10 Most Popular Canadian Dishes

Canada's culinary landscape is as diverse as its population, with each region of the vast country contributing unique flavors and traditions to the mix. From the maritime provinces to the west coast, and the prairies to the far north, popular Canadian dishes reflect the country’s rich cultural mosaic.

Any trip to Canada should include some culinary adventures. The local travel experts at Canadiantrainvacations.com help visitors to Canada plan their trips, including special meals and foodie tours. Here is our guide to some famous Canadian dishes.  

As you embark on your own journey, be sure to savour these popular foods in Canada that have become synonymous with the country's identity. Whether you're indulging in the comforting warmth of poutine or satisfying your sweet cravings with butter tarts, Canada's culinary delights are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

No exploration of Canadian cuisine is complete without mentioning poutine. This iconic dish originated in Quebec and has become a nationwide favorite. Imagine a plate of crispy golden fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy – a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that satisfy many cravings.  

Poutine has inspired creative variations across the country, with toppings ranging from lobster to pulled pork. 

For those with a sweet tooth, butter tarts are a must-try. These decadent pastries feature a gooey and buttery filling, often mixed with pecans or raisins, encased in a flaky pastry shell. Originating from Ontario, butter tarts are a staple at farmer’s markets and bakeries. There is much competition over the coveted title of “best butter tart in Canada.” There is also heated debate around the perfect ratio of sweet filling to crispy crust. You’ll have to try it to determine your own preference. 

Hailing from the west coast city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, Nanaimo bars are a decadent layered dessert. The bottom layer consists of a crumbly mixture of graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and nuts, followed by a custard-flavored butter icing, and a glossy chocolate topping. These no-bake bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a popular choice for dessert tables and coffee breaks.  

Quebec's culinary influence extends beyond poutine to the savory delights of tourtière. This traditional meat pie is a festive dish often enjoyed during the holiday season. Typically filled with a mixture of ground meat, such as pork or a combination of meats, and seasoned with spices, tourtière is encased in a flaky pie crust. Served with a dollop of ketchup or chutney, this comforting dish is a winter staple.

Shaped like a beaver's tail, this fried dough pastry is a Canadian indulgence that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. BeaverTails are often topped with various sweet toppings, from classic cinnamon sugar to chocolate hazelnut spread. Look for them at winter festivals or at food kiosks in popular tourist destinations. Add maple toppings for the ultimate Canadian taste experience.

Have you heard of Canadian bacon? While Canadians do eat a lot of strip bacon, this back bacon cut is the national breakfast champion. A lean pork loin rolled in cornmeal, it presents a crispy exterior when cooked. Often enjoyed as part of a classic Canadian breakfast sandwich, peameal bacon is a flavorful and satisfying way to start the day.

With roots in Indigenous culinary traditions, bannock has become a staple in Canadian cuisine. This unleavened bread, often fried or baked, is versatile and can be enjoyed in various forms. From savory bannock tacos to sweet variations drizzled with maple syrup, this Indigenous contribution to Canadian cuisine reflects the diverse influences shaping the country's food landscape.

Venture into the heart of Montreal, a city with a rich Jewish culinary heritage, and you'll discover the mouth-watering allure of Montreal smoked-meat sandwiches. This deli classic features brisket cured with a blend of spices, smoked to perfection, and piled high between slices of rye bread. Often served with mustard, a pickle and fries, this sandwich is a must-try for lovers of savory, smoky flavors. Schwartz's Deli is a popular option.  

Another culinary star of the city’s Jewish heritage, Montreal bagels have earned their place as a iconic experience while visiting. With a distinct chewiness and a slightly sweet flavor, these hand-rolled and wood-fired delights stand out from their New York counterparts. Often enjoyed with cream cheese or lox, Montreal bagels are a staple of the city's breakfast scene. There is much heated debate about which bakery produces the best Montreal bagel, so you should probably try the big two:  St-Viateur and Fairmont.

No discussion of Canadian cuisine is complete without a nod to Timbits, the bite-sized doughnut holes that have become a cultural phenomenon. Originating from the beloved Canadian coffee and fast-food chain Tim Hortons, Timbits come in a variety of flavors, from classic glazed to adventurous choices like birthday cake. Canadian celebrity Justin Bieber worked with the donut chain to release a special line of flavours called Timbiebs in 2022.  

Canada's rich culinary traditions includes Indigenous influences, Jewish immigrant influences, and the various flavors introduced through immigration during of the 19th century. Join us as we delve into the distinct and vibrant chapters of Canada's culinary history.

The traditional Indigenous cuisines found in Canada are rooted in long-held traditions and closely tied to the land. With their deep connection to nature, Indigenous peoples historically cultivated and foraged an array of plants, hunted diverse animals, and employed ingenious food preservation techniques. Indigenous communities utilized open-flame methods such as roasting and pit-cooking for wild game, infusing meats with a smoky essence. Additionally, the art of smoking and drying fish, particularly salmon, became a pivotal method for food preservation, ensuring a reliable source of nourishment throughout the seasons.  

