Canada is known for hockey, Justin Trudeau, cold weather, ehs. What doesn't usually make the list? Canadian food. But, with iconic dishes like poutine and butter tarts, it’s clear the Great White North is serving up a memorable menu. 

So, grab a hockey stick (or fork, if that's more your thing), and let's dig into the delicious world of Canadian grub. 

You Need to Try These Canadian Foods

1. Poutine

 

Ah, poutine! The dish combines three of the best food groups: fries, cheese, and gravy. What's not to love? It's a Canadian classic. The origins of the dish are debated, but it was created in Quebec sometime in the 1950s or 60s. Some say a regular customer at a small restaurant asked the owner to add cheese curds to his fries. Next thing you know, the gravy came out, and voilá– poutine. 

Whatever its origins, this comfort food is on menus across Canada and has even made its way beyond the borders. And, if you find yourself looking for the best poutine in Toronto or Ottawa, we have a suggestion.

2. Maple Syrup

 

Not exactly a meal in itself, but this national treasure had to be on the list. Made by tapping maple trees and boiling the sap down to a thick, syrupy sauce, this stuff is liquid gold. The Indigenous peoples of North America were the OGs of maple syrup, using it to preserve meat and sweeten their tea and porridge. But now, we're pouring it on everything from pancakes to salmon, and even using it as a cocktail ingredient. That sweet and earthy flavor combo is pure magic.

3. Bannock

 

Bannock is a type of flatbread found in Native cuisines throughout North America. The word “bannock” comes from the Gaelic bannach, meaning morsel. The dish was introduced by Scottish and Irish immigrants who arrived in the 1800s. It’s made from a mixture of flour, water, fat, milk, salt, and sugar. The ingredients are shaped into a thick pancake and fried. Easy to make and carbo-rich, it’s no wonder that bannock was popular for travelers, fur traders…and now you? 

You can find bannock in all sorts of variations, from sweet to savory; we're talking bannock pizzas, bannock breakfast sandwiches, and even bannock burgers. If you get really into bannock, we’ve got a mantra for you: Don’t panic– have some bannock!

4. Butter Tart

 

Butter tarts are as delightful as they sound. They're made with a buttery pastry shell filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs. Some folks like to add raisins or pecans, while others prefer them plain. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of butter tarts, head to the town of Midland, Ontario where there’s an annual Butter Tart Festival. Enthusiasts from all over Canada come to sample dozens of varieties of butter tarts, from traditional to experimental flavors like bacon or balsamic vinegar. Whichever flavor is your go-to, butter tarts are as sweet and inviting as their motherland.

From poutine to butter tarts, Canada will make your mouth water. Whether you're planning a visit to the Great White North or just looking to expand your palate, get ready to dig into these Canadian foods.

Satisfy Your Poutine Craving at BFF

BFF isn’t your typical burger n’ fries joint. Our food helps to remove barriers and unite people from different backgrounds over memorable and nostalgic flavors. With quality ingredients and creative combos, we aim to be your (tastebuds’) BFF.  

Stop by one of our locations for the best poutine in Ottawa or Toronto. Or, order takeout or delivery directly through our website, then tag us in pics of your fave BFF foods @burgersnfriesforever.