Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Canada (Updated)

Post By

Saumya M.

Reviewed By

Jo S., Faheem H., and Marc T.

Post By

Saumya M.

Reviewed By

Jo S., Faheem H., and Marc T.

Canada is well known for its stunning landscapes, welcoming people, and delicious food. Your stay in one of the Top 10 Best and Most Popular Cheap Hotels in Canada (Updated) during your visit will be incomplete if you miss the mouthwatering street food of Canada. Canada is a diverse country, not only in landscape but also in culture. Immigration and the Influx of people from various countries have molded its culture, including food. So today, with The Daily Top 10, the World’s #1 Source of Research-Based Content, we will dive deep into the Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Canada.

Having a lavish experience in the Top 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in Canada (Updated) cannot beat street food fun. You cannot just stay in lavish hotels; only enjoy lavish food and call it a tour. When you can get a bunch of Flavors down the corner of the street, why spend a fortune for a fancy meal? Get out on the streets to enjoy the savory taste that will stay with you long.

Buckle yourself as we take you on the culinary tour of the Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Canada.

What is the Must-Try Street Food in Canada?

The beautiful scenery of Canada might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the country. Mountains with snow on top, huge woods, and calm lakes make up a picture of natural beauty that draws tourists and locals in. But Canada is more than just its beautiful scenery and nice people. Canada has a tasty secret often hidden in plain sight on busy streets and cozy corners, away from the famous wildlife and nature sites.

Food is a way to understand a country’s culture. Many cultural festivals are celebrated yearly, including the Top 10 Must-Visit Cultural Festivals in Canada (Updated). Canadian food has a lot of different tastes and textures that all go well together. Delicious dishes like tourtière and poutine are classic, but the country’s food scene has changed to reflect its multicultural spirit. You can try a lot of different tastes here without leaving Europe. This place has everything from sour and spicy Korean street food to rich and creamy Middle Eastern shawarma, from warm and cozy Eastern European perogies to sweet and rich Belgian waffles.

Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurous eater, or just someone with a hearty appetite, Canadian street food offers something for everyone.

10

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

The Peameal Bacon Sandwich is the perfect example of classic Canadian food. According to the Faraway Worlds, this famous street food dish has its roots in Ontario, Toronto, and is a must-try for any foodie traveler. This delicious sandwich features thick slices of peameal bacon, which is made from pork loin that has been rolled in cornmeal.

The crisp, golden bacon is cooked perfectly before being piled high over a soft, fresh bread. Caramelized onions, mustard, or a drizzle of maple syrup are just a few of the creative toppings offered by certain vendors, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the sandwich. This filling sandwich has a burst of authentic Canadian flavor in every bite. The Peameal Bacon Sandwich, a classic of the Canadian street food scene, is equally satisfying for breakfast or lunch.

9

Beaver Tails

If you’re craving something sweet, this dessert is just what you need. Don’t worry about the name—no real beavers get hurt in making this delight. BeaverTails are made of fried dough that is spread into the shape of a beaver’s tail and then covered in sweet things like Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or maple butter. The uniqueness of BeaverTails lies in its representation of Canadian culture. They have become a cultural icon because of their prevalence at Canada’s famous winter festivities in the open air.

BeaverTails have been a cherished part of the Canadian food scene since 1978, when they were first introduced at a community fair in Killaloe, Ontario. Grant and Pam Hooker’s founders decided to market their family’s recipe for whole-wheat pastries, and the BeaverTails empire was born. Today, you can find BeaverTails outlets across Canada and beyond, serving up this classic Canadian treat to locals and tourists alike. According to Wikipedia, BeaverTails got media attention in the United States and Canada when it was served at the Canadian embassy during U.S. President Barack Obama’s first inauguration.

8

Tourtiere

Tourtière, also known as meat pie, is a beloved Canadian dish that originated in Quebec. It typically consists of a savory mix of ground pork or beef, onions, and spices encased in a flaky pastry crust. This hearty dish is often served during the holiday season and is a staple at Christmas dinners across Canada.

Tourtière is a staple of Canadian cuisine but has significant historical and cultural significance. Its likely origins can be traced back to rural Quebec when celebratory holiday get-togethers centered around the baking of tourtière. The meat pie was a thrifty and useful dish since it allowed families to utilize leftover bits of meat. According to Britannica, the first Canadian French-language cookbook, La Cuisinière canadienne (1840), had tourtière recipes.

7

Hot Dogs

The classic Canadian hot dog is an essential part of any list of street foods. These grilled sausages, available on practically every corner, are a convenient and filling snack on the go. Hot dogs are a common food item at carnivals, fairs, and backyard barbecues, often served with various condiments.

Despite their basic appearance, hot dogs have become integral to Canadian life. According to hotdog.org, Canada has the world’s highest per-capita consumption of hot dogs. Canadians also have their own quirks regarding what they like to wash down their hot dogs with.

In Quebec, people love to pair their hot dogs with poutine, a traditional French Canadian dish consisting of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. However, a cold glass of Canadian beer is the standard beverage of choice in Ontario. You should try a Canadian beer with your next street-side hot dog for the whole Canadian experience.

6

Halifax Donair

Anyone who enjoys street food should travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and eat the original donair. This wrap is made with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, a sweet garlic sauce, and spit-roasted meat. There are many similarities between the Greek gyro and the Turkish doner kebab; however, the Halifax donair sauce gives it its own distinct flavor.

According to Discover Halifaxns, Halifax Donair was first served in 1970 in Nova Scotia. In Canada, a late-night snack means a donair from Halifax. There are often long lines at local donair shops after a night out because this tasty wrap is the best way to end a fun night. Donair stores are springing up all over Canada, bringing the East Coast flavor to the rest of the country for people who can’t make it to Halifax.

