Top 100 Canadian Foods

Montreal smoked meat is a type of deli meat sandwich that originated in Montreal, Canada. It's similar to corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, but the meat used has its own distinct preparation process and flavor profile. Pastrami was invented in Romania, a cured beef product prepared by pickling and smoking the fatty and succulent cuts of brisket, then covering them with a coating of various spices and peppercorns. Reuben Schwartz, a Romanian immigrant, started making smoked meat in Montreal in 1928, a product similar to the original pastrami. Called viande fumé in the Quebec province, it is a much sturdier product with an intense, smoky flavor. Prime beef brisket is marinated for at least ten days in a mixture of herbs and spices, and is then smoked, hand-sliced, and placed in delicious, mouth-watering rye-bread sandwiches, accompanied by French fries, pickles, coleslaw, yellow mustard, peppers, or olives. It is no wonder that there are huge lines in front of Schwartz's Deli in Montreal because everyone wants to try this world-famous smoked meat sandwich.Expand

This bagel variety came to Montreal with the wave of Eastern European Jewish immigrants during the early 1900s. There are varying theories about the creator of the first Montreal-style bagel – some claim it was a baker named Isadore Schlafman, while others say it was Hyman Seligman from Dvinsk, who sold them from a horse-drawn carriage. Before baking, these bagels are boiled in kettles of honey water. Unlike New York-style bagels, these contain no salt and are less dense, with a slightly sweeter flavor. They are rolled and cut by hand and have a large hole in the center. Because Montreal bagels are wood-fired, it results in a crispy exterior and a chewy interior of the dough. Traditionally, they are available in two varieties – sesame seed bagels and poppy seed bagels.Expand

Cedar-plank salmon is a fish delicacy that involves cooking salmon on cedar planks, a unique method of cooking which is believed to have been originally practiced by the Native Americans who mostly used Western red cedar (a type of cypress). The wood planks, which must be free from any surface coatings or chemicals, are typically immersed in water into which coarse salt, fruit juice, or wine can be added. Once dried and heated on the grill, the planks are topped with salmon fillets that can either be left with their skin intact or skinned. Salmon is typically marinated in oil, seasonings, and fresh aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, parsley, juniper berries, or even fir needles. Alternatively, the fish fillets can be coated with a mixture of mustard and maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. Not only does this unique technique enhance the flavor of the fish by imparting a pleasant smokiness and woody aroma to it, but it also allows it to seal its juices and remain moist. This fish specialty is typical of both Canada and the USA, particularly British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest region, respectively.Expand

Uramaki, California roll, or upside-down sushi is a unique sushi variety which has its origins disputed between Los Angeles and Vancouver, although most people claim that it was invented in California in the 1960s by a Japanese chef named Ichiro Mashita. This sushi roll is prepared with sushi rice, nori, fish (mostly tuna or salmon), avocado, and cucumber. It differs from other sushi types because the rice is on the exterior, wrapped around nori seaweed that is in the inner part and surrounds the filling. Uramaki is often rolled in roasted sesame seeds. It's recommended to serve this unusual delicacy with soy sauce, gari (pickled ginger), and wasabi on the side.Expand

Beaver tails are sweet, flat, and thin Canadian pastries made from whole wheat flour. The dough is hand-stretched and shaped to look like a beaver's tail - unsurprisingly, one of Canada's national symbols. The shaped dough is fried (a technique referred to as float-cooking) on canola oil and smothered with butter and a variety of different toppings. Beaver Tails originated from a recipe created by Grant Hooker's family and have been served commercially since 1978. It is believed that the pastry evolved from a yeasty, wheaty dessert made from excess dough that was first made on early Canadian and American farms. Beaver Tails are always served hot and topped with cinnamon, sugar, and some lemon juice, which is the most popular option. Other toppings may include chocolate and hazelnut, maple syrup and butter, apple and cinnamon, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, jelly beans, bananas... The list goes on, as the possibilities are virtually infinite for this Canadian icon.Expand

Sugar pie is a popular dessert in France, Belgium, the United States of America, and Quebec, Canada. The dessert consists of an open pie without a top crust, filled with a combination of sugar, maple syrup, cream, butter, and a bit of salt. The pie is usually flavored with vanilla. The popularity of sugar pie throughout the world is due to the fact that many immigrants from Northern France and Belgium went to Canada, discovering maple syrup along the way, which was sometimes the only available sweetener. Today, sugar pie is a holiday favorite in Quebec, when it is usually topped with a dollop of whipped cream. In Indiana, there is a variation on the recipe called sugar cream pie, prepared with somewhat more cream and flour, making for a fluffier filling with a slightly different flavor.Expand

Garlic fingers is a popular food item throughout Atlantic Canada. Even though it looks like a pizza, garlic fingers are cut in strips or fingers instead of being cut into slices like a regular pizza. The dish consists of pizza dough that is topped with cheese, garlic butter, and parsley. It is baked until the cheese melts, and it can then be additionally topped with dill, vegetables, or pieces of bacon. Garlic fingers are often consumed with regular pizza as a side dish, and they are typically accompanied by dipping sauces such as Donair or marinara. Apart from pizza joints, garlic fingers can be found in many grocery stores.Expand

