Tastes of Canada: Iconic Dishes Every Visitor Must Try

Speaking of Canada reminds you mostly of the natural and diverse landscapes of the region. It reminds you of the towering skylines and neon lights in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. However, there’s more to Canada than the natural landscapes and towering skylines. The Canadian food scene is bustling similar to its tourist sites. Tastes of Canada: Iconic dishes every visitor must try when vising the country.

Tastes of Canada: Iconic Dishes Every Visitor Must Try

Poutine

Poutine is popular as Canada’s national dish. This dish originates in Quebec City in 1950. It consists of crispy fries topped with cheese curd and gravy providing a crunchiness to the dish. The classic version extends to create a variety of flavors with the addition of toppings like smoked meat or bacon.

Nova Scotian Lobster Rolls

Nova Scotian Lobster Roll is lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise, dill, chives, garlic, and lemon, served on a hot dog bun. The lobster roll started its journey in Connecticut and later made its way to East Coast Canada in the 1990s. It is a signature dish not only in Nova Scotia, but also in neighboring Prince Edward Island.

Montreal-style Bagels

Montreal-style bagels are quite different from their counterparts, New York-style bagels. These bagels are chewy, sweeter, and smaller than their counterparts. These bagels originate from Quebec. They are boiled in honey-sweetened water and then baked to give a distinct flavor. You can best enjoy Montreal-style bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Caesar Cocktail

Caesar cocktail consists of vodka, Tabasco, clamato juice, and Worcestershire sauce. This Canadian national cocktail is one of the best brunch companions. Canadian restaurants have introduced several versions of this cocktail with the addition of celery stalk, entire roast chicken, hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, and more.

Bannock

Bannock is a simple bread with distinct and delicious flavor. The bread was a key staple in the diets of Canada’s Aboriginal community. There are several modern versions of bannocks, including fried and baked. Baked bannocks are heavy and dense while fried bannocks are fluffy and crispy on the inside.

Boudin Noir

Boudin Noir is the French Canadian black pudding that is a heritage dish. This dish is popular in different parts of Canada, including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Labrador. This pudding is put in loaf pan instead of on a sausage casing. It consists of pork fat, pig’s blood, spices, and onions cooked in boiling salted water.

Montreal-style Smoked Meat

Montreal-style smoked meat consists of salted, smoked, and spiced beef slices. These beef slices are put into rye bread and spread with mustard to make a sandwich. You can serve this sandwich with sides such as coleslaw, French fries, and dill pickle. Montreal-style smoked meat’s roots traces back to 1884 with historians noting a Turkish decent to it.

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars consist of three layers: a wafer, nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, and a coconut crumb base. This no-bake bar consists of a custard layer in the middle topped with ganache. It is named after the Canadian city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It is a staple dessert bar in Christmas tables of most Canadians.

Saskatoon Berry Pie

Saskatoon berry pie is a staple dish in Canada, made with Saskatoon berries. These berries are native to Canada and certain parts of USA. Saskatoon berries are mixed with sugar and cornstarch, and set on a pie crust to make the Saskatoon berry pie. It is a staple food item at local fairs and summertime events in Canada.

Game Meat

Game meat is also a popular dish among Canadians. It is best to head to the northern regions to taste different types of game meat dishes. You can try distinct flavors of meat of moose, venison, and caribou. Game meat is usually used in stews or in dried for as delicious treats.

Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a dish of French-Canadian heritage. It is a nutritious thats consists of yellow split peas, ham, and a mix of vegetables. You can best enjoy split pea soup as a hot steaming dish in winter. It’s a staple soup in many households in places like Quebec, in winter.

Tourtière

Tourtière is a meat pie that is also a dish of French- Canadian heritage. It is a scrumptious meal that hold a beloved place in the hearts of the people of Quebec. It is a dish you can see in almost every household in the region. Tourtière consists of a buttery crust filled with pork or beef and aromatic spices.

Creton

Creton is a pork spread thats originates from the French-Canadian heritage in Quebec. It consists of finely-chopped pork, spices, and fat, seasoned with onions, garlic, and cloves, for a creamy texture. Canadians moslty serve creton cold for breakfast, mostly as a spread on bread or toast.

Jellied Moose Nose

Jellied moose nose is, literally, moose nose boiled until tender and then cooling it in its own gelatin. Many say that it tastes like corned beef. Jellied moose nose if often served cold. This dish shows how Canadians utilize every part of an animal, as a dish.

Date Squares

Canadian date squares are a delicious dessert treat that consists of two buttery oatmeal layers with date paste in the middle. This also comes in variations in flavor, including almond extracts, candied citrus peel, and nuts.

Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian delicacy. It consists of a buttery crusty pastry shell and a filling made with maple syrup, butter, and eggs. The addition of nuts and raisins give this delicacy additional flavor and texture. Butter tarts are a staple in Canadian food tables in holiday gathering and any special occasions.

Ketchup Chips

This is a Canadian snack that is inspired by the combining of French fries and tomato ketchup. Most of the grocery stores in Canada has this snack. These pre-packed goodies consist of French fried or chips dusted with garlic, tomato powder, onion and spices, infused with tantalizing sweet and salty flavors.

Conclusion

From classic dishes to varied infused goodies, Canadian cuisine bursts with flavor. From Toronto to Vancouver, there is a variety of dishes that leave you asking for more. These flavorful are a must-try when you are visiting Canada.