummy
Great point! I can’t believe I forgot butter tarts.
Beavertails, and Canadian bacon. Also food from Canada’s First Nations communities – bannock bread, corn soup, and using a lot of game meats like venison.
Bannock was originally on this list, but after some research I took it off because it actually has origins elsewhere, but it’s clear after the response to this post is that I need to do a part 2 to this! So many great suggestions from everyone.