Top Must-Try Canadian Foods for Foodies and Travelers

While Canadian cuisine may not boast the immediate recognition of Italian, Moroccan, or Greek culinary traditions, it holds a charm and diversity all its own, reflective of the country’s vast and varied landscape. Over the years, Canada has steadily crafted a distinct food identity that warmly embraces its multicultural roots and the abundant natural resources of the Great White North. If there’s one term that encapsulates the essence of Canadian cuisine, it’s ‘eclectic.’

From the sweetness of Quebec’s sugar pies to the savory delights of Nova Scotia’s seafood, Canadian food is about taking the familiar and infusing it with a twist that’s as unexpected as it is delightful. This culinary journey invites food enthusiasts and travelers alike to discover the quirky and innovative flavors that define Canadian cuisine, a celebration of creativity and cultural fusion in every bite.

What Is Canadian Cuisine

Nobody says, “Let’s go out for Canadian Food tonight.” We, as Canadians, often say, “Do you want Thai food today?” What about Korean or Japanese? Other foods worldwide have a distinct theme and flavor, but not Canada. Canadian food is a mishmash, and that’s how we like it!

Traditional Canadian Foods

Canadian dishes have nothing that makes them stand out from the rest of the world except their quirkiness and influence from other cultures. You name a country, we have the food. Even in small towns across Canada, you will find a wide variety of international cuisine. So, when you think about it, that is what makes Canadian food unique. We are diverse in every aspect of life in Canada, and food is no exception.

We have a few favorites that people may already know and love and some traditional Canadian foods that the rest of the world may or may not know about, so I thought I would share a list of foods unique to Canada.

1. Poutine

I think the world is starting to love and adopt our little secret, Poutine. French fries draped with cheese curds and gravy are sinfully delicious. It’s the ultimate comfort food and our go-to snack for a hangover.

Poutine is our beloved Canadian dish, transcending its Quebecois origins to become a national comfort food staple. This simple yet indulgent dish contains three key ingredients: crispy French fries, squeaky cheese curds, and a rich, savory gravy.

• French fries (ideally thick-cut)
• Fresh cheese curds
• Brown gravy (commonly a mix of chicken, veal, and turkey stock)

The heart of poutine lies in its unpretentious roots—a hearty, comforting dish often enjoyed in casual diners and pubs. It’s a symbol of Canadian culinary traditions, turning simple, readily available ingredients into a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

We have recipes for poutine all over Canada with different toppings. The basic poutine recipe is cheese, gravy, and fries, but they love making Lobster poutine on the East Coast, and in Alberta, beef poutine is popularly made with Alberta beef..Pulled pork poutine is another popular option. The more you load it with, the tastier it gets! It can be found across the country. As a matter of fact, Poutine is often thought of as Canada’s national dish!

2. Nanaimo Bars – A No-Bake Canadian Delight

Nanaimo Bars are a classic Canadian dessert originating from the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. These rich, no-bake bars contain three delicious layers: a crumbly, nutty base, a creamy custard-flavored middle, and a smooth chocolate topping. They may be called a different name elsewhere, but rest assured, Nanaimo Bars were invented in Canada. Check out The Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

The Nanaimo Bar’s origins date back to the early 1950s and have since become a nationwide favorite, featured in bakeries, cafes, and dessert menus across Canada. The combination of a crunchy base, a soft, sweet middle, and a chocolatey top makes these bars a unique and indulgent treat.

What sets the Nanaimo Bar apart is its no-bake nature, making it a popular choice for home bakers, especially during the warmer months when turning on the oven is less appealing. The bars are also a staple during the holiday season, often featured in Christmas baking assortments.

3. Butter Tarts – A Sweet Staple of Canadian Heritage

These are still my favorite desserts. If I go to a buffet with butter tarts on the table, you can be sure I will grab a couple.  Butter Tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert, embodying the simplicity and richness of the country’s baking traditions. These small, individual tarts consist of a flaky pastry shell filled with a gooey, buttery mixture of sugar, eggs, and often raisins or nuts.

The origins of Butter Tarts are traced back to the early settlers of Canada, with roots in Scottish and French pastry traditions. Over time, they have become a beloved treat nationwide, often found at local bakeries, community gatherings, and family tables. Our hometown of Paris, Ontario, even has the annual butter tart festival.

