13 Foods From Canada That Americans Will Never Approve Of
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Canada is renowned for its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and unique and sometimes strange culinary offerings. Taste is subjective, and although these Canadian foods might not win universal approval, they certainly add rich diversity to the culinary world. Celebrated chef Michael Smith highlights that food is one of Canada’s most delicious forms of identity.
Americans celebrate their pizza, burgers, and BBQ, but Canadians take pride in a delightful variety of foods that might raise an eyebrow south of the border. Dishes like butter tarts and Beavertails often leave Americans scratching their heads in both fascination and disbelief. Read on to find out some of the foods from Canada that are sure to spark debate across the border.
Poutine
You can’t talk about Canadian cuisine without mentioning poutine. Poutine, often known as Canada’s unofficial national dish, is a sight and taste sensation that’s hard to forget. This delicious combination of crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy has a wild history dating back to the late 1950s in rural Quebec. Many Americans are skeptical of the gooey, gravy-laden fries, often preferring their fries crispy and dry.
Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain described poutine as a “thoroughly wonderful gastronomic trainwreck” during his visit to La Banquise in Montreal, highlighting its irresistible appeal. Poutine embodies Canada’s unique culinary spirit, leaving those who try it craving more.
Ketchup Chips
Ketchup-flavored chips are as Canadian as they come. They are a Canadian staple that often leaves Americans scratching their heads in confusion. These bright red, tomato-flavored potato chips were introduced by Lay’s in Canada in the 1970s and have remained popular ever since.
They of course tried this in America, but they were not as popular. Americans enjoy ketchup on their fries, but the idea of ketchup seasoning on chips left them confused. Most people may argue that ketchup doesn’t belong on chips, but Canadians can’t get enough of this tangy and addictive flavor.
Nanaimo Bars
Named after Nanaimo city in British Columbia, these uniquely Canadian sweet bars contain three layers: a chocolate crumb base, a custard middle, and a chocolate ganache topping. Americans have their own versions of layered bars, like Mississippi Mud Pie.
Nanaimo bars are delicious but relatively unknown in the U.S., making them a curiosity rather than a craving. They are often served as a dessert at holiday gatherings and cherished by Canadians for their rich and indulgent taste.
All-Dressed Pizza
All-dressed pizza is uniquely Canadian. It is topped with a delightful mix of pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and bacon to create a mouthwatering experience that captures the hearts and taste buds of many. This combination may sound delightful to Canadians but can bewilder Americans who prefer less crowded pizza with traditional toppings.
Celebrity Canadian chef Anna Olson describes pizza as a blank canvas that Canadians paint with wild and colorful tastes. To the surprise of many, the Hawaiian pizza, despite the name, was actually invented in Canada by Sam Panopoulos at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada.
Butter Tarts
Butter tarts are a staple in every Canadian household and have been enjoyed for generations. These small, flaky pastries filled with butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs are the ultimate indulgence. They are often served at special occasions like weddings and holidays and can also be found at local bakeries or coffee shops throughout Canada.
Americans struggle to understand the appeal of these sweet treats, especially since they’re not as widely available in the U.S. They find them overwhelmingly sweet, but they’re a must-try for anyone visiting Canada.
Flipper Pie
Most Americans would never even dream of trying flipper pie, as it features a rather unconventional filling: seal meat. Originating from Canada’s Indigenous communities, flipper pie combines this rich protein, usually paired with savory spices and veggies, all enclosed in a flaky pastry crust.
It’s a beloved treat in the northern regions of Canada, where seals are hunted sustainably, contributing to both traditional diets and local economies. This dish may be a tough sell to most Americans, but for Canadians, it’s not only a taste of home but a testament to their rich cultural heritage and sustainable practices.
Beavertails
Contrary to the name, beavertails are not actually made of beaver. They are a famous Canadian fried dough pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail. This deep-fried dough is topped with an array of tasty treats, such as Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or maple syrup.
Americans may have their own version of this fried dough treat, such as funnel cakes, but beavertails offer a distinctly Canadian twist on fried dough.
Kinder Surprise Eggs
Kinder Surprise Eggs are charming little capsules of joy holding a world of surprises. Originating in Italy and quickly sweeping across Canada, these chocolate wonders consist of a creamy outer shell filled with milk chocolate and a hidden plastic toy or treat. Kinder Surprise Eggs have found a special place in the hearts of Canadians.
Their presence in the U.S. is non-existent, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned them due to safety concerns regarding the small toys inside. For Canadians, every Kinder Egg is not just a sweet treat but an adventure waiting to unfold, making it a delightful topic of conversation.
Tourtière
Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie filled with ground pork, beef, or veal, potatoes, onions, and spices. It’s a hearty dish commonly enjoyed during the holidays or special occasions in Quebec and other parts of Canada.
Americans have their own versions of savory pies like chicken pot pie but may not be ready for the rich flavors and unique blend of meats in tourtière. Americans find the spice mix a bit unconventional.
Kraft Dinner (KD)
Kraft Dinner, or KD as its commonly called by Canadians, is a classic comfort food that has been a staple in Canadian kitchens for generations. It consists of macaroni pasta and a powdered cheese sauce mix, making it an easy and budget-friendly meal option for busy families. Canadians are known for getting creative with their KD recipes, adding bacon, hot dogs, or even ketchup to make it their unique dish.
Americans, however, have their own version of mac and cheese. They prefer simple, creamy, smooth mac and cheese without additional toppings. Kraft Dinner holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Canadians. It is a nostalgic taste of childhood that brings back fond memories with every bite.
Thrills Gum
Thrills Gum, known for its distinctive rosewater flavor and eye-catching purple packaging, is not your typical chewing gum. Launched in the early 1980s, this gum has gained a loyal following, with a survey by Mintel in 2022 indicating that about 15% of Canadians fondly recall it from childhood. The brand’s slogan, “It Still Tastes Like Soap,” plays into its unique taste, often compared to the aroma of roses or soap.
This often bewilders many first-time tasters, especially Americans. The majority of Americans would prefer mint-flavored gum to a soap-flavored one. Thrills gum holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians, making it an essential part of Canadian snack culture.
Caesar Cocktail
The Caesar cocktail is a Canadian drink that sets itself apart with its unique blend of flavors and vibrant history. Often regarded as the national cocktail of Canada, it combines vodka, Clamato (a mix of tomato and clam juice), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. It is usually garnished with a celery stick and a lime wedge.
The Caesar dates back to 1969, when it was invented by Walter Chell at the Calgary Inn to celebrate the opening of an Italian restaurant. This cocktail is a daring twist of the classic Bloody Mary cocktail but still bewilders many. Americans are put off by the additional clam juice making it a very unpopular cocktail in the country.
All-Dressed Chips
All-dressed chips hold a revered spot in Canadian chip culture. Combining the flavors of barbecue, sour cream, onion, and plain salted chips into one tantalizing mix, these crisps offer a unique taste that often leaves Americans scratching their heads. Finding these chips in the U.S. is rare, as they have yet to gain the same recognition as in Canada.
The crunchy delight gained popularity after its launch in the 1970s and has become a staple in Canadian grocery aisles. Canadians have participated in surveys showing that despite All-Dressed Chips being a Canadian favorite, the best brand can vary depending on personal taste preferences.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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