5

Bannock

Bannock is a famous street meal in Canada rooted in Indigenous cuisine. It’s a flatbread prepared with flour, water, and baking powder. It is often cooked on a griddle or in an oven. You can eat it on its own or stuff it with smoked salmon, wild game meat, or veggies for a savory treat.

The Canadian Encyclopedia states that Bannock is widely thought to have been introduced to Native Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries by Scottish fur traders known as Selkirk immigrants. Bannock serves as a reminder that when European settlers arrived in Canada, Native Americans were compelled to adapt to new diets. By trying bannock on the streets of Canada, you’re not only experiencing a tasty treat but also paying respect to the rich Indigenous heritage of the country.

4

Butter Tart

Butter tarts, or tarte au beurre in French, are a popular and delicious pastry in Canada. The filling of this delicious pie is made with butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs, and it is cooked in a flaky pastry shell until it is almost solid and has a crispy top. The butter tart is not the same as bread and butter pudding or butter pie.

According to Wikipedia, The butter tart is a classic Canadian dessert with roots in early Canadian cuisine and is widely recognized as a uniquely Canadian dish. It is most commonly consumed in and connected with Canada’s English-speaking provinces.

When roaming the streets of Canada, find a bakery or food truck selling these tasty butter tarts, whether you’re in a big city or a small town. Remember to grab one to satisfy your sweet tooth.

3

Montreal-style Bagel

The Montreal-style bagel, also known simply as the Montreal bagel, is a traditional bagel baked in a wood-burning oven. Montreal bagels are always cooked in a wood-fired oven. They are smaller, thinner, sweeter, denser, and have a larger hole than their New York City counterparts. It is made with malt, egg, and no salt. Before baking, it is boiled in honey-sweetened water. Due to this unique cooking process, Mtrl.org calls it far superior to New York Bagel.

According to Wikipedia, the story of the Montreal-style bagel began in the early 20th century when Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe brought their traditional baking methods to Canada. The bagel’s unique characteristics, particularly its sweetness and denseness, can be traced back to these age-old baking techniques. You must try a bagel made in the Montreal way if you’re ever in Montreal.

2

Nanaimo Bars

Canada’s Nanaimo bars are a popular dessert that has even made it to the streets as a snack. There are three layers in these no-bake square bars: a crumb base, a creamy custard middle, and a chocolate ganache topping. They got their name from the city of Nanaimo, which is located on Vancouver Island, and have become a traditional dish served in many homes across Canada on various holidays and other special occasions.

According to Food Network, The Women’s Auxiliary of the Nanaimo Hospital Cookbook from 1952 had the first recorded recipe for Nanaimo bars. It was called a “chocolate square.” A similar recipe came out in Vancouver’s Edith Adams’ Cookbook a year later. This time, it was called “Nanaimo Bar.”

This treat has a long and cherished history in the country; some even refer to it as Canada’s national dessert. Its simple yet indulgent flavors make it a perfect street food – easy to eat on the go and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

1

Poutine

When discussing the Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Canada, Poutine wins the top position. This famous dish comes from Quebec and has quickly become a favorite nationwide. You put cheese curds on top of french fries and cover them in gravy to make poutine. It’s a deliciously rich dish that’s worth every calorie. Poutine is the best street food to try in Canada.

In the middle of the 20th century, poutine was not even known to exist. Now, you can find it at both high-end restaurants and fast-food chains. According to Britannica, in the late 1950s, snack bars in rural Québec were the first to serve fresh-cut fries, cheese curds, and gravy. There is a lot of disagreement about where poutine came from, but Poutine was created over time.

Poutine seems a basic dish but is famous in fairs, events, and food trucks across Canada. You can get different flavors and variations in poutine, like butter chicken, lobster poutine, and so on. When you go to Canada, you should try poutine to see what all the fuss is about. You won’t regret it!!

What are the Must-Try Street Foods in Canada?

The variety of street food in Canada is an amazing selection of flavors and dishes, which serves as a symbol of the rich cultural diversity that exists throughout the country. Each meal conveys a story of history, fusion, and invention, from the sweet and enticing Nanaimo bars to the savory and indulgent poutine.

Canada’s street food scene is a treasure of flavors and dishes, showcasing the nation’s cultural diversity. From sweet treats like BeaverTails to savory delights like meat sandwiches, these street foods are a taste of Canadian heritage. The street food scene keeps evolving as street vendors continue experimenting with fusion flavors and inventive twists on classics. It’s a delicious way to explore Canada’s culinary traditions and its ongoing culinary innovation.

Make it a point to sample some of these popular meals while traveling throughout Canada. You will gain a greater insight into Canadian culture and unforgettable experiences.

Here is the list of “Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Canada,” which you should never miss

Poutine
Nanaimo Bars
Montreal-Style Bagels
Butter Tarts
Bannock
Halifax Donair
Hot Dogs
Tourtiere
Beaver Tails
Peameal Bacon Sandwich

Canada has a lot to offer. It caters to everyone’s needs. Along with street foods, you should also explore the Top 10 Best and Most Popular Food Markets in Canada (Updated). If you are a foodie and an adventurer, make sure to read Top 10 Best Adventure Destinations in Canada (Updated). We hope we have made your visits more fun by providing authentic information.

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Author: Saumya M.

Saumya M. is a passionate content writer known for her impeccable storytelling and research. She has covered topics ranging from travel and lifestyle to entertainment, community, and education. She helps people live their best lives and reach their full potential.