The charm of the Butter Tart lies in its simplicity and the comforting, homemade feel it embodies. Each tart is a delightful combination of a crispy crust and a soft, sticky center, offering a balance of textures and flavors that have made it a Canadian favorite.

4. Beaver Tails

Head to any tourist destination, and you can be sure to see people munching on Beaver Tails. No, they are not what you think they are. Beaver Tails are delectable treats made of fried dough shaped like a beaver’s tail.

It can be topped with anything, but we like the original sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.  Other toppings include ice cream, whipped cream, or jellies. Read more: Top Things to do in Ottawa

5. Maple Syrup

What tourist doesn’t leave Canada without a bottle of Maple Syrup in tow? The maple tree is a national symbol of Canada, and its syrup is scrumptious. 

Come to Canada in the dead of winter, and you can take a tour out to the woods and watch them tap a Maple tree for fresh syrup. If you visit Ottawa in Winterlude, Quebec, during Carnival or any Canadian winter festival,, you’ll always find someone rolling fresh maple syrup over snow to create a delicious maple lollipop. You gotta try it; it’s delicious. Bring some maple syrup home with you and smother it over pancakes, french toast, sausage, or bacon. Maple syrup makes anything taste better.

Regional variations of the tart exist, with debates over the inclusion of raisins or the desired consistency of the filling – runny or firm. My personal favourite are pecan butter tarts.

6. Hawaiian Pizza – A Canadian Invention

Contrary to its name, Hawaiian Pizza is a Canadian creation. It’s famous for its unusual combination of ham and pineapple toppings, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Invented in Ontario in the 1960s, Hawaiian Pizza has sparked debates about pineapple on pizza but remains a popular choice worldwide. It used to be my favourite pizza and the only kind I ordered from Pizza Pizza all through college.

7. The Bloody Caesar Cocktail – Canada’s Signature Drink

The Caesar is definitely Canada’s national drink. A Bloody Caesar is a lot like America’s Bloody Mary, except we use Clamato Juice over tomato juice. Clamato juice is a mix of clam and tomato, but don’t let that turn you off. It’s delicious.

The Bloody Caesar is a beloved cocktail in Canada, and we have adopted it as our country’s national drink. It’s a savory, spicy concoction with a unique Canadian twist: clamato juice which is a blend of clam juice, and tomato juice.

The Bloody Caesar was invented in 1969 by bartender Walter Chell in Calgary, Alberta. He was inspired by the Italian dish Spaghetti alle Vongole and sought to capture its essence in a drink. Chell mashed clams to mix with tomato juice, creating the first clamato juice, which became the distinctive ingredient of the cocktail.

This drink is a favorite not only in Calgary but at all Canadian bars and restaurants and holds a special place in our country’s cultural landscape. It’s often enjoyed during brunches, on Canada Day, or my favorite, as a ‘hair of the dog’ remedy. The Bloody Caesar is customizable, with various garnishes like celery stick, pickled beans or peppers and levels of spiciness, making it a personal experience for each individual.

A lot of work goes into a Caesar made with vodka and clamato juice, from choosing the proper glass, to the right Clamato juice, rimming the glass properly and adding just the right amount of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce. Check our recipe here

8. Back Bacon

Speaking of bacon, peameal bacon or back bacon is world-famous.  Americans like to call it Canadian bacon, but we call it Back Bacon. Even Bob and Doug Mackenzie (aka Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) sang about back bacon for their 12 Days of Christmas spoof. 

Unlike the streaky, fatty bacon often seen in the United States, Canadian Bacon is made from pork loin cut, giving it a more ham-like texture and flavor.

The origin of Canadian Bacon is tied to Toronto, where pork loins were rolled in peameal (ground yellow peas) to preserve them in the late 19th century. While the peas have since been replaced by cornmeal, the name and the tradition continue.

Canadian Bacon is typically brined, smoked, and sliced into circular medallions. It’s less fatty than traditional bacon, making it a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It is part of our national identity. Even if you don’t eat bacon (like me), Canadian Bacon is still a huge part of Canadian food identity.

9. Kraft Dinner

The Barenaked Ladies (a famous Canadian rock band) even sang about Kraft dinner with ketchup. “Little Dijon ketchup” While many places worldwide have macaroni and cheese, only Canada has KD. We Canadians love Kraft Dinner. When Covid-19 spread, people were buying up these boxes of goodness almost as quickly as toilet paper!

