Canada’s food scene is as diverse as its people, shaped by centuries of cultural influences, from Indigenous traditions to waves of immigration. Whether you’re in the snowy northern reaches or the bustling streets of big cities, you’ll discover dishes that embody the country’s diverse range of flavors. If you’re wondering what to eat in Canada, here are 10 iconic foods that should be on your list.
Perhaps Canada’s most famous food, poutine is a comforting plate of crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy. Originally from Quebec, this humble dish has become a national sensation, with variations including everything from bacon to lobster. Though it may have started as a snack or street food, poutine has now found its way onto menus at high-end restaurants across the country.
This classic French-Canadian meat pie is a holiday tradition in Quebec but delicious year-round. A double-crust pie filled with minced meat (usually pork or beef), potatoes, onions, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, tourtière is a savory, comforting dish. Often, it comes with a homemade tomato sauce or chili dip. Visit Aux Anciens Canadiens in Quebec, a restaurant located in the city’s oldest house, for an authentic experience.
Forget about New York bagels—Montreal’s version is what truly reigns supreme in Canada. The Montreal bagel, thicker, denser, and sweeter than its New York counterpart, undergoes a honey bath before baking in a wood-fired oven. Fairmont Bagel, a Montreal institution since 1949, is the best place to sample these chewy, sesame-encrusted beauties. Whether you prefer classic or more adventurous flavors like chocolate chip or blueberry, a warm bagel from Fairmont is a quintessential Canadian treat.
If you find yourself in Nova Scotia, you can’t leave without trying the local lobster roll. This quintessential East Coast dish features fresh lobster mixed with mayonnaise, black pepper, and lemon juice, served on a soft bun. While it’s known to have originated in Connecticut, the Nova Scotia version has become a local favorite. Make sure to follow the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail to sample some of the best lobster rolls in the region.
Split Pea Soup
A comforting, hearty dish perfect for Canada’s chilly winters, split pea soup has roots in Quebecois cuisine. Traditionally made with split peas and ham hock, the soup has evolved over time, with regional variations using pork or ham. Particularly popular in Newfoundland and Labrador, people often serve it with doughboys, a fluffy dumpling that perfectly scoops up the rich, creamy soup. This humble dish has a long history and is perfect for warming up on cold days.
Maple Taffy
Made with one of Canada’s greatest exports—maple syrup—maple taffy is a sweet treat you can’t miss. Hot maple syrup is poured over snow, where it hardens into a gooey toffee. Quebec’s sugar shacks often serve this indulgent snack, traditionally enjoyed during the winter months. While it may sound simple, there’s something magical about the combination of maple syrup and snow that makes maple taffy a Canadian favorite.
Nanaimo Bars
Named after the town of Nanaimo in British Columbia, Nanaimo bars are a no-bake, three-layered dessert that has become a beloved Canadian treat. The bottom layer is a coconut biscuit base, followed by a creamy custard middle layer, and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache on top. This sweet indulgence has been around since the 1940s and became popular in the 1970s, thanks to a local woman who commercialized the recipe. With its contrasting layers of crunch, creaminess, and chocolate, Nanaimo bars are a must-try Canadian dessert.
Ketchup chips
These uniquely flavored chips are a staple snack for many Canadians. Ketchup chips may sound unusual to those unfamiliar with the flavor, but they’ve been a beloved treat since the 1970s. Whether you prefer them crinkly, baked, or thick-cut, the tangy and sweet taste of ketchup combined with the crispiness of potato chips makes for an irresistible snack. Nearly every grocery store carries them, making them an ideal snack for any occasion.
Ginger Beef
Ginger beef is a beloved Canadian-Chinese dish that originated in Calgary and has since become a local favorite. This dish features tender strips of beef that are deep-fried until crispy, then coated in a sweet and savory ginger sauce that balances out the heat with a perfect touch of sweetness. Although it may not be a health-conscious option, it is undoubtedly a popular choice. The crispy texture of the beef combined with the bold, aromatic flavor of the ginger sauce creates a satisfying bite that has earned its place as a staple in Canadian Chinese cuisine.
Saskatoon Berries
Saskatoon berries are a seasonal treat native to Canada’s prairies, particularly southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. These small, dark purple berries are similar to blueberries but with a tart, sweet flavor. People often use these late summer berries in jams, pies, and other desserts. If you’re lucky enough to visit Canada during their brief picking season (late June to early August), you can indulge in these delicious berries and even participate in a festival to celebrate the harvest.