Significant foods include maple syrup, dried meat, salmon jerky, and whipped soapberry.

The arrival of Jewish immigrants in Canada brought with them a rich culinary tradition that has indelibly influenced the nation's food landscape, especially in cities such as Montreal. The culinary contributions of Jewish immigrants are characterized by a fusion of traditional recipes with local ingredients, resulting in a unique and flavorful Canadian-Jewish cuisine. Notable dishes include bagels, which, with their chewy texture and diverse toppings, have become a staple in Canadian breakfast culture. Matzo ball soup, a comforting and hearty soup with dumplings made from unleavened bread, is another cherished dish that reflects the immigrant community's adaptability and resourcefulness. Cooking techniques such as pickling and smoking were also embraced, giving rise to delicacies like smoked meat, a cornerstone of Montreal's culinary scene.

Looking back to the 19th century, we see how the culinary landscape in Canada was shaped by its historic cultural influences. Traditional dishes of this era were often a reflection of the available resources, local agriculture, and cultural exchange. Homesteaders and settlers cultivated staples like hearty stews, root vegetable-based dishes, and pies filled with locally sourced fruits. The influence of British and French culinary traditions was prominent, leading to dishes such as meat pies and savory puddings, still popular today.

From the shores of Prince Edward Island to the maritime landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, East Coast specialties showcase seafood-based dishes tied to local traditions.

Prince Edward Island, known for its stunning landscapes, is equally celebrated for its seafood specialties that showcase the abundance of the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal communities have perfected the art of incorporating shellfish into their culinary repertoire. From succulent crab and tender scallops to plump shrimp and the delicacies of abalone, sea cucumber, octopus, clams, and prawns, Prince Edward Island's seafood offerings are a tempting indulgence on a trip to Canada.  

One traditional meal from PEI is "Lobster Supper." This iconic dish features succulent lobster as the centerpiece. A typical Lobster Supper includes a whole lobster, often steamed or boiled, served with melted butter for dipping. Accompanying the lobster, you'll find a variety of side dishes such as freshly baked rolls, coleslaw, potato salad, and sometimes steamed mussels. Lobster Suppers are a quintessential PEI dining experience, allowing locals and visitors to savor the island's renowned lobster in a communal and festive setting.

The coastal regions of Newfoundland and Labrador boast a wealth of fish-based dishes, each a reflection of the region's fishing heritage. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to new innovative culinary creations inspired by the riches of the sea, do try some of the culinary specialties centered around the bountiful offerings of the ocean. 

Fisherman's Brewis is a classic Newfoundland dish with a history tied to the island's fishing communities. It consists of hardtack (ship's biscuit) soaked overnight to soften, then pan-fried until crispy. Salt fish is flaked and added to the pan-fried hardtack along with scrunchions, which are small pieces of salted pork, creating a delicious and filling dish. Fisherman's Brewis is often enjoyed with molasses or butter.

Quebec, a province with a distinct cultural identity and a rich history, boasts a culinary scene that reflects its French heritage and embraces a diverse range of flavors. From iconic dishes that have become synonymous with Canadian cuisine to the sweets created from the province's maple syrup, Quebec offers a gastronomic experience that is both unique and deeply rooted in tradition.

Quebec's culinary legacy is perhaps best epitomized by the iconic dish known as poutine. Regarded by many as a national dish, poutine consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy. Originating in rural Quebec, poutine has evolved from humble roots to become a celebrated part of Canadian cuisine.

While their precise origins of cheese curds may be unknown, their significance in Canadian culinary culture is undeniable. These little nuggets of fresh cheese curds, with their characteristic squeaky texture, are a key ingredient in various beloved dishes, most notably poutine. Produced during the early stages of cheese-making, curds are separated from the whey, resulting in their unique texture and mild flavor.

Each spring, as the temperature begins to rise, Quebecois embark on the centuries-old practice of tapping maple trees for sap. The sap is then transformed into liquid gold – maple syrup – in traditional sugar shacks known as Cabanes à sucre. Beyond syrup, the production of maple taffy takes center stage, where the hot, boiled syrup is poured over fresh snow, creating a sweet and chewy delight. The production of maple syrup is just one culinary practice taught to the colonists by the Indigenous people of Canada.

In the heart of the Canadian prairies, Manitoba proudly claims a sweet spot in the nation’s culinary landscape with the beloved tradition of berry pies — starring the indigenous Saskatoon berries. Saskatoon berries are similar to blackberries but their apple-like taste is considered a unique and distinctly Manitoban flavor. As the seasons change, Manitoba's bakers showcase their creativity by crafting an array of berry pie varieties, each a celebration of the region's seasonal ingredients.