Hey, Don’t Knock It Till You Try It: 19 Unique Canadian Dishes The Rest of the World Is Baffled By!

Calling all foodies! Calling everyone who enjoys a good meal! Have you explored the unique landscape that is Canadian cuisine? The Canadian culinary scene is as diverse as its’ landscapes. Canada is a great place for foodies, from maple syrup-drenched dishes to delicious and juicy berries, unique beverages, and so much more! Today, that’s exactly what we’re diving into. We’re sharing 19 unique Canadian dishes that will raise your eyebrows and maybe even make you run to the store to get the ingredients so you can make them and try them for yourself! 

1. Poutine.

Originally a Quebecois dish, first appearing in the 1950’s, and then becoming popular across Canada in the 1990’s, poutine is dubbed Canada’s national dish. You can buy it nearly anywhere, from restaurants to fast food places. It is made up of french fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy. Many places across the country even host annual poutine celebrations!

2. Bannock.

Bannock is a type of bread that has a rich history in regards to how it came to be a beloved dish in Canada. It’s very versatile and can be used as the base of a dessert, a side dish to an entree, or just a small snack. It was a staple for fur traders, voyageurs, and Indigenous peoples and is wildly popular at festivals, pow-wows, and family gatherings.

3. Montreal-style bagels.

Montreal-style bagels are slightly smaller, thinner, and sweeter than traditional bagels. The dough is boiled in honey water, then hand-rolled and baked in a wood-fired oven. The result is a crispy, sweet, flatter bread than traditional bagels. 

4. Beavertails.

A beavertail is a fried dough pastry that usually comes in a variety of flavors. It can be topped with sweet condiments like sliced banana, cinnamon, icing sugar, or chocolate hazelnut, but it can also be paired with things like gravy or poutine. It’s a dessert that can be sweet or savory!

5. Ketchup Chips

Chips coated in a ketchup-like spice are extremely popular in Canada. While most people imagine ketchup to be a condiment ideal for foods like french fries and burgers, Canadians love it on their chips as a snack.

6. Maple Syrup

Canada is the world’s leading producer and exporter of maple products. Needless to say, Canadians love their maple syrup. It’s used in baking, on pancakes, waffles, and even on meat. Maple syrup and maple syrup products are made by boiling down the sap of maple trees.

7. Caesar

The Caesar is Canada’s national cocktail and was invented in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1969. The main ingredients in it are clam juice, vodka, tomato juice, spices, and Worcestershire sauce. It is served in a glass rimmed with celery salt, and garnished with a stalk of celery, lime, and olives. Caesars are very, very popular all across Canada.

8. Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a flaky pastry circle filled with a mixture made up of sugar, eggs, syrup, and butter and then baked to perfection. Some people even add things like pecans, shredded coconut, and raisins. They are sweet and delightful!

9. Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars are a Canadian dessert that originated in Nanaimo, British Columbia. It’s a three-layer dessert that requires no baking. The main ingredients are graham crumbs, cocoa, coconut, sugar, butter, and custard. 

10. Split Pea Soup

When the fall crips start teasing the air, Canadians turn to have a pot of delicious soup simmering on the stove, and split pea soup happens to be one of their favorites. It dates back to when the first French settlers started to arrive in Canada in the 17th century. The main ingredients are yellow split peas, ham hock, thyme, and vegetables. It makes a great starter or a hearty main dish.

11. Wild Pacific Salmon

Wild Pacific salmon is both farmed and caught wild in Canada and is a very popular meal among Canadians. It can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, smoked, or canned. 

12. Canadian Bacon

Canadians dub peameal bacon Canadian bacon. They enjoy it on pizza, salads, breakfast sandwiches, and much more. 

13. Tourtiere

Tourtiere is a pie filled with spiced meat that was simmered in broth. It’s often served with ketchup and enjoyed during the chilly season, especially the holidays.

14. Lobster Rolls

A lobster roll is a popular dish, especially in Atlantic Canada. It’s lobster meat filling served on a grilled hot dog style bun. The filling is made up of lobster meat, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Before Canada fell in love with lobster rolls, they were a simple dish that fishermen could prepare without much effort involved. But it turned out they were great, and everyone loved them!

15. Canadian Pizza

If you’re a fan of pizza, then order a Canadian and try it out! A Canadian pizza is mozzarella cheese, side bacon, pepperoni, and mushrooms, baked to perfection and oh-so tasty. You can even order it by that name, and there’s a good chance the restaurant will know what you’re talking about; that’s how popular it is!

16. Cherry Blossom Candy

Originally made in the 1890s, Cherry Blossom candy is a hit among Canadians. The individually sold candy features a maraschino cherry, cherry syrup, chocolate, shredded coconut, and roasted peanut pieces. They are packaged in a small, iconic yellow box and have been a favorite for decades.

17. Salmon Candy

Salmon candy is a popular treat in Canada. Candied wild-smoked pink salmon is made from brined, sugared, and smoked salmon. They are flavor-packed and have a slightly chewy texture. 

18. Saskatoon Berries

Saskatoon berries grow on shrubs that can grow to be as tall as 25 feet. They’re an indigo-coloured berry that looks similar to blueberries. They are used in pies, enjoyed on their own, used in jam, or even on top of ice cream!

19. Mac & Cheese with Ketchup

Canadians love to drench their mac & cheese in ketchup. They say it adds a certain flavor that they just can’t help but love.

Final Thoughts

Canada is known for its diverse landscapes, from magical mountains to glistening lakes and grassy prairies, but it’s also well-known for its cuisine. Canadian cuisine is exciting, ever-changing, and delicious. It incorporates pieces of the nation, from the wild Pacific salmon to the Saskatoon berries. The fact of the matter is that visiting Canada will result in eating delicious foods, and really, who can say no to that?