Written by: Harnoor Chahal
Edited by: Liam Statham
Designed by: Suhana Shaik
Published by: Andrew Jackson
As much as Canadians love their iconic dishes, many international cuisines are also becoming more popular in Canada. Chinese, Italian, and Indian cuisines are among the most popular international options that Canadians enjoy. In this article, we will explore some of these cuisines that have won the hearts of many Canadians.
Starting with Chinese food, it is the most popular ethnic cuisine in Canada. As Chinese immigrants arrived in Canada, their cuisine and rich flavors gained popularity across the country, with dishes like chop suey and sweet and sour pork being loved by Canadians. To this day, Richmond, British Columbia, is renowned for its authentic Chinese dining experience. Some popular Chinese dishes include sweet and sour pork, which consists of deep-fried pork pieces bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce often accompanied by pineapple chunks and bell peppers, and chow mein, which features stir-fried noodles mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat or tofu, seasoned with soy sauce and other spices.
Alongside Chinese food, Italian cuisine also holds a significant place in the hearts of Canadians, particularly in Ontario. The cuisine has adapted to local tastes and seasonal ingredients, resulting in a unique Italian-Canadian style. Vaughan, Ontario, is noted for its concentration of Italian restaurants and cultural influence. Some popular Italian dishes include spaghetti carbonara, which combines spaghetti with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper to create a creamy and savory dish, and Margherita pizza, a classic pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag.
Thai food has also gained popularity since the 1990s, especially in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. The vibrant flavors and aromatic dishes have captivated Canadian palates, with Thunder Bay, Ontario, emerging as a notable hub for Thai cuisine. Pad Thai, stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, and shrimp, flavored with tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime, is one of the most beloved dishes in Canada, often accompanied by tom yum soup, a hot and sour soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, and flavored with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular over the past two decades, with a strong presence in Ontario and British Columbia. Cities like Brampton, Ontario, are celebrated for their diverse Indian culinary offerings, reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and cooking techniques. Among Indian dishes, butter chicken is the most popular among Canadians. Butter chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce, often enjoyed with naan or rice. Accompanying butter chicken are samosas, crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas, often served with chutney.
As much as Canadians love her iconic foods like Nanaimo bars and poutine, they also have a deep appreciation for international cuisine such as Chinese, Italian, and Indian. These global flavors have found special places in Canadian hearts, enriching the country’s diverse food culture.
List of Reference – TO BE ADDED SOON