There’s more to Canadian Recipes than just gravy and doughnuts! From poutine to maple syrup, Canada has a lot of great food.
So, here are 25 Canadian recipes that will make your mouth water, no matter where you live.
You might not have known this, but Canada has a lot of wonderful foods and meals to offer.
And we’re not talking about Poutine or beaver tails—although those are both wonderful and should definitely be on your radar.
We’re talking about dishes that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a land of maple syrup and hockey pucks (even if you haven’t).
Whether it’s the seafood-heavy menus of the Atlantic provinces or the meat-centric meals of the prairies,
Canadian cuisine has something for everyone.
And we’d love to share our favorite recipes with you!
However, for most Canadians, the relationship between food and their lives is slightly different from what we might be used to.
They have a different history compared to other countries, and it shows in their cuisine.
One thing is that they don’t really have “national” dishes.
Instead, they tend to eat regional dishes typical of where they live.
For example, if you visit Ontario, you might try Poutine, a dish made with french fries, cheese curds, and gravy (it’s also known for being quite greasy).
If you’re in Quebec City or Montreal, you can find Smoked Meat sandwiches, which are popular street food that comes from Eastern Europe and has some Jewish influences.
And if you visit Calgary? You’ll find Ginger Beef!
But no matter what part of Canada you go to or what restaurant you eat at (or even who makes the food),
all Canadian recipes have one thing in common: they are made with love.
That’s why you have to save a copy of #23‘s recipe.
It’s not something you’d expect to see, but it sure tastes good!
So, what are you waiting for?
Let’s get started!
1. Poutine
One of the most delicious foods on the planet, Poutine is a Canadian treat that is just as good for you as it is for your tastebuds.
It’s made with french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
The combination is so rich and filling that it was originally designed to be served as an appetizer!
But don’t let the fact that it’s considered an appetizer scare you off from ordering this dish at restaurants.
You’ll want to make sure you get enough poutine for everyone in your party—it’s hard to stop eating once you start!
Roasted Peameal Bacon is the ultimate in cured-meat deliciousness.
It’s got all the flavor of traditional peameal bacon, but with a roasted flavor that will leave you craving more.
When you think about how to describe Roasted Peameal Bacon, there are a lot of words that come to mind: salty, savory, crispy.
But we think you’ll agree that “delicious” is probably the most accurate descriptor.
This soup is a unique take on the traditional split pea soup, which is popular in Quebec.
Plus, the taste is what you’d expect from a split pea soup: earthy, warm, and delicious.
But the flavor? Well, that’s where things get interesting.
The soup gets its unique taste from the addition of ham hock, which gives the soup a rich meaty flavor that works perfectly with its other ingredients, like carrots and celery.
We think it’s safe to say that Nova Scotia Hodge Podge is one of the most unique flavors you’ll ever try.
It feels like having a party in your mouth every time you eat them.
It’s also rich, savory, and creamy.
And it’s got just enough crunch to make it feel satisfying, but not so much crunch that it feels too heavy.
It simply tastes like home!
The Instant Pot Lentil Fricot is the kind of dish that will please even the fussiest eater.
The flavor is rich and complex, combining the best of herby and piney tastes to create an aromatic dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
And it’s hearty enough to satisfy a hungry crowd without weighing them down afterward.
What’s more, it’s easy to make—the Instant Pot does all the work!
You just need some time to soak the lentils overnight before putting them in the appliance and letting it do its thing while you get ready for work or school.
Then come back in no time at all, and voila! Dinner is served!
Montreal Smoked Meat is a delicacy.
It’s a taste that must be experienced, not described.
And there’s a reason people travel from all over Canada and the USA to Montreal for their smoked meat.
It’s just amazing!
It has that rich and smoky taste, with a hint of saltiness mixed with the flavor of the meat itself.
Plus, the texture is tender but hearty, and it melts in your mouth when you bite into it.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s going to make you feel like you’re on the beach, then you need to try the Grilled Nova Scotia Lobster Roll.
This dish is a classic example of grilled lobster done right.
It’s full of flavor and deliciousness, but it won’t leave a greasy mess on your fingers or your clothes.
It’s also a very simple recipe to make, so you can whip up a quick snack in no time at all!
And remember: this dish is perfect for a crowd!
So, if you’re throwing a party and want to feed your guests something delicious and unique, serve them some Grilled Nova Scotia Lobster Roll.
8. Tourtière
Tourtiere is a traditional French-Canadian dish made mainly with ground beef, potatoes, and onions.
It’s typically baked on a large pie plate with a top crust of dough.
The flavor of tourtiere is also rich and savory, and the texture is smooth and soft.
And the meat is moistened with the juices from the meat and potatoes, which makes it very juicy and flavorful.
When you bite in to tourtiere, you’ll notice that it has an almost gravy-like consistency, but without any sauce or liquid—just pure savory delight!
Montreal Bagels are the perfect combination of chewy and crusty that you’d expect from a traditional New York-style bagel.
