Introduction: Discovering Canadian Street Foods
Canada is a country with a diverse culinary scene, and its street food scene is no exception. From classic dishes like poutine to lesser-known delicacies like Jiggs Dinner, Canadian street foods offer a delicious blend of flavors and cultures. Whether you’re a tourist visiting Canada for the first time or a local looking to explore your city’s food scene, there are plenty of must-try street foods to discover.
Poutine: A Classic Canadian Dish
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Originating in Quebec in the 1950s, poutine has since become a beloved national dish. While poutine may seem like a simple dish, it’s all about the quality of the ingredients. Look for fresh cheese curds and a savory gravy that complements the crispy fries. You can find poutine at food trucks and restaurants across Canada, but for an authentic experience, head to Quebec and try a classic poutine from one of the province’s many poutine stands.
BeaverTails: A Sweet and Savory Treat
BeaverTails are a sweet and savory Canadian treat that originated in Ottawa in the 1970s. These fried dough pastries are shaped like a beaver’s tail and can be topped with a variety of sweet or savory toppings. Some popular toppings include cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and maple butter. For a savory twist, try a BeaverTail topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese. You can find BeaverTails at food stands and festivals across Canada, but the original stand is still open in Ottawa’s ByWard Market.
Montreal-style Smoked Meat Sandwich
Montreal-style smoked meat is a type of deli meat that originated in Montreal’s Jewish community in the late 19th century. It’s similar to pastrami, but with a unique blend of spices that give it a distinctive flavor. The meat is traditionally served on rye bread with mustard and a pickle. You can find Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches at delis across Canada, but for an authentic experience, head to Montreal and try one from Schwartz’s Deli, a local institution that has been serving smoked meat since 1928.
Nanaimo Bars: A Delicious Dessert
Nanaimo bars are a Canadian dessert that originated in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. These rich and chocolatey bars consist of three layers: a crumbly chocolate base, a creamy custard filling, and a layer of chocolate on top. While the original recipe is still popular, there are also many variations that include flavors like mint and peanut butter. You can find Nanaimo bars at bakeries and cafes across Canada, but for an authentic experience, head to Nanaimo and try one from the city’s annual Nanaimo Bar Trail.
Butter Tarts: A Canadian Pastry
Butter tarts are a sweet pastry that are popular across Canada. These bite-sized treats consist of a buttery pastry shell filled with a mixture of eggs, sugar, and butter. Some recipes also include raisins or pecans. Butter tarts can be found at bakeries and cafes across Canada, but for an authentic experience, head to the Butter Tart Trail in Ontario and try some of the many varieties available.
Jiggs Dinner: A Traditional Newfoundland Meal
Jiggs dinner is a traditional Newfoundland meal that consists of boiled salt beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, turnips, and pease pudding. This hearty meal has its roots in the English and Irish cuisine that was brought to Newfoundland by early settlers. While Jiggs dinner may not be as well-known as some of the other dishes on this list, it’s a must-try for anyone interested in exploring Canada’s culinary traditions. You can find Jiggs dinner at restaurants across Newfoundland, but for an authentic experience, head to a local’s home and try it homemade.
Tourtière: A French-Canadian Meat Pie
Tourtière is a French-Canadian meat pie that’s traditionally served during the holiday season. This savory pie is filled with a mixture of ground pork, veal, or beef, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Tourtière can be found at restaurants and bakeries across Canada, but for an authentic experience, head to Quebec and try a tourtière from one of the province’s many traditional French-Canadian restaurants.
