Must-try Dishes
Breakfast Poutine - Breakfast Poutine (comfort food) - Crispy fries topped with cheese curds and a rich, savory gravy, often with poached eggs tossed in for a breakfast twist. Locals love to dig into this heartwarming dish on lazy weekend mornings, sometimes after a night out.
BeaverTails - Queues de Castor (fried pastry) - Deep-fried dough shaped like a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet spreads like Nutella or cinnamon sugar. Grab one from a vendor along the Rideau Canal while enjoying a stroll; it makes for a perfect snack on-the-go!
Butter Chicken - Poulet au Beurre (creamy curry) - Tender chicken pieces bathed in a velvety tomato cream sauce, often served with basmati rice or naan. It’s a staple for many locals at casual dinners with friends and pairs perfectly with a side of warm naan.
Tourtière - Meat Pie (traditional dish) - A savory pie filled with a seasoned mix of ground meats like pork, beef, and sometimes wild game, encased in a flaky crust. Often served during holiday celebrations, it holds a special place in many family traditions around Christmastime.
Maple Syrup and Bacon - Sirop d'Érable et Bacon (surprising combo) - The sweet and salty blend of crispy bacon with a drizzle of pure maple syrup creates a delightful flavor contrast. Locals often indulge in this delicious pairing for a hearty breakfast treat. By the way, don’t hesitate to go for the double portion—it's a Quebecois tradition!
Squash Soup - Soupe de Courge (seasonal classic) - A velvety smooth soup made from roasted squash, often enhanced with spices like nutmeg. Best enjoyed in the fall, this seasonal dish can be found at many local bistros, providing warmth on chilly days.
Shawarma - Shawarma (street food staple) - Marinated meats sliced off a rotating spit and wrapped in pita with fresh veggies and tahini sauce. A favorite late-night bite among locals, grabbing a shawarma after a night out is a common custom around the downtown scene.
Desserts & Drinks
Rideau Coffee - (local roaster's specialty) - A rich and velvety brew made from locally roasted beans, often featuring notes of chocolate and caramel. Early morning is the perfect time for this; locals enjoy it on their way to work or while catching up with friends in cozy cafés.
Beermosa - (a popular brunch drink) - A refreshing mix of beer and orange juice, creating a zesty, bubbly experience. Often sipped during laid-back weekend brunches, there’s a special twist when using a local craft beer — it’s a favorite for lazy Sunday mornings.
Butter Tart - (sweet pastry indulgence) - A flaky pastry filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, often enhanced with raisins or nuts. These delightful tarts are a staple at local bakeries, perfect for any occasion but especially around the holidays when sweets take center stage.
Snow Cone - (frozen summer treat) - Shaved ice drizzled with vibrant fruit syrups, this treat is a must during sweltering summer days at local parks. Kids eagerly grab them during festivals, and you might see some adults indulging too, especially the blackberry flavor that’s often a crowd favorite.
Pouding Chômeur - (celebration dessert) - A warm, comforting cake baked in a decadent maple syrup sauce, often enjoyed during family gatherings or holidays. This Canadian classic is beloved for its sweet, gooey texture and is perfect on chilly evenings, usually served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
By the way, don’t be surprised to see locals waiting in lines for butter tarts during the holiday season—everyone has their favorite spot, and it feels like a mini pilgrimage for the taste!
