North America
Food of Canada
The 6 most iconic national dishes of Canada — real photos, key ingredients and tasty facts behind every plate.
Americas
Poutine
Canada’s best-known comfort food combines hot fries, fresh cheese curds and brown gravy into a rich, salty dish with a signature squeaky texture. It is especially associated with Québec.
Did you know?
Poutine emerged in rural Québec in the late 1950s and has since become a national symbol of Canadian fast food.
Tourtière
A traditional French-Canadian meat pie with a flaky crust and a warmly spiced filling, often served at Christmas and New Year. Versions vary by region, from minced pork to cubed game meats.
Did you know?
The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean version is famously deep and hearty, sometimes layered with several kinds of meat and potatoes.
Butter tart
This classic Canadian tart has a flaky shell filled with a sweet, buttery syrup that can be runny or firm depending on the baker. Raisins or pecans are common but fiercely debated additions.
Did you know?
One of the earliest published butter tart recipes appeared in Ontario in the early 20th century.
Montreal-style bagel
Smaller, denser and slightly sweeter than New York bagels, these are hand-rolled, boiled in honey-sweetened water and baked in a wood-fired oven. The result is chewy, glossy and deeply toasted.
Did you know?
Montréal’s famous bagel rivalry between St-Viateur and Fairmount has helped turn the style into an international food landmark.
Nanaimo bar
A no-bake layered bar from British Columbia, it combines a crumbly chocolate-coconut base, a custard-flavoured middle and a chocolate topping. It is rich, sweet and instantly recognizable.
Did you know?
The dessert is named after the city of Nanaimo, which has actively promoted it as a signature local specialty.
Ploye
A buckwheat pancake from the Madawaska region of New Brunswick, ployes are thin, tender and slightly earthy in flavour. They are commonly served rolled with butter, molasses or savory meals.
Did you know?
Ployes are closely tied to the Brayonne culture of northwestern New Brunswick and nearby Maine.