Canada’s Most Iconic Foods: Where to Find Them
Canada is a big country with a varied history and culture. As such, it has a wide variety of iconic foods that have been part of Canadian culture for generations. From deep-fried delicacies to classic comfort food, these are some of Canada’s most iconic dishes and where to find them.
Montreal-Style Bagels
Montreal-style bagels are a classic Canadian food. These bagels are boiled in honey water, baked in a wood-fired oven, and are smaller and sweeter than their New York counterparts. Montreal-style bagels can be found in many bakeries across Canada, but the best place to get them is from a traditional Montreal-style bagel shop. Some of the best places to find these iconic bagels include St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel in Montreal.
Poutine
Poutine is a classic Canadian comfort food that has become an international sensation. It is a simple dish made of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Poutine is a beloved dish across Canada, and can be found in restaurants, pubs, and even fast food chains. The best place to get poutine is from a traditional Quebecois diner, such as La Banquise in Montreal.
Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo bars are a beloved Canadian dessert. They are made of a crumbly graham cracker base, a creamy custard filling, and a chocolate topping. They can be found in many bakeries across the country, but the best place to get them is from a local bakery in Nanaimo, BC. Some of the best places to find authentic Nanaimo bars include Fugue Coffee Roasters and the Old School Bakery.
Butter Tarts
Butter tarts are a staple of Canadian baking. These sweet and gooey treats are made of pastry shells filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and egg. Butter tarts can be found in many bakeries across Canada, but the best place to get them is from a traditional Canadian bakery. Some of the best places to find butter tarts include Yonge Street Bakery in Toronto and The Dutch Oven in Vancouver.
BeaverTails
BeaverTails are a deep-fried Canadian treat. These delicious snacks are made of dough that is stretched into the shape of a beaver’s tail and deep-fried in oil. BeaverTails can be found in kiosks across Canada, but the best place to get them is from a traditional BeaverTails stand. Some of the best places to find BeaverTails include Ottawa’s Byward Market and Toronto’s Harbourfront.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is an iconic Canadian food. This sweet and sticky syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and is used to flavour a variety of dishes. Maple syrup can be found in grocery stores across Canada, but the best place to get it is from a traditional maple syrup farm. Some of the best places to find pure Canadian maple syrup include Sugar Moon Farm in Nova Scotia and Maple Delights in Quebec.
Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is a classic Canadian dish. It is made of deep-fried fish and french fries, typically served with malt vinegar and tartar sauce. Fish and chips can be found in pubs and restaurants across Canada, but the best place to get it is from a traditional British-style fish and chips shop. Some of the best places to find fish and chips in Canada include The Fish Store in Vancouver and The Fish Counter in Toronto.
Kraft Dinner
Kraft Dinner is a classic Canadian comfort food. This quick and easy meal is made of macaroni and cheese, and is beloved by children and adults alike. Kraft Dinner can be found in grocery stores across Canada, but the best place to get it is from its original maker, Kraft Canada. Kraft Dinner can be found in its original form, or in a variety of flavours.
Canadian Bacon
Canadian bacon is a beloved Canadian food. This cured and smoked pork product is typically served on its own or as part of a breakfast sandwich. Canadian bacon can be found in grocery stores across the country, but the best place to get it is from a traditional butcher shop. Some of the best places to find Canadian bacon include Oyama Sausage Co. in Vancouver and Carrol’s Meat Market in Toronto.
Conclusion
Canada is home to a wide variety of iconic foods that have been part of Canadian culture for generations. From deep-fried delights to classic comfort food, these are some of Canada’s most iconic dishes and where to find them. Whether you’re looking for traditional Montreal-style bagels, poutine, Nanaimo bars, butter tarts, BeaverTails, maple syrup, fish and chips, Kraft Dinner, or Canadian bacon, there’s a place in Canada to find them all.