Poutine, tourtière, Nanaimo bars — Canada has its fair share of national treats and filling dishes. And, while you can try some of these classics outside of the Great White North, they probably don't hit the same spot!
SIMOVO's crew boasts a few travellers who regularly go to Canada — and who fill up on the best that Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver have to offer. So, we've put together a quick but filling guide on the best food to try in Canada that won't break your budget. Whether you're a foodie or you just like challenging your palate, let's tuck in.
Why food in Canada is worth exploring
There's a strong argument for why every Canada itinerary should be based around food and drink. Just as Canada is a truly huge nation with immense cultural heritage, it also has a bigger national menu than most. That means what you eat out in the east won't always be the same as what you can enjoy from street vendors and restaurants in the western reaches.
That said, there are a few touches to Canadian cuisine that remain steadfast no matter where you go. There's a real focus on high-quality, hearty meals, and out in Quebec, that's no more apparent than in the French-Canadian staples generations have grown up with. Along British Columbia, you're likely to encounter Pacific and Asian-inspired flavours, and seafood dishes the closer you get to the Atlantic.
If you're new to Canadian cuisine, you likely know that the country is famous for its poutine and its maple syrup nationwide. We'll be looking at one of these national icons in a little more detail below — along with a few dishes you might not have heard of before.
Best food to try in Canada
Narrowing down a menu of the best food to try in Canada isn't easy, but here are five dishes that should be at the top of your list.
[numbered title="Poutine" pill="National dish"]The iconic Canadian classic — French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in meat stock gravy. Supposedly invented in the 1950s, with countless regional variations to compare.[/numbered] [numbered title="Butter Tarts" pill="Sweet pastry"]Flaky pastry filled with butter, maple syrup, raisins, dried fruit, or pecans depending on the region. A must-try dessert found right across the country.[/numbered] [numbered title="Nanaimo Bars" pill="Chocolate dessert"]Named after the city of Nanaimo — a layered treat of custard, biscuit, and chocolate ganache. One of the sweetest things you can eat after a big bowl of poutine.[/numbered] [numbered title="Tourtière" pill="Quebec classic"]A French-Canadian meat pie of minced meat and potato, traditionally served at Christmas and New Year in Quebec. Head to the French-Canadian territories for the most authentic version.[/numbered] [numbered title="Montreal Bagels" pill="Sweeter than New York"]Denser and sweeter than their New York counterparts, often glazed with maple syrup. The cooking method is what sets them apart — and they are well worth comparing side by side.[/numbered]Poutine
Poutine is, of course, the national dish Canada is so famous for, and it would be a crime not to include it in this guide. Authentic poutine is a hearty serving of French fries topped with cheese curds, then slathered in meat stock gravy. It's actually a younger recipe than many people think, having supposedly originated in Canada back in the 1950s. There are lots of different takes on poutine, and it's great to enjoy on the go.
Butter tarts
Butter tarts are desserts made from flaky pastry and, as the name suggests, a good deal of butter. Some are filled with the nation's famous maple syrup, others with raisins or other dried fruit, or even pecans. They're served across the country, but you'll find all kinds of different regional takes. Why not compare them if you're going the distance?
Nanaimo bars
Named after the city of Nanaimo, this delicious local treat is a custard and biscuit-based delight, layered with chocolate ganache. Some varieties include nuts or crackers. It's one of the sweetest treats you can enjoy after a big serving of poutine — so keep your toothbrush handy while you travel!
Tourtière
Tourtière's name will likely tip you off as to its origin — this is a meat pie dish that's a holiday classic in the neighbourhoods of Quebec. Made from a blend of minced meat and potato, it's usually served around Christmas and New Year. There are some varieties too — you might also enjoy a venison or spiced pork twist — but this tends to be a Quebec speciality, so head to the French-Canadian territories to sample it at its best.
Montreal bagels
Any guesses as to where you're likely to enjoy these? Montreal bagels are not just bagels made to order in the city that bears the name! Unlike the New York bagels many of us have eaten and enjoyed many times over, Montreal's version tends to be a little denser and much sweeter — it's all about how they are cooked. They often come with a lovely maple syrup glazing, but you can add your usual favourite toppings as you desire.
Regional dishes to discover in Canada
Food and drink are just some of what Canada is known for — and honestly, we're not done sharing some of the best tastes on offer here. Here's a lightning round of some other regional dishes to taste on your next adventure.
