Written by: Harnoor Chahal
Edited by: Alishba Khursheed
Designed by: Serena Sclippa
Published by: Eleanor Jeavons
Canada is a diverse country, not only in culture and religion but also in food. It is home to some extraordinary and delicious dishes that are well-known throughout the world. In this article, we will discuss some of these mouthwatering foods from various regions of Canada.
We will begin with the national and most popular dish of Canada, the iconic poutine. Poutine is one of the most beloved foods in Canada, originating in Quebec in the 1950s. It consists of crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and creamy gravy. The word “poutine” comes from the English word “pudding,” which means a mixture of something, and in Quebec, it was used as a slang term for a mess. Well, this mess is certainly popular and delicious, with unique variations available in many spots across the country, one of the most famous being the Whistle Stop Café in Ontario, which offers over 100 unique styles of poutine.
Moving from Quebec to BC, we find people enjoying the famous Nanaimo Bars, named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. This treat emerged after World War II when locals once again had access to butter and sugar. These no-bake chocolate bars are delicious and easy to make. Nanaimo Bars consist of three layers: the base is made from coconut crumb and chocolate, filled with a creamy custard filling, and coated with chocolate. Nanaimo Bars are often compared to fudge or Almond Joy. These delightful desserts can be found all across Canada in bakeries and grocery stores, though the most famous version is in Nanaimo itself. The city of Nanaimo also has a bar trail where you can take yourself on a tour and try all the tasty variations of this treat, such as ice cream Nanaimo Bars, Nanaimo Bar cheesecakes, Nanaimo Bar fudge, Nanaimo Bar waffles, and many more.
Speaking of Canadian food, how can we forget the famous Butter Tarts from Barrie, Ontario, dating back to the 1900s? These tasty Butter Tarts are filled with maple syrup (traditionally, corn syrup was used instead of maple syrup), and many also include dried nuts or fruits in the filling, such as pecans or raisins. However, if you don’t like dried fruits, you can personalize this dessert with whatever ingredients you like. These delicious treats are widely available across Canada but are especially popular in Ontario. In fact, they are so beloved that they hold an annual Butter Tart Festival, celebrated this year on June 12, 2025, in Midland, Ontario. During this festival, cooks from all over come to showcase their tarts and enter an annual competition. Butter tarts are not just food; they are a celebration for many Canadians.
Next on the list is a bagel, but this is no ordinary bagel; it is the Montreal-style bagel, a unique food you can find across Canada. This bagel is unlike other bagels. This snack has a sweet flavour and is baked in a wood-fired oven. Before that, it is boiled in honey-sweetened water, giving it an unforgettable taste. This style was brought to Canada by Jewish immigrants from Poland and quickly became a favourite among the locals. Now you can find this delicacy at shops and bakeries across Canada. Some well-known places include Fairmount Bagel (a family-owned business that has specialized in Montreal-style bagels since 1919) and Hinnawi Bros Bagels in Montreal.
Since we’re discussing Montreal, let’s highlight another one of their delicacies: Montreal’s Smoked Meat. Unlike other meat products in the world, Montreal’s smoked meat is crafted from traditional beef brisket. This beef is salted and cured with spices and then sits for weeks to absorb all the flavours. Once ready, the cooks smoke and steam the meat until it’s ready to eat. The unique cooking style of this dish gives it an extraordinary and unforgettable taste that sets it apart from any other type of meat. You can find this style of meat at many diners, restaurants, and fast-food chains throughout Canada, but the most popular spots are Smoke Meat Pete and Snowdon Deli.
Canada’s food scene is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself, with every corner offering something for food lovers. Whether it’s the iconic poutine, the sweet Nanaimo Bars from British Columbia, the unique Montreal-style bagels or smoked meat, or even the maple-infused butter tarts of Ontario, Canada is home to a wide variety of extraordinary treats just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
Sources:
https://blog.windstarcruises.com/popular-canadian-foods/
https://xyuandbeyond.com/traditional-canadian-food/
https://www.midland.ca/en/community-tourism-culture/ontarios-best-butter-tart-festival.aspx