What Food To Try in Saskatoon and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Saskatoon for 2024.
National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Saskatoon cafes and restaurants
$15.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.32
$60.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $37.73
$9.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.55
What to Try in Saskatoon
Must-try Dishes
Berry Bannock - Traditional Fried Bread - A soft and slightly sweet fry bread often served warm, usually topped with berries or jam. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, often paired with tea in the park on sunny mornings.Perogies - Pierożki (Stuffed Dumplings) - These doughy pockets are typically filled with potatoes and cheese, boiled and sometimes fried for that crispy texture. You’ll find many folks savoring these for lunch at local potlucks or family gatherings, where everyone shares their favorite version.
Beef on a Bun - Wołowina na Bułce (BBQ Sandwich) - Tender, slow-cooked beef served on a soft bun with a savory gravy that soaks into it. This hearty sandwich is a street food favorite during local festivals, enjoyed while strolling and mingling with friends.
Bison Burger - Burger z Bizona (Juicy Burger) - A deliciously lean patty made from local bison, grilled to perfection and served with various toppings. Many locals will grab one for dinner after a long day or during casual outings, often at outdoor barbecues.
Wild Mushroom Soup - Zupa Grzybowa (Fragrant Soup) - A creamy concoction made with foraged mushrooms and local herbs, perfectly hearty for any season. You’ll often see it at family gatherings and winter celebrations, adding warmth to the table.
Buffalo Cauliflower - Kwiat Kalafiora Buffalo (Spicy Veggie Dish) - Cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, then baked until crispy. It’s a surprising local favorite at bars, often missed by visitors thinking it's just a side.
Flapper Pie - Placek Flapera (Cream Pie) - A unique custard pie with meringue on top, reminiscent of prairie home cooking. Although it’s more of a dessert, you often see it served at community dinners during harvest season, celebrated for its comforting flavors.
Sautéed Seafood Crepes - Naleśniki z Owocami Morza (Elegant Dish) - Thin crepes filled with sautéed local seafood and covered in a light cream sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a sophisticated option often enjoyed during special family celebrations.
Desserts & Drinks
Berry Smoothie - Beeren-Smoothie (fruit smoothie) - A refreshing blend of local berries like saskatoons, strawberries, and blueberries, often mixed with yogurt or milk. Locals love to enjoy these during summer festivals or outdoor markets, especially on warm days when berry picking is in full swing. Chai Latte - Chai Latte (spiced tea) - A fragrant mixture of black tea, steamed milk, and a medley of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, served piping hot. You’ll find many coffee shops in the city whipping up this local favorite, especially during the chilly fall months when everyone craves a cozy drink.
Honey Brown Ale - Honigbraunes Bier (malty beer) - A smooth and sweet ale infused with local honey and roasted malts, best enjoyed with meals or during social gatherings. It’s common to see locals raising a glass at community events like food festivals, where the true flavor of Saskatchewan shines through.
Butter Tart - Buttertarte (sweet pastry) - A rich, gooey pastry filled with buttery custard, often studded with raisins or nuts. Perfectly sweet and indulgent, these are a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations, usually served warm for that melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Ice Cream - Eis (frozen dessert) - Creamy, hand-churned ice cream made with local dairy and a variety of seasonal flavors, from saskatoon berry to prairie lavender. It's a summertime treat, often enjoyed at backyard barbecues or local fairs, where the scoops come served in homemade waffle cones.
Food and Groceries in Saskatoon
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.17 |
| Bananas | $1.52 |
| Oranges | $3.17 |
| Potatoes | $1.98 |
| Apples | $3.09 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.83 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.64 |
| Imported Beer | $3.26 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.32 |
| Milk 1L | $2 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $13.02 |
| Chicken | $11.58 |
| Cigarettes | $13.58 |
| Rice | $3.56 |
| Local Cheese | $10.14 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Lunchtime in Saskatoon tends to be a vibrant affair, especially around the downtown area. You’ll find folks flocking to various eateries between noon and one, typically grabbing a bite from the numerous food trucks that line the street or diving into the many cafes that offer quick, hearty meals. It's common to see long lines forming at renowned spots, reflecting the local habit of gathering for quality food during breaks.
Prices vary widely depending on where you're eating. For example, a lunch special at a downtown café might cost around $12 to $15 CAD, while the same meal from a food truck could be as low as $8 to $10 CAD. In contrast, dining in the trendy River Landing district can escalate to about $20 to $30 CAD for a sit-down meal, especially if you're opting for something more upscale. Seasonal changes do affect prices too—summer brings more tourists, which can inflate prices by about 10%.
When it comes to payment, most establishments accept cards, but cash is still appreciated, especially at food trucks. It's also worth noting that service charges are generally not included, and leaving around 15% as a tip is customary if you enjoyed good service. Despite the general convenience of card payments, you may run into occasional spots that only take cash, so it’s smart to have a small stash handy.
An interesting dining custom here is the "bring your own container" practice a few restaurants encourage for takeaways. It not only reduces waste but is embraced by many environmentally-conscious locals. However, a common mistake visitors make is assuming they can eat at any place without a reservation—especially during peak hours on weekends. Many popular spots fill up quickly, and it’s typically wise to call ahead, especially for dinner.
Saskatoon has also seen some shifts in typical meal times, particularly with more people working remotely, leading to flexible dining hours. Those wanting to skip the lunch rush should aim for 1:30 PM for a quieter experience.
Overall, Saskatoon's food scene continues to evolve, with price variations and local habits shaping a unique dining experience that melds community with culinary exploration.
Prices vary widely depending on where you're eating. For example, a lunch special at a downtown café might cost around $12 to $15 CAD, while the same meal from a food truck could be as low as $8 to $10 CAD. In contrast, dining in the trendy River Landing district can escalate to about $20 to $30 CAD for a sit-down meal, especially if you're opting for something more upscale. Seasonal changes do affect prices too—summer brings more tourists, which can inflate prices by about 10%.
When it comes to payment, most establishments accept cards, but cash is still appreciated, especially at food trucks. It's also worth noting that service charges are generally not included, and leaving around 15% as a tip is customary if you enjoyed good service. Despite the general convenience of card payments, you may run into occasional spots that only take cash, so it’s smart to have a small stash handy.
An interesting dining custom here is the "bring your own container" practice a few restaurants encourage for takeaways. It not only reduces waste but is embraced by many environmentally-conscious locals. However, a common mistake visitors make is assuming they can eat at any place without a reservation—especially during peak hours on weekends. Many popular spots fill up quickly, and it’s typically wise to call ahead, especially for dinner.
Saskatoon has also seen some shifts in typical meal times, particularly with more people working remotely, leading to flexible dining hours. Those wanting to skip the lunch rush should aim for 1:30 PM for a quieter experience.
Overall, Saskatoon's food scene continues to evolve, with price variations and local habits shaping a unique dining experience that melds community with culinary exploration.