Between the beautiful national parks and busy cities, Canada has much to offer for any potential visitor. However, nothing is as important as the various foods and dishes that Canadian culture has to offer. From the obvious poutine to some of the more under-the-radar treats, here is a list of five Canadian dishes you absolutely need to try on your next visit to Canada.
1. Poutine
Not many Canadian dishes are as notorious as poutine. For the few who may not have heard, the wonderful Canadian invention of poutine consists of french fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy. It is essentially the Canadian version of loaded fries from America. Poutine is a staple of Canadian culture, and while it is starting to become offered across the world, nothing can compare to an order of authentic Canadian poutine. It doesn't help that it is typically offered at a cheap price, leaving you no excuse to try it!
2. Butter Tarts
A simple dish, but a delectable one. This essential Canadian dish is highly regarded in Canadian cuisine. Butter Tarts are filled with butter, sugar, syrup, and egg. These ingredients are then baked into a pastry shell until the filling is semi-solid with a crunchy top. This dish can be found at most coffee shops and bakeries for relatively cheap, once again leaving you with no excuse to try a quintessential part of Canadian culture.
3. Tourtière
Part of Canadian cuisine since the early 1600s, Tourtière is as hearty of a meal as you can get in Canada. Originating from Quebec, Tourtière is a meat pie dish made with minced pork, veal/beef, and potatoes. While Tourtière is traditionally served during the holidays, it is usually offered year round. Depending on where you purchase it from, the meat inside of the pie can vary from anywhere between the traditional pork, wild game meat, and even fish.
4. Split Pea Soup
One of Canada's finest comfort foods, split pea soup is a classic Canadian dish. Typically made from dried peas, salt pork, and herbs, split pea soup is best served on a cold Canadian winter's day. Split pea soup is sometimes served with a jonnycake, a cornmeal flatbread.
5. Nanaimo Bars
Named after the British Columbian city of Nanaimo, these tri-layered dessert bars are a delicious treat that can be made in your own home! The nanaimo bar is made of three layers. The first layer consists of wafers, a layer of nuts (typically walnuts, almonds, or pecans), and a coconut crumb base The second consists of custard icing, and the third consists of a layer of chocolate ganache. Try one for yourself and you will see why the nanaimo bar was voted "Canada's favorite confection."
If you are looking to experience a little piece of Canadian cuisine, consider checking out some of Canada's major cities. You may even find you want to look at some Vancouver homes for sale and stay in the area. Once you try the food, you won't be able to go back to eating anything else!
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of foodworldnews.com
