Canadian cuisine is often described as a rich melting pot of flavors and cultures. From the distinctly French influence of Quebec to Indigenous-inspired dishes and homestyle favorites, Canada’s culinary offerings feature a wide variety of iconic dishes worth exploring. The best part? Many of these mouthwatering meals can now be delivered straight to your doorstep, no matter where you live!
Whether you’re a foodie looking for your next gastronomic adventure, a tech-savvy shopper, a restaurant owner seeking inspiration, or simply someone who loves indulging in delicious meals, this list has you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 Canadian dishes you need to try (and can order online):
1. Poutine
The Ultimate Canadian Comfort Food
Poutine is undeniably one of Canada’s most famous culinary exports, and for good reason. This indulgent combination of crispy fries, gooey cheese curds, and rich brown gravy is pure comfort food magic.
Many online food delivery platforms in Canada now offer gourmet versions of poutine, featuring toppings like pulled pork, smoked brisket, or even truffle oil. Popular brands like Smoke’s Poutinerie and various local restaurants allow you to order these irresistible creations directly to your home.
Perfect for: Late-night cravings or game-day feasts.
2. Montreal-Style Bagels
A Chewy Delight Unlike Any Other
Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter than their New York counterparts. Boiled in honey-sweetened water and then baked in a wood-fired oven, they have a unique texture and flavor that’s unmatched.
Iconic bakeries like St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel ship fresh batches of their sesame seed, poppy seed, and everything bagels nationwide.
Perfect for: Breakfast spreads or an elevated at-home brunch.
3. Butter Tarts
The Quintessential Canadian Dessert
Butter tarts are a decadent pastry filled with a gooey, buttery filling. Whether you’re team “with raisins” or team “without raisins,” every Canadian foodie can agree that these are a must-try dessert.
Brands like Ontario’s Tartistry Butter Tarts specialize in delivering perfectly-crafted butter tarts right to your door for an authentic taste of Canadian indulgence.
Perfect for: Dessert lovers and tea-time treats.
4. Tourtière
A Hearty French-Canadian Meat Pie
Hailing from Quebec, tourtière is a savory meat pie traditionally filled with a mixture of minced pork, beef, or veal. Encased in a golden, flaky crust, it’s a festive dish often enjoyed during holiday celebrations.
Thanks to companies like Aux Pains de Marie, frozen and ready-to-bake tourtières are now available for nationwide delivery, ensuring the flavors of Quebec can be savored anywhere.
Perfect for: Family dinners or special occasions.
5. Maple Syrup Treats
Sweet, Authentic Canadian Goodness
Canada’s relationship with maple syrup is legendary, and there’s no shortage of maple syrup delicacies to try. From maple candies to cookies and maple-infused BBQ sauces, there’s something for everyone with a sweet tooth.
Online shops like Sugar Moon Farm and Érablière La Coulee Syrup offer a variety of maple syrup products crafted in authentic sugar shacks.
Perfect for: Gifting or adding sweetness to your pantry staples.
6. Canadian Lox and Smoked Salmon
Premium Seafood with a Canadian Twist
Canada’s pristine coastlines make it a hotspot for incredible seafood, especially smoked salmon. Thinly sliced, expertly smoked, and perfectly cured, Canadian lox is a staple in everything from bagels to charcuterie boards.
You can order Canadian smoked salmon from providers like SeaChange Seafood or Raincoast Trading, ensuring sweet, smoky seafood arrives at your dinner table fresh.
Perfect for: Luxe breakfasts or elegant appetizers.
7. Nanaimo Bars
A No-Bake Slice of Canadian Heaven
Straight from British Columbia’s Nanaimo, these sweet, layered bars pack a punch of flavor with their combination of graham cracker crust, custard-flavored icing, and chocolate topping.
Local bakeries and dessert shops like The Nanaimo Bar Company even ship these treats across Canada and beyond, offering a slice (or several slices) of this no-bake Canadian classic.
Perfect for: Celebrations or indulgent treats.
8. Peameal Bacon Sandwich
Canada’s Take on a Breakfast Staple
Forget standard bacon—peameal bacon, also known as “Canadian bacon,” is a lean, tender cut coated in cornmeal. Whether stuffed in a Kaiser bun with mustard or served alongside eggs, it’s a must-try.
Toronto landmark Carousel Bakery delivers their famous peameal bacon sandwich kits, allowing you to recreate this iconic sandwich in your own kitchen.
Perfect for: Weekend breakfasts or midday bites.
9. Wild Saskatoon Berry Jam
Canada’s Berry-Licious Secret
Saskatoon berries, native to Canada’s prairies, are similar to blueberries but with a nuttier, earthier flavor. Often turned into jams and preserves, these berries make any toast, pastry, or dessert taste extra special.
Brands like Prairie Berries and SaskMade Marketplace offer premium wild Saskatoon berry jam and syrups that can be ordered online.
Perfect for: Toppings or gifting a regional Canadian delicacy.
10. Atlantic Lobster Rolls
A Bite of Canada’s Maritime Coastline
No Canadian seafood menu is complete without Atlantic lobster rolls. Fresh, sweet lobster meat served in a buttery, toasted bun—it’s the taste of Maritime tradition.
Thanks to companies like Lobster Anywhere, you can now enjoy frozen lobster roll kits delivered nationwide, bringing a touch of Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island into your own home.
Perfect for: Summer parties or al fresco dining.
How to Start Savoring These Canadian Classics
Canada’s culinary treasures are now more accessible than ever before. With an abundance of reliable online platforms and local vendors shipping across the country and beyond, these dishes can turn your home into a global dining destination.
Which of these Canadian dishes will you try first? Browse online menus, support local businesses, and treat yourself to this delicious adventure.