But what really sets them apart is their unique flavor.
They’re made with honey and maple syrup, which gives them a taste that’s similar to a pumpkin spice latte.
And we think this makes them perfect for fall weather when you want a little something sweet but not too much!
10. Flapper Pie
Flapper Pie is a flavor that you can’t help but fall in love with.
It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it’s tart all at once.
You’ll first notice the undertones of vanilla—that lovely white flowery smell that reminds you of your grandma’s house.
Then you’ll get a hint of cinnamon—the warm spice that makes your mouth water and your heart flutter.
And finally, it finishes with a bit of salt, which is what keeps the whole thing together and makes sure it doesn’t taste too sweet or too salty!
11. Nanaimo Bars
We’ve all heard the phrase “too good to be true,” right?
Well, Nanaimo Bars are exactly that.
The flavor is rich and decadent.
Plus, the chocolate ganache is sweet and creamy, and the coconut custard gives it an amazing texture.
Then, the graham cracker crust adds just enough crunch to make you feel like you’re eating something special and not just any old dessert.
The Traditional Canadian Bannock Bread is a delicious bread that tastes great with just about anything.
But it’s best served with butter or dipped in soup or tea.
It is also made from ingredients like flour and milk, so it has a sweet flavor.
And the texture is soft and crunchy, which makes it ideal for dipping into soups or dunking into tea.
13. Pouding Chômeur
Pouding Chômeur is one of those Canadian recipes that taste like a slice of heaven.
It’s sweet without overpowering—it’s just right.
It’s creamy and rich, but not so much that you feel like an over-indulgent slob when you eat it.
And the consistency is just heavenly: light and fluffy, yet dense enough to be substantial.
But what really makes Pouding Chômeur stand out is its flavor.
It has the perfect balance of flavors: a hint of vanilla, a dash of salt, and a whole lot of sweetness that hits you right in the face with every bite.
Isn’t that what we all want in life?
The flavor of Canadian Butter Tarts is a little hard to describe.
It’s not sweet, but it isn’t savory either.
It’s both and neither, like a paradox.
Plus, the taste is almost like a cross between warm butter and maple syrup but without any of the sweetness that you’d expect in either of those things.
It’s a bit like eating a cookie made with actual butter instead of margarine—the first bite is really satisfying, but as you continue to eat it, you realize there’s something missing from the taste that makes it feel less than satisfying.
And yet, somehow… it just keeps calling to you: “Eat me! Eat me!”
This salmon dish is the literal definition of “falling off the bone.”
It’s like biting into a piece of perfectly cooked meat with just enough fat to make it juicy and then having it just melt away in your mouth.
The maple syrup adds a depth of sweetness without being overwhelming.
And the cedar plank absorbs some of that tartness, too, making it more complex than just plain old honey-glazed salmon would be.
We have no idea how they do it, but we’re glad to find this recipe!
16. Canadian Donair
If you’ve never had a Canadian Donair, let us tell you: it’s a whole different ballgame.
The first thing that hits your tongue is the sweetness of the donair sauce.
Then, as you go deeper into the donair, there are hints of saltiness that make your mouth water even more.
Finally, when you reach the pit of the donair (which is also known as “the meat”), you’ll find sweet meaty goodness that will have you coming back for more.
The taste of Saskatoon Berry Pie is best described as “the essence of summer.”
The berries are sweet and juicy but not too tart.
The crust is flaky and buttery but not so rich that you feel like you’re eating a stick of butter.
And the filling is just right: not too much fruit and not too much sugar.
It’s a perfect balance!
We think it’s the ideal dessert for warm summer days spent out on the patio with friends and family.
18. Beaver Tails
If you’re thinking about Beaver Tails, you might be imagining something like a doughnut that has been fried in the shape of a beaver.
And while that’s all true, it’s only half the story.
Beaver Tails are, in fact, fried dough that has been shaped into a beavertail, then topped with all kinds of delicious toppings.
And its texture is unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted—it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with the right level of chewiness to make it feel like you’re eating something substantial.
The flavor is also rich and satisfying without being overly sweet or heavy; it leaves your mouth feeling clean instead of sticky or greasy like other desserts do.
Pâté Chinois is a delectable spread made with beef that’s been mixed with herbs and spices, then baked.
It tastes great on toast or crackers, but it’s also delicious as an appetizer when served with toasted baguette slices.
The consistency of Pâté Chinois is soft and creamy with a hint of saltiness.
And the flavor is mild and sweet.
Plus, you might even find hints of garlic and onion in every bite.
Do you know what’s better than a regular turkey?
A Canadian-inspired turkey.
That’s right, this one has taken our classic roast turkey recipe and added some of Canada’s finest flavor: maple syrup.
The Canadian Maple Roast Turkey and Gravy is a sweet and savory combination that will make your tastebuds sing.
The first bite will remind you of the holidays, with its depth of flavor and notes of thyme and marjoram.
