Canada Food Guide: Must Try Dishes and Local Cuisine

Canada is a great place for Filipino travelers who enjoy good food. Because of its mix of cultures, it is easy to find local comfort food, Asian flavors, and familiar rice meals in one trip. From hot meals on cold days to fresh seafood and filling Western dishes, eating in Canada feels exciting but still comforting. Each city has its own food scene, which makes every stop interesting. Ready to enjoy a food trip in Canada? Book your flight on Trip.com and start planning your food journey today.

🍴 Top 6 Must-Try Canada Foods

🧀 Poutine – The Ultimate Canadian Comfort Food

I first tried poutine on a cold night in Toronto. I was tired from walking all day and just wanted something hot and filling. I saw a small diner, went inside, and ordered the most popular dish on the menu, poutine. The fries were still crispy, the cheese was soft and stretchy, and the hot gravy brought everything together. It felt warm and comforting, especially after a long day. From that night on, poutine became one of my favorite comfort foods.

📖 About Poutine?

Poutine is a simple but tasty Canadian dish. It starts with a base of crispy French fries, then topped with fresh cheese curds, and finally covered in hot, rich brown gravy. You can find it everywhere in Canada—from fast food shops to fancy restaurants. Some places even add toppings like pulled pork, bacon, or mushrooms.

🍴 Best Places to Try It

La Banquise (Montreal)

This place is open 24 hours and has over 30 types of poutine.
📍 994 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2J3, Canada
💰 Price: Around CAD 10 to 15 (₱420–₱630)

Smoke’s Poutinerie (Nationwide)

A go-to chain for classic and creative versions.
📍 Available in many cities including Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver
💰 Price: Around CAD 9 to 12 (₱380–₱500)

Costco Canada Food Court

Yes, even Costco sells a decent poutine, and it is budget friendly.
📍 Various locations across Canada
💰 Price: Around CAD 5 to 6 (₱210–₱250)

💡 Pro Tips

👉 Best enjoyed hot, so eat it right away.
👉 If you’re new to it, try the original first before exploring the fancy toppings.
👉 Ask locals for their favorite poutine spot—they usually know a hidden gem.

🥧 Canadian Butter Tart – A Sweet Bite You Will Remember

The first time I tried a butter tart in Canada, I did not expect much. It looked small and simple, but once I took a bite, I understood why locals love it. The crust was flaky, and the filling was warm, sweet, and slightly sticky. It tasted rich but comforting, like a homemade dessert shared with family.

📖 About Butter Tart

Butter tart is a classic Canadian dessert that started in Ontario. It is made with a pastry shell filled with butter, sugar, and eggs. Some versions include raisins or nuts, while others keep it plain. Every bakery has its own style, and Canadians often debate which version is the best.

🍴 Best Places to Try It

Circles and Squares Bakery

Famous for its rich and well balanced butter tarts. Locals often line up for these.
📍 Location: 197 Bartley Dr, East York, ON M4A 1E6, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 3 to CAD 5 per piece

Maid's Cottage

A well known spot for traditional butter tarts with different fillings.
📍 Location: 223 Main St S, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6M7, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 3 to CAD 6 per piece

The Sweet Oven

Popular during food festivals and markets. Their butter tarts sell out fast.
📍 Location: 90 Park Pl Blvd #2, Barrie, ON L4N 6P8, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 3 to CAD 5 per piece

💡 Pro Tips

👉 Try both plain and raisin versions to see which you like more.
👉 Butter tarts are great with coffee or tea during a break from sightseeing.
👉 Buy extra to bring back to your hotel, but eat them within the day for best taste.

🍫 Nanaimo Bar – A Sweet No Bake Classic

I first tried a Nanaimo bar at a small café, thinking it was just another chocolate dessert. One bite proved me wrong. The bottom layer was firm and slightly crunchy, the middle was creamy and smooth, and the top chocolate layer melted slowly in my mouth. It was rich but satisfying, perfect for a short dessert break.

📖 About Nanaimo Bar

The Nanaimo bar comes from British Columbia. It is a no bake dessert made with three layers. A crumb base, a buttercream filling, and a chocolate topping. It is one of the most well known Canadian desserts and is often found in bakeries and cafés.

🍴 Best Places to Try It

Purebread

Popular bakery with a rich and well balanced Nanaimo bar.
📍 Location: #108, 2575 Blackwell St, Ottawa, ON K1B 4E4, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 4 to CAD 6 per piece

The Nanaimo Bar

A local favorite in the dessert’s hometown.
📍 Location: 2-75 Front St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H9, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 4 to CAD 7 per piece

💡 Pro Tips

👉 Share one piece if you want something sweet but not too heavy.
👉 Best eaten slightly chilled so the layers stay firm.

🥯 Montreal Bagel – Chewy and Fresh From the Oven

Walking through Montreal in the morning, I followed the smell of fresh bread and found myself holding a warm bagel. It was smaller and chewier than what I was used to, with a slight sweetness. Eating it fresh, straight from the paper bag, felt simple and very local.

📖 About Montreal Bagel

Montreal bagels are hand rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked in a wood fired oven. They are usually topped with sesame seeds and eaten plain or with cream cheese. Locals often eat them fresh without any spread.

🍴 Best Places to Try It

St-Viateur Bagel

Open day and night and famous for fresh bagels.
📍 Location: 263 Saint Viateur St. West, Montreal, Quebec H2V 1Y1, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 1 to CAD 2 per bagel

Fairmount Bagel

A long time favorite with a traditional taste.
📍 Location: 74 Av. Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M2, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 1 to CAD 2 per bagel

💡 Pro Tips

👉 Eat it fresh for the best taste and texture.
👉 Buy a small bag to snack on while walking around the city.

