While maple syrup may be quintessentially Canadian, it does not define their culinary feats. What we adore about the Canuck palate is that it’s distinctive east to west. More reasons to travel there!
In the east, you’ll find a stronger hold on those traditional meals that have passed through generations. In the west, food-forward equals fusion. West Coast chefs take pride in their creative blending of appetising ingredients.
We’re pitting East versus West Canada on a cuisine supreme quest!
BANGIN’ BREAKFAST
East: A good ol’ bacon buttie is our first stop when in Toronto. Head to St Lawrence Market and Carousel Bakery for a comforting round of peameal bacon sandwiches.
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West: Picture this: a bacon and fontina-cheese stuffed French toast, served with ricotta cream, blueberry sauce, and apple slaw. Now add the picture-perfect backdrop of Banff and you can see why The Bison wins our brekkie vote.
Verdict: Bacon plus epic views? Round one to West Canada.
LIP-SNACKING GOOD
East: It’s practically a crime to travel to East Canada without indulging in poutine! Their gravy-and-curd topped fries are the perfect snack at any time. Toronto’s Poutini’s homemade gravy leaves you wanting more.
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West: While not from Canada, perogies are life to the Central Alberta population. Filled with just about anything, these dumplings are typically doused in butter and sour cream. Get some at the cheap-eats bakeries or dine at RGE Rd for their Gouda and potato perogies.
Verdict: It would be scandalous to not crown East Canada as snack sovereigns!
OUT TO LUNCH
East: Pâté Chinois is a staple out east and resembles a shepherd’s pie. This layered dish of minced beef, creamed corn, and mashed potato is best home cooked. No local dinner invitation? Head to Montréal’s Le Binerie Mont-Royal.
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West: So popular they have their own festival, BC’s spot prawns are wild-caught between May and June. We love the creative spot prawn flavours at Boulevard, Vancouver.
Verdict: We’re suckers for seafood. Second point to West Canada.
DINNER WINNERS
East: We’re picking restaurants not dishes for dinner. For the most Québécois farm-to-table spot, you cannot beat Old Montréal’s Restaurant L’Original. Enjoy bison, wild game, oysters, and more against a cosy chalet-style setting.
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West: The Teahouse in Stanley Park is a proposal-worthy eatery. Enjoy delectable bites like sablefish or their signature Teahouse stuff mushrooms against Vancouver’s romantic sunset hues.
Verdict: Farm-to-table in Old Montréal champions.
SWEET SPOTS
East: We couldn’t resist including maple syrup! Not when it’s the traditional and exquisite Québécois maple pie from Les Sucreries de l’érable.
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West: If you’re visiting the west coast prairie regions of Canada then insist on ‘trialling’ a flapper pie. This trifecta of awesomeness is a layered dessert of crumbed biscuit, creamy custard, and fluffy meringue.
Verdict: Never, ever make us choose over dessert. We’ll devour both!
THE VERDICT
The result? We’re going to need a lifeboat if we don’t stop drooling soon. We’re declaring a tie at 3/3. All Canada’s cuisines is a winner in our books!
For more information visit www.keepexploring.com.au