Top 7 Canadian Foods

By: Brian Clarke

In celebration of Canada Day, I wanted to write something acknowledging Canadian culture.  If you’re a regular reader, you wouldn’t be surprised that I chose food.  It’s no secret that I love my food, so it was a match made in heaven to write about Canadian cuisine as we prepare for our national holiday.

You might be surprised by the placement of some of these foods – particularly that poutine falls as low as #3. However, if you’ve taken a look at any of my Rickshaw Recipes, you will understand why.  My taste in food is simple: meaty, savoury dishes!

I’m sure many will disagree with the ordering of my list, and if so, please share your thoughts in the comments below!

My top 7 Canadian Foods:

7. Butter tarts

I’m not a huge sweets fan, but butter tarts are delicious and they make this list by default by being regarded as many as Canada’s national dessert food.

6. Cheese Curds

If you don’t think cheese curds belong on this list, get in your car and drive about 45 minutes east of Ottawa to the St. Albert’s factory. They will convince you, I can guarantee it!

5. Tourtière

Otherwise known as meat pie, tourtière is a classic in Francophone Canada. My grandma would make it quite often, with a side of mashed potatoes, all smothered in gravy! Those wonderful memories are why this makes the top 5 on my list.

4. Maple Syrup

The comedian Danny Bhoy once said that you can tell a lot about a nation by looking at what they eat for breakfast. I wonder what maple syrup says about Canadians.  Anything tastes better with a little maple syrup drizzled on top – pancakes, waffles, bacon, toast – you name it!

3. Poutine

The classic Canadian dish that is ever so popular in Eastern Canada.  For me, and many other Canadians, poutine is a great comfort dish when one is feeling a little under the weather (a.k.a. hung over).

2. Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich

Now we’re getting into my favourite Canadian dishes.  Actually, some of my favourite dishes period! When I make a sandwich, one of my first choices will be this Canadian classic – some rye bread with piles of Montreal smoked meat, smothered in a Dijon mustard.

1. Alberta Beef

Yes, I know you can beef anywhere, but I will stick to my guns until the day I die and say the best tasting beef comes from Canada.  What better way to celebrate Canada Day this Sunday than a couple nice steaks and burgers on the BBQ and a cold beer or seven?

What would make your list of top Canadian foods?