Even though its name stems from the French boudin—a word that usually refers to the pudding-like fillings of sausages—this soppy treat originating from the French Canadian province of Quebec consists of french fries drowned in a thick, brown gravy dotted with clumps of pale, soft, semi-creamy cheese curds. The potatoes are more coarsely cut than regular fries, and they are sometimes even fried twice so that the exterior remains crispy while the interior remains soft, whereas the cheese does not melt but just softens, adding that special squeakiness to the dish, and the gravy is made with either beef or chicken stock with the addition of vinegar. Since its rise to stardom from the 1950s onwards, poutine has spread all over Canada and became popular in many parts of the USA where it's considered the ultimate late-night snack. Many Canadians consider poutine a true national dish. It is found anywhere from food trucks to fancy restaurants, and even at Canadian McDonald's. Poutine connoisseurs claim that the best versions are served at small roadside stands where the curds are fresh, rubbery, and melt easily. Interestingly, in 2007, poutine was placed at number 10 of an online survey about the greatest Canadian inventions, conducted by CBC.Expand

Pancakes are traditionally consumed across North America and Canada, made from a starchy batter, eggs, milk, and butter. Their origin is probably German, with the traditional Pfannkuchen recipe being brought by German immigrants who settled in the United States in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The pancake has a similar appearance and flavor as the French crêpe but differs in diameter (5 to 10 cm) and thickness. The thickness is achieved by the use of a leavening agent, either baking soda or nutritional yeast. American and Canadian pancakes are typically served for breakfast, in a pile, topped with maple syrup and butter. They are often served with sides such as bacon, toast, eggs, or sausages. Other popular toppings include various jams, peanut butter, nuts, fruit, honey, cane syrup, and molasses. Spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg can also be added to the batter. The indigenous people of North America taught the European settlers how to collect and process maple syrup, and the practice was adopted and gradually improved. The Canadian province of Quebec is the greatest producer of maple syrup, producing about 76% of the world's output. In Canada, the syrup must be made exclusively from maple sap and must contain at least 66% sugar. Pancakes with maple syrup are a Canadian staple, a light, fluffy and sweet delight that can be found on virtually every street corner throughout Canada.Expand

A local delicacy in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States and Canada, deep-fried cheese curds are made from curds that form before cheeses like cheddar are formed into blocks or wheels and left to age. Fresh curds have a rubbery texture and squeak slightly when bitten into, which is why they are sometimes referred to as squeaky cheese. The squeak is a sign of its freshness, and after about twelve hours, the curds begin to lose their squeak, so they should be eaten on the day they are produced. Since there are many cheese factories and dairies in Wisconsin, the best and freshest cheese curds are produced in that state. Light, fluffy and smooth, the authentic Wisconsin breaded cheese curds are said to melt in the mouth. The curds come in a variety of flavors such as garlic, spicy Cajun, taco, or mild ranch. They are usually served at fairs and carnivals, and sometimes in bars, fast food chains, and restaurants. In Canada, it is popular to eat them in poutine - a dish consisting of French fries topped with a thick gravy that is filled with delicious cheese curds.Expand

Cochu Chocolatier is a boutique chocolate maker based in Calgary, Alberta. The company is led by Anne Sellmer, and it specializes in handcrafted, award-winning chocolates. Cochu Chocolatier’s products include a variety of unique flavors and textures, often incorporating local ingredients and collaborations with other Calgary-based food artisans and producers. Their offerings range from bonbons and bars to seasonal treats that reflect innovative and traditional confectionery techniques.Expand

Hummingbird Chocolate is an award-winning chocolate maker based in Almonte, Ontario, Canada, founded by Erica and Drew Gilmour. The company began as a small operation in 2011, inspired by the couple's experiences with cocoa during humanitarian work in West Africa. Hummingbird Chocolate has received numerous accolades for its bars, including the prestigious Golden Bean award at the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London. The company sources its cocoa beans from various regions including the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Haiti, focusing on fair trade practices and sustainability. In their production process,Hummingbird Chocolate utilizes traditional techniques, such as hand-sorting cocoa beans and slow-roasting them to develop rich flavors, making their chocolate products distinct and flavorful.Expand

Escuminac is a family-owned farm in Quebec specializing in the production of organic maple syrup, founded in 1998 by Martin Malenfant, a third-generation producer. The estate covers more than 500 hectares and includes around 65,000 maple trees, from which sap is collected each year using traditional yet technologically refined methods. What makes Escuminac unique is its “single forest” approach, meaning that all sap is processed and bottled directly on the farm without blending from other sources. Since 2006, their products have been certified organic, and the entire farm operates according to sustainability principles. Escuminac relies on the distinctive terroir of the Gaspésie region, where a combination of sea air and continental climate shapes the sap’s unique flavor. Their syrups contain significantly more polyphenols than honey, making them one of the nutritionally richer natural sweeteners. Escuminac is a brand that bridges tradition and innovation, preserving heritage while offering products tailored to the modern gourmet market. Thanks to their consistency in quality and ecological commitment, their syrups are recognized worldwide as a premium Canadian specialty.Expand