10. Tim Hortons Doughnuts (Donuts for our American Friends)

I know everyone loves doughnuts, and we’ve tried them worldwide but nothing compares to Tim Horton’s doughnuts. In fact, eating at Tim Hortons can be a Canadian culture and food identity post all to itself. People are hooked on Tim Horton’s coffee. A lot of people order a double-double (double cream / double sugar) with an apple fritter or chocolate-dipped doughnut.

Tim Hortons has branched out and now offers aat milk, lattes, and cappuccinos. As Starbucks continues to close around the country, Tim Hortons is still going strong.

11. Smoked Salmon

Our airports are filled with boxes of the stuff, and we love the smoked sockeye salmon. Eat smoked salmon alone, or add some capers and goat’s cheese on some crackers. Oh, my mouth is watering as I write about it.

12. East Coast Lobster

Other countries eat lobster, I know, but in the Maritime Provinces on Canada’s East Coast, Lobster is a way of life.  And the lobster from the East Coast of Canada is among the best in the world. Check out Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia – The Ultimate Travel Guide

13. Canadian Beer

It is a meal where we come from! Canadians think their beer is superior to their southern neighbour’s watery brew. As a matter of fact, we think that their beer is superior to everyone’s. Canadians can’t figure out why the rest of the world doesn’t feel the same way. While many people think we only drink Molson Canadian or Labbatt’s, we have a very large microbrew scene. You can drink beer from all over Canada in small batches nationwide.

Regional Favourites – Traditional Canadian Cuisine

14. Montreal Bagels

Montreal-style bagels are as popular in Canada as New York Bagels are in America. What makes these bagels so special? Unlike other bagels, they have a larger hole, but the bagel itself is thinner, denser, and sweeter than regular bagels. Because they are baked in wood fire ovens, the outside is crispier, too! Check out 29 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

15. Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich

Speaking of Montreal, Montreal Smoked Meat is another quintessential Canadian food. It’s a right of passage to visit Schwartz’s Deli. They’ve been serving their famous original smoked meat for nearly a century. A beef brisket is marinated for ten days using a secret blend of herbs and spices. This place sees lineups out the door. So head on in and order a smoked meat sandwich on rye bread. Check out: Where to Stay in Montreal – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods

16. Saskatoon Berry Pie – A Taste of the Prairies

Saskatoon Berry Pie is a classic Canadian dessert, particularly cherished in the Prairie provinces. It’s made with Saskatoon berries, a fruit native to North America, known for their sweet, nutty flavor, reminiscent of blueberries and almonds.

Saskatoon Berry Pie has a deep cultural significance in Canadian prairies. Harvesting these berries is often a family activity, and the pie itself is a frequent feature at community gatherings and family events. Its preparation and enjoyment are interwoven with a sense of local pride and tradition.

The pie showcases the Saskatoon berry, a staple in the diet of Indigenous peoples and early settlers. These berries provide a unique taste and are packed with nutrients. Read more: 23 Best Things to Do in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

17. Sugar Pie – A Sweet Slice of Canadian History

Sugar Pie, a delightful dessert originating from Quebec, is a testament to Canada’s French heritage. This sweet pie is simple yet indulgent, primarily made with brown sugar or maple syrup, creating a rich, caramel-like filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust.

Sugar Pie’s history dates back to when early settlers used local ingredients to create desserts. Today, it’s a staple in Canadian celebrations, particularly during the holidays.

18. Nova Scotia Lobster Rolls – A Maritime Delight

Nova Scotia Lobster Rolls are a quintessential Canadian treat, especially popular in the Maritime provinces. These rolls combine fresh, succulent lobster meat with a light dressing in a toasted bun. Read more: Best Things to do in Nova Scotia

Lobster fishing is a significant part of Nova Scotia’s economy, making these lobster rolls not just a culinary delight but a cultural experience.

19. Halifax Donair – A Canadian Twist on a Classic

Halifax Donair, a variation of the traditional doner kebab, is a beloved street food in Halifax. It features spiced ground meat, typically beef, roasted on a vertical spit and served in a pita with onions, tomatoes, and a signature sweet garlic sauce.

This dish reflects the cultural diversity of Canada, showcasing how global cuisines have been embraced and adapted.

