8 Must-Try Canadian Dishes for Newcomers

Hello, newcomers to Canada! Welcome to this vibrant and diverse country, celebrated for its stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and mouth-watering cuisine. As you settle into your new life here, embracing Canadian culture extends beyond your academic and professional pursuits. One of the most enjoyable ways to connect with your new surroundings is through food. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a chilly day or eager to explore new flavors, this guide to ‘8 Must-Try Canadian Dishes for Newcomers’ will help you embark on a delicious journey to make Canada feel like home.

1. Poutine

No Canadian dishes guide would be complete without mentioning poutine. Originating from Quebec, poutine is a dish made with crispy French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food and can be found everywhere from fast-food joints to gourmet restaurants. Don’t leave Canada without trying this iconic dish!

History

Poutine originated in rural Quebec in the 1950s and has since become a beloved Canadian dish. Its name is derived from the Quebecois slang word “pouding,” which means “mess.”

Ingredients

• French fries: Thick-cut potatoes fried until crispy.
• Cheese curds: Fresh cheese curds that melt slightly but maintain their shape.
• Gravy: A rich, savory sauce usually made from beef or chicken stock, flour, and seasonings.

Variations

• Classic poutine: The traditional version with fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
• Gourmet poutine: Variations that include toppings like pulled pork, bacon, mushrooms, or even lobster.

Famous Places

Vegan/Vegetarian

• Ontario: Smoke’s Poutinerie (multiple locations)
• British Columbia: La Belle Patate in Vancouver
• Quebec/Montreal: La Banquise in Montreal

Traditional Dish

La Banquise, Montreal
Must-Try: La Classique – Classic poutine with cheese curds and gravy.
Price: CAD 9.50

Vegetarian Poutine

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, cut into thick fries
• 1 cup vegetarian cheese curds
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the potato fries in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
3. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to form a paste. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the broth and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. To assemble, place the baked fries on a serving platter. Sprinkle the cheese curds over the fries and pour the hot gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

2. Maple Syrup

Canada is famous for its maple syrup, often referred to as liquid gold. Produced primarily in Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick, maple syrup is used as a sweetener in various dishes and desserts. During the spring, you can even visit sugar shacks to experience the process of making maple syrup and enjoy a traditional meal.

History

Indigenous peoples in North America were the first to harvest and use maple syrup. They would tap maple trees and collect the sap, which was then boiled down to produce syrup.

Uses

• Pancakes and waffles: Drizzled on top for a sweet and sticky finish.
• Baking: Used as a natural sweetener in cakes, cookies, and pastries.
• Glazes and marinades: Combined with other ingredients to create flavorful sauces for meats and vegetables.

Production

Maple syrup production is a labor-intensive process that involves tapping maple trees, collecting the sap, and boiling it down to reduce its volume and concentrate the sugars.

Famous Places

Vegan/Vegetarian

• Ontario: White Meadows Farms in Pelham (also offers tours)
• British Columbia: Maple Roch in Summerland
• Quebec: Erabliere Charbonneau in Mont-Saint-Grégoire

3. Nanaimo Bars

A popular dessert originating from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Nanaimo bars are a layered treat made with a crumbly chocolate base, creamy custard-flavored filling, and a chocolate ganache topping. They’re rich, sweet, and utterly delicious – a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

History

Nanaimo bars are named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, where they are said to have originated. The exact origins of the recipe are unclear, but it gained popularity across Canada in the 1950s and 1960s.

Layers

• Bottom layer: A crumbly mixture of graham cracker crumbs, cocoa, coconut, and nuts.
• Middle layer: A creamy custard-flavored filling made with butter, custard powder, and powdered sugar.
• Top layer: A rich chocolate ganache made from melted chocolate and butter.

Famous Places:

Vegan/Vegetarian

Nanaimo Bars are often homemade, but you can find vegan versions at local bakeries and vegan cafes.

