Expert: Suzette - 11/21/2002

Question
I am a Canadian currently attending school in the States and I am always at a loss when people ask me about typical Canadian dishes.  Besides poutine (with which, unfortunately, I am only too familiar) what else would be considered a typically Canadian dish.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jonah!

Well, defining what is Canadian food depends on what part of Canada you're from! The traditional cuisine varies from British Columbia (Salmon & Wild Rice, and Nanaimo Bars) to Newfoundland (Cod Cakes and fish cheeks), to Native dishes (maple sugar pie) to French Canadian Foods (Tortiere, Yellow Pea Soup).

Speaking of Poutine, did you know it is almost uniquely Canadian to have gravy on your fries? In England, that's how they can tell Americans apart from Canadians - Canadians ask for gravy on their fries.

From the East Coast - Irish Stew, Fish Chowders, Bangbellies (a pork/rice bun), Toutons (Pork Bread), and Duffs (like a dumpling), Molasses Tarts and Partridge Berry Coffee Cake, chocolate bread pudding, oat bread, Cape Breton scones, Creamed Potato Balls, Baked Stuffed Lobster,

Native - Posole Stew (uses hominy), corn casserole, Frypan Fork Bread, Cornmeal pudding, Maple Fudge, Wojape (a berry pudding)

Quebec - Crème Caramel, French Onion Soup, Split Yellow Pea Soup, Garlic Pork Pot Roast, Cipate (Chicken, meat and vegetable casserole with biscuit topping), 3 crust blueberry pie

Ontario - Pine Nut Stuffed Quail, pickled yellow beans, apple butter, headcheese, smoked ham, creamed potatoes, vanilla pie, ice wine, BBQ's, hot sauces, doughnuts

Prairies (I'm not too familiar with foods from this region of Canada) - Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Wild Mushroom Barley Ragout & Summer Vegetables, Grilled Asparagus, Saskatoon Pie


B.C. - Goats Cheese Terrine, Raisin scones with clotted cream, sablefish, Nanaimo Bars, Poached Salmon, Maple Glazed Chicken Breasts, Oysters, Flatbreads, Vegan cuisine and anything disgustingly healthy (i.e. tofu, miso soup, etc.)


I hope some of that helps.

Suzette