For many, traveling is all about getting out of the house and trying something new — specifically, trying some new foods. When you think of Canada, you might not think of unique cuisine, but you’d be surprised at the amount and quality of Canada-specific foods available to interested travelers. Canada is a land rich in delicious and fascinating foods, so on your next trip to Niagara Falls, you can seek out some of these famous Canadian eats to satisfy your cravings for culinary adventure.
Poutine
Americans might think of French Fries as the most patriotic dish we’ve got, but the Canadians have added some flavors to make it truly their own. An ample serving of fries is layered with savory gravy and chewy cheese curds to give this dish a satisfying amount of flavor and texture. Gourmet chefs have experimented with poutine and added ingredients like fois gras or black truffles, though we’re partial to the regular standby.
Butter Tart
This no-fuss dessert has been around almost as long as Canada itself. It is comprised of a flaky, buttery pastry shell filled with a type of custard made of butter, eggs, sugar, and syrup, usually of the maple variety. The tarts can be runny or firm, depending on the pastry chef’s inclinations, and they often are topped with raisins or nuts.
Beavertail
This pastry concoction is decadent and delicious, and it’s a wonder that it’s barely heard of below the border. Beavertails are essentially dough shaped into the shape of a beaver tail (hence the name) and fried. Then the dough is topped with anything your heart desires. The most common toppings are chocolate and fruits, though various other candies, like Twix or Heath, are popular as well.
Maple Syrup
You’ve surely heard the phrase “as Canadian as maple syrup,” and with the iconic maple leaf front-and-center on our flag, it’s no wonder that everything maple-flavored is closely tied with Canada. You’ll get the purest and freshest maple syrup north of the border for you to pour on pancakes or waffles, plus you can get any number of baked goods maple flavored, from beavertails to doughnuts. Maple candy is also particularly popular, so be sure to sample a maple toffee or two while you’re here.
Game Meat
The forests in Canada are extensive, with almost 90 percent of Canada uninhabited. This means the wild animal populations are allowed to flourish, giving Canadians access to the choicest game meats anywhere in North America. If you identify as a carnivore, here are some of the meats you mind like to try while visiting the Great White North:
- Boar
- Bison
- Reindeer
- Moose
- Elk
- Deer
- Rabbit
Ketchup Chips
When you just need something to nibble on in your comfortable hotel suite, pick up a bag of Canada’s favorite ketchup-flavored potato chips. Canadians swear by the salty, non-tomato flavor of their ketchup chips, even if Americans have never caught onto the fad. We know you’ll fall in love as much as we have, though one piece of advice: Keep a napkin handy to wipe the extra flavoring off your fingers, or you might see little red fingerprints all over your clothes.