Traditional Dish

Famous Place: Vancouver Island Nanaimo Bar, Victoria
Must-Try: Original Nanaimo Bar
Price: CAD 3.50

Vegan Nanaimo Bars

Ingredients:

• Bottom Layer:
  • 1 cup vegan graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• Middle Layer:
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons vegan custard powder
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
• Top Layer:
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

1. For the bottom layer, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and melted coconut oil. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking dish.
2. For the middle layer, whisk together the coconut cream, custard powder, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom layer.
3. For the top layer, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Pour this over the middle layer and spread evenly.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set. Cut into squares and serve.

Read More : Discover Canada: A Journey Through Natural Beauty and Cultural Marvels

4. Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert. These sweet pastries are filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, often with added raisins or nuts. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with extras, butter tarts are sure to satisfy your sugar cravings.

History

Butter tarts have been a staple of Canadian dishes for over a century. The exact origins of the recipe are unknown, but it is believed to have been influenced by British and Scottish desserts.

Ingredients

• Pastry shell: Made from flour, butter, and water.
• Filling: A mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and often raisins or nuts.

Variations

• Classic butter tarts: With a gooey filling and optional raisins or nuts.
• Chocolate or pecan butter tarts: Variations that include chocolate chips or pecan pieces.

Famous Places:

Vegan/Vegetarian

Look for vegan bakeries and cafes in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Montreal that offer vegan butter tarts.

Traditional Dish

Famous Place: The Butter Tart Factory, Toronto
Must-Try: Classic Butter Tart
Price: CAD 2.75

Vegan Butter Tarts

Ingredients:

• Pastry:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
  • 4-5 tablespoons cold water
• Filling:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. For the pastry, combine the flour and vegan butter in a food processor until crumbly. Add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut into rounds to fit a muffin tin.
3. For the filling, mix together the brown sugar, melted vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Stir in the raisins or nuts if using.
4. Fill each pastry-lined muffin tin with the filling mixture.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let cool before serving.

5. Tourtière

Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie typically made with minced pork, beef, or veal, seasoned with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish often served during the holidays and special occasions.

History

Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian dish that dates back to the 17th century. It originated in Quebec and was traditionally served during the Christmas season.

Ingredients

• Meat: Minced pork, beef, or veal.
• Seasonings: Spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes onions and garlic.
• Pastry: A flaky pie crust made from flour, butter, and water.

Variations

• Regional variations: Different regions of Quebec and Canada have their own unique versions of tourtière, with variations in spices and types of meat used.

Famous Places:

Vegan/Vegetarian

• Quebec/Montreal: Au Pied de Cochon in Montreal offers a vegetarian tourtière option.

Traditional Dish

Famous Place: Chez Ashton, Quebec City
Must-Try: Classic Tourtière
Price: CAD 20

Vegetarian Tourtière

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, cooked
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the cooked lentils, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Roll out the pie crust and line a pie dish with it. Fill with the lentil mixture.
5. Cover with another layer of pie crust and crimp the edges to seal. Make a few slits in the top crust to vent.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

6. Salmon

Canada’s vast coastline provides an abundance of fresh seafood, with salmon being a particular highlight. Whether grilled, smoked, or poached, Canadian salmon is known for its rich flavor and tender texture. Pair it with seasonal vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.

History

Salmon has been a staple food for Indigenous peoples in Canada for thousands of years. It is an important part of their culture, traditions, and diet.

Preparation

• Grilled: Seasoned with herbs and spices and grilled to perfection.
• Smoked: Cured with salt and smoked over wood chips to enhance its flavor.
• Poached: Cooked gently in simmering liquid, often with herbs, vegetables, and white wine.

Pairings

Salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, and salads.

Famous Places:

Vegan/Vegetarian

While traditional smoked salmon is not vegetarian, you can find vegetarian and vegan sushi restaurants in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Montreal that offer creative plant-based alternatives.

Traditional Dish

Famous Place: The Salmon House on the Hill, Vancouver
Must-Try: Cedar Plank Salmon
Price: CAD 28

Vegan Smoked Carrot “Lox”

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, liquid smoke, and olive oil.
3. Toss the carrot slices in the marinade until well coated.
4. Place the carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly charred.
6. Let cool before serving.