- Touton — fried breakfast dough, popular in the east.
- Ris de Veau — a French-Canadian dish, otherwise known as fried sweetbreads.
- Beavertails — fried dough snacks made to look like, well, a beaver's tail.
- Maple taffy — crunchy, hardened sweets usually sold in Quebec.
- Dulse — dried seaweed that's snackable and used as a condiment, found on the Atlantic coast.
- Lobster rolls — Nova Scotia's take serves lobster a little like a hot dog.
- Peameal bacon — pork loin in a cornmeal coating, usually served in sandwiches.
Best places to eat local food in Canada
While you can enjoy some of Canada's best local dishes in the big cities and smaller cities near Toronto, Vancouver, and the like, you should also look out at smaller locales and specific marketplaces for the freshest ingredients and sweetest treats.
For example, if you love seafood, check out the local chowder in Nova Scotia. If you prefer a more farm-grown menu, there are some delicious restaurants and cafes open in Jordan Station to suit your palate.
And that all goes without mentioning the Prairies! Out in Saskatoon, there's the famous berry pie that bears the area's name, and in Calgary, you'll be able to taste some of the most succulent beef that Alberta has to offer.
[tip title="Regional food changes as you travel"]Canada is vast, and so is the culinary landscape. If you visit one area and travel hundreds of miles to another, the national dishes can shift significantly along the way. Embrace the variety rather than hunting for the same dish twice.[/tip]Food tips for travellers in Canada
Beyond food and drink recommendations, here are some final foodie tips worth keeping in mind when enjoying cuisine across Canada.
[warning]Tipping 15–20% before tax is expected at sit-down restaurants across Canada. This is a cultural norm rather than an optional gesture — not tipping, or tipping below 15%, is considered rude. For travellers from outside North America, this can come as a surprise, so always factor it into your daily food budget.[/warning] [tip title="Seek out independent coffee shops"]While Canada has all the famous chains and more besides, the best drinks are found in the smaller, independent venues — both in the cities and in the smaller locales. Take the time to explore and you'll rarely be disappointed.[/tip] [tip title="Always leave room for dessert"]As you can see from this guide, Canadians love their sweet treats. Whether it's butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, or maple taffy, always make room after your main course.[/tip] [esim flag="🇨🇦" label="Canada" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£17" href="/products/canada" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Find the best restaurants in Canada without roaming charges[/esim] [faq] [q]What is Canada's national dish?[/q] [a]Poutine is widely considered Canada's national dish — a serving of French fries topped with cheese curds and meat stock gravy. It's thought to have originated in Quebec in the 1950s and is now found right across the country in countless regional variations.[/a] [q]What are Nanaimo bars?[/q] [a]Nanaimo bars are a Canadian dessert named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. They consist of three layers — a biscuit and nut base, a custard filling, and a chocolate ganache topping. They require no baking and are one of Canada's most distinctive sweet treats.[/a] [q]What is the difference between Montreal and New York bagels?[/q] [a]Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than New York bagels, and are typically boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked in a wood-fired oven. They are often glazed with maple syrup. New York bagels tend to be larger and chewier, with a more neutral flavour profile.[/a] [q]Where can I try the best food in Canada?[/q] [a]The best food in Canada depends on what you're after. Quebec is the place for tourtière and maple taffy. Nova Scotia is ideal for lobster rolls and chowder. Montreal is famous for its bagels. The Prairies offer excellent beef in Calgary and saskatoon berry pie. Smaller local markets and independent restaurants generally serve the freshest, most authentic regional food.[/a] [q]What is tourtière?[/q] [a]Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie, most commonly associated with Quebec. It is made from minced meat — typically pork, beef, or veal — combined with potato and spices, baked in a pastry crust. It is traditionally served during the Christmas and New Year period and comes in several regional variations, including venison or spiced pork versions.[/a] [q]Do I need to tip at restaurants in Canada?[/q] [a]Yes — tipping at sit-down restaurants in Canada is a cultural norm and is expected. The standard is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. Not tipping or tipping below 15% is considered rude. Always factor this into your food budget for every sit-down meal, regardless of the size of the restaurant.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇨🇦" label="Canada" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£17" href="/products/canada" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Find the best restaurants in Canada without roaming charges[/esim]