🦞 Lobster Roll – Fresh Seafood by the Coast

I tried my first lobster roll near the coast, sitting outside with the sea breeze around me. The lobster meat was sweet and tender, mixed lightly with sauce and placed in a soft bun. It tasted fresh and clean, not heavy at all.

📖 About Lobster Roll

Lobster rolls are popular in Atlantic Canada, especially in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. They are usually made with fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed, and served cold or warm in a buttered bun.

🍴 Best Places to Try It

The Shore Club

Well known for fresh lobster and seafood dishes.
📍 Location: 11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J1, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 25 to CAD 35 per roll

Evan's Seafoods

Casual spot loved by locals and visitors.
📍 Location: Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1B2, Canada
💰 Cost: Around CAD 22 to CAD 30 per roll

💡 Pro Tips

👉 Best eaten near the coast for the freshest taste.
👉 Ask if the lobster is fresh from the day.

🥧 Tourtière – A Warm and Hearty Meat Pie

On a cold evening, I ordered a slice of tourtière, not knowing what to expect. The crust was firm and buttery, and the inside was packed with seasoned meat. It was warm, filling, and felt like true comfort food.

📖 About Tourtière

Tourtière is a traditional meat pie from Quebec. It is usually made with pork or beef, mixed with spices, and baked in a pastry crust. Families often serve it during holidays, but you can find it year round in Québec.

🍴 Best Places to Try It

Aux Anciens Canadiens

Traditional restaurant serving classic Quebec dishes.
📍 Location: Quebec City, Quebec
💰 Cost: Around CAD 18 to CAD 25 per serving

La Bûche

Casual spot with home style food.
📍 Location: Quebec City, Quebec
💰 Cost: Around CAD 15 to CAD 22 per serving

💡 Pro Tips

👉 Eat it hot for the best flavor.
👉 Great choice during cold weather when you want something

🍔 Must Try Canadian Street Food and Easy Snacks

If you want to enjoy Canadian food like a local, street food is a great place to start. It is easy to find, filling, and perfect when you are walking around the city or visiting markets and festivals. These snacks are simple, familiar, and very satisfying, even for first time visitors.

🥨 BeaverTails

This is a famous Canadian street snack you often see in tourist areas and winter markets. It is a flat fried pastry that is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Vendors add toppings like cinnamon sugar or chocolate spread. I like eating this while walking because it stays warm and smells really good.

🌭 Montreal Hot Dog

This hot dog is steamed, not grilled, so it feels lighter but still tasty. It is served in a soft bun and usually topped with mustard and onions. I often grab one when I want something quick and not too heavy. You can find these at small street stands, especially in Montreal.

🥪 Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich

This sandwich is thick, messy, and very filling. It is packed with warm smoked beef and served between slices of bread. The meat is juicy and full of flavor. I remember needing napkins after every bite, but it was worth it.

🥪 Peameal Bacon Sandwich

This is a popular street food in Toronto, especially at local markets. Thick slices of peameal bacon are grilled and placed in a bun. It tastes salty, juicy, and very satisfying. One sandwich is enough to keep you full for a long time.

🌽 Grilled Corn on the Cob

During summer festivals and outdoor events, grilled corn is everywhere. The corn is sweet, hot, and brushed with butter. It is simple but very enjoyable. I like how it feels light compared to sandwiches, but still filling enough for a snack.

🍁 Canadian Street Food and Snacks to Try on Your Trip

Get ready for a tasty food adventure in Canada. This guide introduces popular street food areas and food events where locals go when they feel hungry. From warm snacks to quick bites, these places are full of smells and flavors that make you want to keep eating. Walk around, follow the crowd, and discover why street food is a big part of daily life in Canada 😋🍔🌭

🌙 Late Night Food Walk in Downtown Toronto

Looking for food after dark? Downtown Toronto has many late night food spots that locals love. Areas like Kensington Market and Queen Street West are full of small food shops and street stalls that stay open late.

You can try hot sandwiches, grilled snacks, and comfort food that tastes even better at night. Walking with food in hand while the city is still alive feels very local and relaxed. A simple and satisfying way to end the day 🌙

🌃 Eat Like a Local: Vancouver Evening Food Walk

Vancouver is a great city for evening food walks. Around downtown and near public markets, you can find food stalls and small shops serving fresh and simple snacks.

Many people come here after work to eat, talk, and relax. I enjoyed slowly walking around, stopping whenever something smelled good. It feels casual and very easy for first time visitors.

🍲 Highlights:

• Taste local comfort food
• Explore small food stalls and markets
• See how locals enjoy food after work
• Easy to explore on foot

🌟 Kensington Market: A Must Visit Food Area in Toronto

If you want to experience real local food life, Kensington Market is a great place to visit. Located near downtown Toronto, this area is full of small food stalls, casual eateries, and snack shops from different cultures.

You can find grilled snacks, baked goods, and simple meals that are easy to eat while walking. The area feels lively but friendly, and many locals come here just to eat and hang out.

🎯 Highlights:

• Enjoy simple and tasty snacks
• Try food from different cultures in one area
• Relaxed vibe and easy to walk around

💬 Tourist tip: Spend 2 to 3 hours here. Eat slowly, share food, and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere.

📍 Location: Kensington Market, Toronto

🍽️ A Taste of Canada to Remember

Canada is more than just places to see. It is a journey through food that feels warm and familiar. From street snacks eaten on a cold day to simple meals shared with friends, every bite tells a quiet story. The food here is filling, comforting, and perfect for slowing down and enjoying the moment.

When you visit Canada, come hungry and curious. Walk through local markets, stop at small food stalls, and eat what locals line up for. Sit down when you need a break and enjoy your meal without rushing. These simple food moments often become the memories you remember most.