7. BeaverTails

Despite the name, BeaverTails are not actually made from beavers! These iconic Canadian pastries are shaped like a beaver’s tail and are topped with various sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, and fruit. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on the go.

History

BeaverTails were inspired by a traditional Aboriginal recipe and were first introduced in Ottawa in the late 1970s. They quickly gained popularity and are now a popular snack across Canada.

Ingredients

• Dough: Made from flour, water, sugar, and yeast.
• Toppings: Cinnamon sugar, chocolate, maple butter, fruit, or nuts.

Variations

• Sweet toppings: Classic toppings include cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread, and maple butter.
• Savory toppings: Some variations include toppings like pulled pork, cheese, and vegetables.

Famous Places:

Vegan/Vegetarian

While BeaverTails traditionally use dairy and egg-based dough, some locations may offer vegan-friendly options upon request.

Traditional Dish

Famous Place: BeaverTails, Ottawa’s ByWard Market
Must-Try: Cinnamon and Sugar BeaverTail
Price: CAD 6.99

Vegan BeaverTails

Ingredients:

• Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Toppings:
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Vegan chocolate spread
  • Fruit compote

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a thin oval shape.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the dough ovals one at a time and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. While still warm, top with your choice of toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, vegan chocolate spread, or fruit compote.

8. Bannock

Bannock is a type of flatbread that has been a staple food among Indigenous peoples in Canada for centuries. It can be made with various ingredients, including flour, water, and baking powder, and is often cooked over an open fire. Bannock is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or with toppings like jam or butter.

History

Bannock has been a staple food among Indigenous peoples in Canada for centuries. It was traditionally cooked over an open fire and was an important source of sustenance for Indigenous communities.

Ingredients

• Flour: Typically wheat flour, but can also be made with cornmeal or other grains.
• Water: Used to form the dough.
• Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bannock rise.

Variations

• Sweet bannock: Made with added sugar, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Savory bannock: Made with added herbs, cheese, or cooked meats.

Famous Places:

Vegan/Vegetarian

• British Columbia: Mr. Bannock Food Truck in Vancouver offers a modern twist on traditional bannock, including vegan options.

Traditional Dish

Famous Place: Kekuli Cafe, British Columbia
Must-Try: Traditional Bannock
Price: CAD 3

Vegan Bannock

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes, or until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a flat disc.
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bannock discs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as jam or vegan butter.

Tips for Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking:

• Substitutions: Experiment with plant-based substitutes for meat, dairy, and eggs in traditional recipes.
• Local Markets: Visit farmers’ markets to find fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients for your vegetarian and vegan dishes.
• Vegan Restaurants: Explore vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Montreal for inspiration and to try local plant-based dishes.

Tips for Newcomers

• Explore Local Markets: Visit farmers’ markets and grocery stores to discover local produce, meats, and artisanal products. This is a great way to experience Canadian dishes with Canadian ingredients and flavors.
• Try Regional Specialties: Canada is a vast country with diverse regional cuisines. Don’t be afraid to explore dishes and ingredients unique to different provinces and territories.
• Cook with Friends: Cooking and sharing meals with friends from different cultural backgrounds can be a fun and educational experience. Host a potluck and encourage everyone to bring a dish from their home country.
• Ask Locals for Recommendations: Canadians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for restaurant recommendations or tips on where to find the best local dishes.

Conclusion

As you journey through your new life in Canada, food becomes more than just sustenance; it becomes a bridge to understanding, a way to connect with the rich tapestry of cultures that make up this beautiful country. From the comforting embrace of poutine to the sweet allure of Nanaimo bars, each dish tells a story, echoing the traditions and histories of the people who call Canada home. Embracing these culinary delights not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the soul, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

So, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Montreal or the serene landscapes of British Columbia, let your taste buds guide you on a delicious journey of discovery. Welcome to Canada – where every meal is a celebration of diversity, unity, and the shared joy of good food!