9 Canadian Foods Provinces Are Trying To Keep Secret That Newcomers To Canada Should Try
Canadian cuisine is filled with many classic dishes that newcomers to the country may have heard about like poutine, lobster rolls, ketchup chips and Nanaimo bars.
However, there are also many dishes and desserts that some provinces try to keep on the DL.
For instance, have you ever heard of rappie pie, jiggs dinner or tiger tail ice cream? These are some of the lesser-known but equally as delicious delicacies that you may want to try at least once if you're visiting a province where they came from.
Here are nine unique meals, desserts and drinks in Canada that some provinces may be keeping a secret and where to find them.
Tiger Tail Ice Cream
Tiger tail ice cream originated in Ontario. The citrus-flavoured ice cream is made with swirls of black licorice, making it look like a tiger as the name implies.
In an interview with the Food Network, an ice cream professional pointed out that this retro flavour is a unique one that's loved by many Canadians.
"Tiger tail has a very unique flavour profile that’s different from any other ice cream flavours on the market," Lesya Chapman, marketing manager for Chapman’s Ice Cream, told the outlet.
The Food Network says its "peak popularity" was from the 1950s to the 70s, but you can still find it at select grocery stores.
It looks like Chapman's and President's Choice both sell tiger tail ice cream. However, finding it at your local grocery store may depend on where you are in Canada.
Cod Tongues
Fried cod tongues are exactly what you expect based on the name - the flesh found in a fish's throat.
The delicacy is from Newfoundland so if you're heading to the province on Canada's East Coast then definitely give these a try.
While they don't look too appetizing in their raw state, cod tongues are tasty when they're coated in spices and batter and then pan-fried in butter.
Pâté Chinois
If you like shepherd's pie then this French Canadian version from Quebec is a must-try.
According to Global News, Pâte Chinois, which translates to Chinese pie, was created by Chinese cooks during the building of the Canadian railway in the 19th century.
The outlet says the cooks adapted shepherd's pie by creating a "lighter version" of the traditional dish.
How did they do that? The cooks reportedly replaced the gravy with creamed corn. The Quebec version also typically has ground beef and mashed potatoes.
Shaft Cocktail
Before moving to Victoria, B.C. I had never heard of a shaft cocktail, but it's pretty popular on Vancouver Island and you'll find it at pretty much any bar or restaurant.
The drink is typically made with vodka, coffee liqueur like Kahlua and cold brew or espresso.
Aside from B.C., this alcoholic beverage is also apparently popular in Alberta and according to the Food Network, there's been a long debate on whether it originated in Victoria or Calgary.
Jiggs Dinner
At first glance, Jiggs dinner sort of looks like Thanksgiving dinner, but there are some differences.
Jiggs Dinner, which is popular in Newfoundland, is a meal that's typically served on Sundays.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the ingredients are mixed in a frying pan and you can add what you have in the fridge.
However, traditionally you're supposed to add items like salted meat like beef, cabbage, turnips, carrots, parsnips, potatoes and split yellow peas for pease pudding.
If it sounds like a lot of food, that's because it's typically cooked for large gatherings and you're supposed to have leftovers, which are called "hash."
Cretons
Cretons is a French Canadian pork pâté that's popular in Quebec.
The pâté is made with ground pork, port fat, water or milk, bread crumbs, onions and spices, as per Britannica.
It's typically enjoyed on a slice of bread and served for breakfast.
Fries with the Works
You've most likely heard of poutine, which is a meal of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. But have you ever heard of fries with the works?
You'll find this combination in Prince Edward Island where fries are served with ground beef, gravy and canned peas to create the popular dish. There are variations of this meal depending on where you go and you may find different types of meat or vegetables available as a topping.
According to a website named after the dish, this meal has been around since 1975 so it's worth trying when you're visiting the island!
Rappie Pie
There's chicken pot pie and shepherd's pie, but the most traditional meat pie in Nova Scotia is called rappie pie.
Rappie pie, which is seen as comfort food on Canada's East Coast, sort of resembles a potato casserole.
It's made with potatoes, meat, stock and onions. The Food Network says you can also add some crunchy rendered pork fat on the side.
Schmoo Torte
If you've never heard of schmoo torte then you're not alone. This dessert originated in Manitoba and remains a popular treat in the province.
The cake is made with layers of angel food or chiffon cake, whipped cream and topped off with caramel sauce and pecans.
It sounds both decadent and delicious and something to try if you're ever in the Canadian province.
These aren't the only dishes that are unique to certain provinces and Canadian cities.
Narcity's Lisa Belmonte found other Canadian dishes that you may have never heard of like the Persian. This dessert, which is a cross between a donut and a cinnamon bun topped with icing is only available at a cafe in Thunder Bay called The Persian Man.
There's also the Caribou drink, which is a cocktail you'll find in Quebec that's made with red wine, hard liquor and maple syrup or sugar. It's served in a cup made of ice, which makes it even more special!
If you want to stick to more traditional Canadian dishes, we recently put together a list of 16 iconic Canadian foods that every newcomer to Canada should try.
Bon appétit!