But the second bite will be even better than the first, as the sweet-and-salty combination tickles your tongue and makes your mouth water for more!
Calgary Ginger Beef is a spicy and zesty dish that has become a Calgary staple.
Its name refers to the city of Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the ginger spice used in the dish’s preparation.
Plus, its flavor profile is quite complex, with multiple layers that work together to create an overall effect.
The ginger gives a spicy kick that is balanced out by the soy sauce, which has been reduced down until it has a syrupy consistency.
And the beef itself is also tenderized with time before being stir-fried in oil until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
Then, the final layer comes from green onions, which add an earthy aroma that’s perfect for rounding out the intense flavors of this dish!
22. Fish & Brewis
We’re sure you’re familiar with the classic British dish “fish and chips,” but have you ever heard of Fish and Brewis?
It’s a traditional Canadian dish that combines fish and pork in one hearty meal, and it’s absolutely delicious.
The name came from a blend of the two main ingredients: fish and hardtack.
And the ingredients are cooked together in a pot, then served with vegetables and potatoes.
Besides, the taste is very savory, with just a little bit of spice from the cayenne pepper.
It’s rich and filling but not heavy on your stomach.
Plus, it simply combines all the flavors perfectly to make for a memorable meal—one that you’ll definitely want to share with friends!
23. Salmon Pie
French-Canadian Salmon Pie is a Canadian classic.
It’s a mix of salmon, potatoes, onions, and cream, and it’s absolutely delicious.
It’s also sweet and smoky, with a hint of earthy potatoes.
The salmon is cooked perfectly: flaky and tender on the outside, with just enough bite leftover on the inside to give you something to chew on!
And it’s very filling!
You’ll want this pie for dinner, but it could easily be your lunch too!
24. Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian Pizza is one of the best fusion foods ever.
And it’s not really from Hawaii, but from a Greek immigrant in Canada!
It combines two of the greatest things in the world: pizza and pineapple.
And it’s described as sweet, savory, and tangy.
The ham and pineapple go so well together that it’s hard to imagine just one of them.
Plus, the sweetness of the pineapple balances the saltiness of the ham, making every bite a very satisfying experience.
25. Timbits
First off, let’s talk about the name.
A Timbit is a Canadian term for a donut hole.
So, it’s no wonder that Timbits are shaped like little donuts, but they’re not actually
donuts at all!
They’re bite-sized balls of pure deliciousness that come in all sorts of different flavors, like chocolate glazed and raspberry-filled.
You can even get them with maple frosting!
But what’s even better than their incredible taste?
Their size!
Timbits are so tiny (about the size of a nickel) that they’re perfect for sharing with friends or eating one by yourself without feeling guilty about it.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for some Canadian recipes that will make your friends and family think you’ve been eating poutine and maple syrup since birth, look no further than this list!
We’ve included everything from the quintessential dish of Poutine to a recipe for sweet pea soup that they’ll be raving about all year long!
However, these are just a few of the amazing recipes you can find in Canada.
But we think they’re enough to keep you busy for a while.
Happy cooking!
Top 25 BEST Ways To Make Canadian Food
There's more to Canadian Recipes than just gravy and doughnuts! From poutine to maple syrup, Canada has a lot of great food.
Ingredients
- Poutine
- Peameal Bacon
- Quebec-Style Yellow Split Pea Soup
- Nova Scotia Hodge Podge
- Instant Pot Lentil Fricot
- Montreal Smoked Meat
- Grilled Nova Scotia Lobster Roll
- Tourtière
- Montreal Bagels
- Flapper Pie
- Nanaimo Bars
- Traditional Canadian Bannock Bread
- Pouding Chômeur
- Canadian Butter Tarts
- Canadian Maple Cedar Plank Salmon
- Canadian Donair
- Saskatoon Berry Pie
- Beaver Tails
- Pâté Chinois (Quebec Style Shepherd’s Pie)
- Canadian Maple Roast Turkey & Gravy
- Calgary Ginger Beef
- Fish & Brewis
- Salmon Pie
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Timbits
Instructions
- Pick your favorite Canadian Recipes here!
- Gather your ingredients and make a great meal, eh?
- Sharing is caring!
Sam of Canada
Saturday 13th of August 2022
That is the most ludicrous description of butter tarts I've ever heard. To be clear, butter tarts are sweet. Always, definitely sweet. Sometimes salty/salted, but always, always, always sweet. In fact, the filling is mostly brown sugar. They not at all like eating a cookie, and there is nothing "missing" (definitely not margarine! I don't even know what to say to that) They're basically like mini pecan pies without the pecans (although sometimes they are also made with pecans or raisins) - the brown sugar and butter filling is thick and gooey with the top just beginning to caramelize and become crisp. Any person who isn't sure if butter tarts are sweet has never had a Canadian butter tart.
Andi Reis
Friday 2nd of September 2022
Hi, Sam. We are going to more closely edit our global posts moving forward. Thank you for your thoughtful response.