A Deep Dive into Canadian Foodie Traditions

Canada is known for its foodie traditions and products, with each area of the country shaped by culinary practices that have been handed down through generations.

From comforting pies and signature cocktails to the towering cultural significance of maple syrup, there’s so much to Canada’s diverse food culture. Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in!

A brief history of Canadian food

Typical Canadian cuisine can be traced back to the First Nations peoples in the 16th and 17th centuries with the likes of flatbread and pemmican forming a staple diet, until the arrival of European settlers introduced traditional English food. Today, Canada’s cuisine is a fusion of French, English and Native American dishes and ingredients.

Canada’s foodie customs are largely shaped by geographical location, with most residents living along the Eastern seaboard favouring seafood dishes and English traditions—all except one region, Quebec. In this region, the food is heavily influenced by French heritage and locals eat the likes of poutine and French-Canadian crêpes. 

Perhaps the most well-known and typically Canadian food product is none other than pure Canadian maple syrup, a deliciously sweet sap harvested from maple trees and boiled down in iconic sugar shacks to make syrup.

But what else is Canada famous for? Over the centuries, the country has welcomed diverse cultures and locally sourced ingredients which form what we know as Canada’s foodie traditions. 

Popular Canadian food traditions

Popular Canadian recipes range from the comforting classic Tourtière and zesty Caesar Cocktail to the popular Salmon dishes, the sweet Montréal bagel, and of course pure Canadian maple syrup.

Classic Tourtière

The comforting and warm classic Tourtière pie is a favourite French dish originating from Quebec.

Filled with ground pork (or ground beef if you prefer), grated potato and the warming spices of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, the dish makes for a true hearty Canadian staple that is typically shared around the holiday season, especially on Canadian Thanksgiving.

Caesar Cocktail

Canada’s most popular cocktail is the delicious Caesar—best known as the Canadian take on the Bloody Mary—that was invented in Calgary, Alberta in the late 60s, and has since become a national favourite with Canadians drinking more than 400 million Caesars annually.

The drink was created as a signature cocktail for the opening of a new Italian restaurant and is infused with vodka, tomato juice, clam nectar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, celery salt and a dash of oregano for a unique spicy flavour.

Salmon

Salmon is among one of the most popular dishes in Canada—particularly along the Eastern seaboard where salmon farmers work to fish for the high-quality product using the same traditional methods including dipnets and spears that First Nations fishers favoured. Fan-favourite dishes involve maple-mustard glazed salmon and pan-seared salmon.

The Montréal Bagel

The Montréal bagel, known for its sweetness and denseness, is another Canadian foodie tradition among locals. This wheaty but crispy favourite is often covered in sesame or poppy seeds and baked in a wood-fired oven to bring about the delicious, nutty flavour. 

Although the exact heritage of The Montréal bagel isn’t confirmed, it’s said to have been introduced by Eastern Europeans who brought their heritage with when they settled in Montréal. 

Pure Maple Syrup

Of course, maple syrup is perhaps the biggest Canadian foodie traditions—it can’t get more traditional than pure maple syrup extracted from forests across Canada.

Pure Maple Syrup is used in plenty of recipes and suitable for every season. All four grades are 100% natural products that are perfect for adding a bit of sweetness to many favourite dishes and recipes.

Get inspired by the Canadian foodie traditions and make your own recipes with our pure Canadian maple syrup:

Quebec Maple Pork Pie

Dig into the Quebec maple pork pie, an absolute staple made with juicy pork, fragrant spices, and two tablespoons of pure Canadian maple syrup magic to create a delicious and classic Canadian pie that will easily fill the spot.

Chicken, Ham, and Maple Pie

Create your own version of the comforting and homely Classic Tourtière with our chicken, ham, and maple pie, cooked with fresh vegetables, delicious seasonings and maple syrup. This dish is nothing short of mouth-watering and makes for a hearty and filling meal for the whole family to enjoy.

Maple Pear Spritz 

Not a Caesar, but a Canadian cocktail nonetheless is the Maple pear spritz, an absolute treat on a hot summer’s day. This thirst-quenching drink is created with pure maple syrup, lemon juice, gin and pear soda, then garnished with a pear slice to make for a refreshing cocktail combination.

Pan-Fried Maple Salmon 

Dive into some of Canada’s favourites with a classic Salmon dish. Taking centre stage is the Pan-fried maple salmon, covered in maple glaze and garnished with lime and coriander to create a sweet, succulent and easy-to-make meal that will exceed your expectations.

Maple-Glazed Salmon and Pickled Cucumber Coronation Bagels

Elevate your bagel to the next level with our Maple-glazed salmon and pickled cucumber bagels. With salmon fillets, cream cheese, cucumber, pure maple syrup, fresh dill and tomatoes, this makes for a tasty brunch or delicious dinner for busy weeknights.

These recipes are simple, delicious and embrace the heritage of Canada and the nation’s foodie traditions — all the while using pure Canadian maple syrup!

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out the rest of our recipes with maple syrup!