Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

You're Not A True Ontarian If You Haven't Tried At Least 8 Of These 14 Popular Foods

How many can you check off the list?
Lead Writer, Travel

Ontario cuisine doesn't just involve bagged milk — the province is full of delicious food that every local loves to indulge in.

From gooey butter tarts to drool-worthy burgers, see how many dishes you can check off the list of popular foods in Ontario.

Editor's Choice: You're Not A True Torontonian If You Haven't Tried At Least 9 Of These 14 Popular Dishes

BeaverTails

Address: Various locations

Why You Need To Try It: Born in Ottawa in 1978, these fluffy pastries have become a staple in Canadian cuisine. Whether you enjoy yours covered in chocolate or with the traditional sugar topping, it's one dish that everyone in the province should try.

Maple Syrup

Why You Need To Try It: No, not the fake syrup in the cereal aisle, the real deal. Tons of maple sweetness flows from Ontario trees each spring, and there are even entire festivals dedicated to it.

Tiny Tom Donuts

Address: Various locations

Why You Need To Try It: You can find these iconic mini donuts at fairs and most notably at the CNE. They're a staple summer treat.

Peameal Bacon Sandwich From Carousel Bakery

Address: 93 Front St. E., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Try It: This famed sandwich can be found in Toronto's St. Lawrence Market, and it's definitely worth a trip to try it.

Butter Tarts

Why You Need To Try It: These gooey, sweet tarts have roots in Ontario and are popular all over Canada. You can get them in bakeries across the province, or even take part in an extra delicious Butter Tart Tour.

Blueberry Donuts From Silver Stream Farms 

Address: 1316 Peninsula Rd., Port Carling, ON

Why You Need To Try It: Bite into blueberry heaven with one of these famed donuts. The blue desserts are essential for cottage trips during the summer.

Niagara Icewine

Why You Need To Try It: Icewine may not be considered a dish, but it's certainly something Ontarians love to indulge in. The Niagara region is home to some of the most established vineyards in the country, and each winter, there's a huge festival dedicated to this sweet drink.

Ice Cream From Kawartha Dairy

Address: Various locations

Why You Need To Try It: Whether you've purchased a tub from the grocery store or enjoyed a cone at one of its locations, Kawartha Dairy is a top spot to get your ice cream fill.

Windsor-Style Pizza

Address: Various locations

Why You Need To Try It: Windsor has a secret pizza it's been hiding from the rest of the province, and only the truest Ontarians will have tried it. With shredded pepperoni, canned mushrooms, and gooey cheese, you'll want more than one slice of this.

Chip Nuts From Picard's

Address: Various locations

Why You Need To Try It: Picard's is home to the original Chip Nut, a potato chip-covered peanut that's become a best-seller since it was invented in the '90s.

Funnel Cake From Canada's Wonderland

Address: 1 Canada's Wonderland Dr., Vaughan, ON

Why You Need To Try It: Canada's Wonderland's funnel cake is just about as popular as the park itself. It's the perfect treat on a sunny day, and in the winter, you can indulge in some festive flavours too.

Hamburgers From Webers

Address: 8825 Highway 11 N., Orillia, ON

Why You Need To Try It: This burger joint has been serving up fresh patties since 1963, and it's become an Ontario icon. You'll often find long lines here, but it's always worth the wait for a good burger.

Mint Smoothies From Rhéo Thompson Candies

Address: 55 Albert St., Stratford, ON

Why You Need To Try It: Chocolate-lovers have likely indulged in treats from this place. The venue is known for its delicious Mint Smoothie truffles, which melt as soon as they hit your tongue.

Persians From The Persian Man

Address: 899 Tungsten St., Thunder Bay, ON

Why You Need To Try It: If you've ever travelled up north, you may have tried one of these secret Ontario delicacies. Persians are a type of pastry topped with pink icing, and you'll only find them in Thunder Bay.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

8 dreamy Ontario towns and cities locals say you should visit instead of Toronto

There are so many amazing places to explore in the province.

This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.

New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