21. Split Pea Soup – A Comforting Canadian Classic

I ate a lot of pea soup as a kid. I didn’t realize this was a “Canadian foodie thing” until researching this article. Perhaps my French Canadian background influenced my family to eat a lot of pea soup. But apparently, Split Pea Soup is a Canadian dish from French Canada. There you go. I just learned something about my country that I had never known until today!

Split Pea Soup is a hearty and nourishing staple in Canadian cuisine, particularly cherished during the cold winter months. This traditional soup is made from dried split peas and often includes ham or bacon for added flavor, along with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery.

Ingredients:

• Dried split peas (green or yellow)
• Ham bone or ham hock (or bacon)
• Carrots
• Onions
• Celery
• Herbs (such as thyme and bay leaves)
• Salt and pepper

Tracing its roots back to Canadian fur trading days, Split Pea Soup was a practical choice for long, harsh winters, as the ingredients were easily stored, and the soup provided much-needed warmth and nutrition.

The soup is known for its thick, creamy texture and comforting, savory flavor. It’s a common homemade meal, often prepared in large batches to enjoy over several days as the flavors continue to develop and enhance with time.

22. Ketchup Chips

We love our potato chips. Lays is a popular brand for Ketchup chip lovers. Ruffles is our favorite ridged chip brand here in Canada. While I don’t love Ketchup Chips and lean more towards salt and vinegar chips, I discovered that Ketchup Chips are a Canadian thing.

I believe we pioneered the trend of flavoring our chips here in Canada. I am probably wrong, but I am going to go with it. We really do take it all to a whole new level from other countries. All-dressed or dill pickle, anyone? I remember once upon a time having a hard time finding salt and vinegar chips while traveling. We do love having variety here in Canada.

Best Canadian Foods – FAQs

What are traditional Canadian foods?

Traditional Canadian foods are a mosaic of dishes influenced by the country’s diverse heritage, including indigenous, French, British, and more recent global influences. Staples like Poutine, a hearty dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, and Tourtiere, a savory meat pie from Quebec, is quintessentially Canadian. Bannock, an indigenous flatbread, and Butter Tarts, a sweet pastry filled with butter, sugar, and egg filling, showcase Canada’s culinary heritage. These traditional foods offer a glimpse into Canada’s rich history and cultural diversity.

What are the 5 most popular foods in Canada?

1. Poutine: Originating from Quebec, this dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy has become a national favorite.
2. Butter Tarts: A sweet treat featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with a buttery, sugary filling.
3. Maple Syrup: Canada, particularly Quebec, is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, a staple in Canadian kitchens.
4. Saskatoon Berry Pie: A delightful pie made from the native Saskatoon berries, found predominantly in the Prairie provinces.
5. Caesar Cocktail: A unique Canadian twist on the Bloody Mary, featuring clamato juice and often enjoyed as a brunch cocktail.

What do Canadians eat at home?

At home, Canadians enjoy a variety of foods, reflecting the country’s multicultural makeup. Comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, roast dinners, and homemade soups are common for quick meals. International cuisines like Italian pasta dishes, Chinese stir-fries, and Indian curries are also popular, showcasing Canada’s diverse population. The focus is often on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a growing emphasis on healthy, sustainable eating. We cook a lot of Thai food in our house as well. However, my brother’s family is a big meat and potatoes type of household. In Canada, anything goes when it comes to food.

What are the different food cultures in Canada?

Canada’s food culture is as varied as its landscape, encompassing French-Canadian, British, American, Asian and Middle Eastern pulse First Nations influences. Each region has its specialties – from the seafood of the Maritimes, the poutine of Quebec, to the wheat-based dishes of the Prairies. Urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer a rich tapestry of international cuisines, reflecting the diverse communities that call Canada home.

What are Canada’s most famous foods?

Canada is famous for several foods that have become symbols of its culinary identity:

• Poutine: A beloved dish nationwide, originating from Quebec.
• Maple Syrup: Emblematic of Canadian cuisine and used in various dishes.
• Peameal or Back Bacon: Known as Canadian bacon outside the country, this is a Toronto specialty.
• Butter Tarts: A classic Canadian dessert, simple yet delightful.
• Ice Wine: A luxurious dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine, primarily produced in Ontario.

And there you have our unique foods to Canada.

Canada is a land made up of immigrants, and settlers of this country make it a true melting pot of cultures and cuisine.  Just like our national identity, Canadian food is also a blend of the best of every land on the planet.