This was published 5 years ago
Where to try these 8 Canadian foods you’ve never heard of
Seeking out unusal eats in Canada
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There is more to Canadian cuisine than maple syrup and poutine. Every region in Canada has its own local specialties, from Saskatoon berries to moose meat. Sink your teeth into some true Canuck treats with this guide to Canada's culinary classics.
Taste this: London Fog
Where: Vancouver
It sounds like a climatic condition or a cocktail, but London Fog is actually a hot beverage made of Earl Grey tea, milk and vanilla syrup. You will find it in cafés across Canada, but the best place to try it is still the city where it was born: Vancouver. Not into hot drinks? Gastrofork blogger Dee Los Santos suggests heading to Vancouver's Earnest Ice Cream to try a London Fog gelato that is "out of this world".
Taste this: Bannock
Where: British Columbia
Get set for some culinary confusion: although it is named after the traditional Scottish bun, bannock is actually a much-loved flat bread. This Canadian delicacy is traditionally baked over a campfire or served as an accompaniment to a big bowl of split pea soup, but you will find it on offer in eateries across the province. VanFoodies blogger Joyce Lam recommends Duchess' Bannock and Desserts in Alert Bay, BC for their delicious and generous portions, while Foodology blogger Diana Chan recommends Salmon n' Bannock in Vancouver.
Taste this: Mountain meats
Where: Banff, Alberta
Beef, lamb and chicken: so predictable. Why not try one of Canada's famous mountain meats: buffalo, elk or caribou? In the Rocky Mountains, these game meats are considered everyday eating. Want to give a go? At Sleeping Buffalo restaurant in Banff, the game comes straight from the restaurant's own ranch. You can choose between straight-up preparations, such as elk short rib or caribou medallions, or opt for something a bit exotic, such as Vietnamese pho soup made with bison instead of beef.
Taste this: Donairs
Where: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Dubbed Canada's answer to the Greek Gyros, Donairs are famous in Nova Scotia, and particularly the city of Halifax. Touted as the city's official snack, Donairs are a pita filled with spit-roasted shaved beef, tomatoes and onions slathered in a signature sauce. Legend has it that the Halifax Donair was introduced by a restaurant owner, Peter Gamoulakos back in the 1970s. His original gyros apparently didn't quite match the east coast culinary tastes, but a tweak of the recipe and voila! Halifax's famous dish was born. Peppers & Pennies food blogger Amanda Cortens recommends King of Donair and Tony's Donair for a fix.
Taste this: Ice Wine
Where: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Turns out that there is an upside to those chilly Canadian winters, and it is called ice wine. This unusual dessert wine is produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The sugars within the grape do not freeze but the water does, creating a more concentrated, sweet wine. British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, one of Canada's premier wine-making regions, is known for its superb ice wines. Dee Los Santos recommends award-winning Summerhill Pyramid Winery, based in Kelowna, but several other Okanagan wineries are also making quality versions.
Taste this: Saskatoon berries
Where: Saskatchewan
They may resemble a blueberry, but zesty Saskatoon berries have a distinctly different taste. Found right across the Canadian Prairies, they also pack a nutritional punch. Each berry contains a significant dose of manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, fibre, protein and antioxidants. Saskatoon berries are mostly used in jams and pies; Amanda Cortens recommends trying them at the Berry Barn, in Saskatoon.
Taste this: Beavertails
Where: Ottawa
What is not to love about deep fried pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar, chocolate or maple butter? Beavertails were introduced in 1978 by husband and wife team, Grant and Pam Hooker, in Ottawa, Ontario. The couple is the sole producers of Beavertails™ in Canada. Oh, the name? It comes from the fact that the wholewheat pastry is stretched into the shape of a beaver's tail. Some of the best places to pick up a Beavertail include markets, theme parks and ski resorts.
Taste this: Farmer's Sausage
Where: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Here's a little-known fact: Winnipeg has one of the largest Mennonite populations in the world. Not familiar with the Mennonites? They have a lot in common with the more famous Amish; unlike the Amish, however, they believe in being part of the modern world. Among foodies, they are also known for their traditional fare ranging from kiekle (noodles with cream gravy) to a sweet plum soup called Pluma Moos. Perhaps the most popular Mennonite dish is Farmer's Sausage, a smoked pork sausage that is a favourite at Winnipeg eateries. Try it at The Don, a popular breakfast spot, where it is served with eggs and hash browns.
See also: Canada's Northwest Territories and Beyond
This article has been produced in association with Destination Canada.
To discover more about Canada and why you should really visit, see https://au-keepexploring.canada.travel/
For great travel deals for a holiday in Canada, see http://www.adventureworld.com.au/explore-canada/
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