Unique and delicious specialties to enjoy in Canada

Chapter 1 of 5

Introduction

Historically, Canadian food is a fascinating blend of indigenous, French and British cuisines—and since it’s such a multicultural country, you can also find Asian, Eastern European and South American influences on the menu.

Let’s get snacking

You’ve probably heard that both Canada and the United States are two countries where “snacks” (or “junk food”) are pretty much an entire food category. It’s… kind of true. Supermarkets, gas stations, convenience stores and even pharmacies offer entire aisles of candy bars, chips and candies.
Canadians are known for loving chips and you’ll find unique flavours from brands like Lay’s, Ruffles or Pringles—ketchup, barbecue sauce or all-dressed are among the best-sellers.

Craving a candy bar? Discover Coffee Crisp, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Caramilk. Whippet cookies, marshmallow cookies smothered in dark chocolate, are a good alternative to s’mores.

Cadbury is probably the most popular brand of chocolate in Canada but it tastes different than in the UK. In fact, many products you’re familiar with may taste different—same packaging, but made in Canada and adapted to local taste. Chocolate tends to taste more sugary than milky, for instance.
You can usually find imported cookies and snacks from all over the world but you’ll pay more for them.

But why would you need a TimTam when you can just grab a beaver tail? No, it’s not an actual beaver tail, just a beaver tail-shaped waffle covered in sugar, chocolate, maple syrup or pretty much anything sweet and spreadable.

Speaking of maple syrup, it’s a specialty from Eastern Canada—the main producers are Quebec (90% of Canadian production), Ontario and New Brunswick. Canada provides 75% of the world’s maple syrup, thanks, eh. Maple syrup tastes great on pancakes and with beans, but you may also develop an addiction to maple butter, maple toffee or maple candies. Oh, and if you buy maple syrup, make sure to get the real deal—read the label, the only ingredient should be maple sap.

Canada’s favourite dessert is a butter tart—sugar, syrup, butter and eggs, four ingredients for maximum indulgence. It’s inspired from pecan tarts and maple tarts. Generally speaking, pies and tarts in Canada are inspired from American desserts—pumpkin pie, pecan pie, blueberry pie, etc.

And let’s not forget donuts, muffins, British Columbia’s Nanaimo bars, Pouding Chomeur in Quebec…