DesBarres Chocolate is a craft chocolate producer based in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada. They are committed to direct trade and ethical sourcing practices, ensuring they use only high-quality cacao beans. Their chocolate-making process involves minimal processing to retain the natural flavors and characteristics of the cacao. DesBarres Chocolate offers a range of single-origin bars and unique chocolate products.Expand

Alberta Distillers, located in Calgary, Alberta, is known for its high-quality rye whisky made from 100% Canadian prairie rye. They are one of Western Canada’s oldest distilleries and have received numerous awards for their Alberta Premium line, including "World’s Best Rye Whisky." The distillery prides itself on using local ingredients, including glacier-fed Rocky Mountain water, to craft a range of spirits that includes cask strength whisky, Alberta Springs, and premium vodkas like Alberta Pure.Expand

Mowi Canada West is a leading producer of Atlantic salmon in Western Canada, known for its strong commitment to sustainability and quality. Based in Campbell River, British Columbia, the company operates salmon farms along the coasts of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, producing approximately 23,000 tons of fresh and healthy Atlantic salmon annually. The company is dedicated to environmental stewardship, as demonstrated by the fact that all of its farms are certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). These certifications reflect Mowi’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and reducing its environmental footprint. Mowi Canada West is part of Mowi ASA, the world’s largest producer of farm-raised Atlantic salmon, offering seafood products in more than 70 countries. Their mission is to lead the "blue revolution" by producing sustainable ocean-based food, providing consumers with high-quality products while protecting aquatic ecosystems.Expand

La Ferme Martinette is a family-owned company from Quebec, located in the Coaticook region, specializing in the production of high-quality maple products since 1993. It was founded by Claude and Francine Martin, with a vision to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern standards of food quality and safety. Today, La Ferme Martinette produces more than 180 different maple-based products, with a large part of the assortment certified as organic. The production process is carefully managed - from sap collection to packaging - ensuring the preservation of authentic flavor and nutritional value. The company exports to more than 20 countries, including markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, confirming its international reputation. La Ferme Martinette successfully blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability, offering products that embody the essence of Canadian heritage and premium gourmet excellence.Expand

Eau Claire Distillery, established in 2013, is Alberta's first craft distillery, located in Turner Valley. The distillery emphasizes a farm-to-glass philosophy, utilizing locally sourced grains and traditional methods, including horse-drawn farming with Percheron draft horses. Housed in a restored 1929 building that once served as a movie theatre and dance hall, Eau Claire produces a range of artisanal spirits, such as gin, vodka, and whisky, and offers tours and tastings to showcase their commitment to quality and heritage. Expand

Nos Cabanes is a brand that lovingly celebrates the richness and diversity of maple syrup, transforming this traditional Canadian product into a true culinary experience. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that every syrup carries a unique story, flavor, and character, much like fine wine or olive oil. Through carefully selected sugar bushes and close collaboration with local producers, Nos Cabanes curates a collection of authentic maple syrups that reflect the land, the seasons, and the people behind them. The brand also offers delicacies such as creamy maple butter made from pure syrup, and scented candles inspired by the warmth and sweetness of maple sugar. Nos Cabanes is more than just a collection of products—it is a bridge between consumers and the artisans who craft each bottle with care. Every product tells a story, honors its origin, and embodies a deep commitment to authenticity, quality, and respect for nature. Expand

La Ferme du Loup is a family-run farm located in Saint-Paulin, in the Mauricie region of Quebec, Canada, renowned for crafting exceptional maple-based products that unite tradition and innovation. Founded in 2005 on the site of a historic maple grove once owned by the Boucher family, the farm continues a century-old practice of maple syrup production while infusing it with a modern vision and distinctive identity. Its philosophy is rooted in respect for nature, honesty toward the land, and minimal intervention throughout the process - values that are reflected in every product. The farm’s main creation is organic maple syrup, celebrated for its purity, balanced taste, and the strong expression of the Mauricie terroir. Beyond syrup, La Ferme du Loup has gained recognition for pioneering the production of wines and sparkling wines made from maple sap, which are naturally fermented with minimal sulfites and no additives. The entire production takes place on the farm, with close attention paid to every step - from sap collection to fermentation and bottling. Their products combine the natural aromas of maple with subtle notes of wild berries and blossoms, resulting in a complex and refined flavor profile. Today, La Ferme du Loup stands as a symbol of authenticity and innovation in the world of maple craftsmanship - proof that tradition can serve as a foundation for something entirely new and inspiring.Expand