What Food To Try in Winnipeg and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Winnipeg for 2024.
National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Winnipeg cafes and restaurants
$15.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.32
$56.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $37.73
$10.2
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.3
What to Try in Winnipeg
Must-try Dishes
Flapper Pie - Flapper Pie (custard pie) - A sweet dessert-like pie with a graham cracker crust, filled with fluffy vanilla custard and topped with meringue. Though it's a dessert, many Manitoba locals have it as a home-style dinner option, often reminiscing about their childhoods while savoring each bite. Ukrainian Borscht - Борщ (beet soup) - This vibrant soup is made with beets, cabbage, and sometimes chunks of beef or ham, served hot with a dollop of sour cream. It's a winter staple and perfect for a cozy lunch, often enjoyed with homemade bread.
Prairie Bison Burger - (bison burger) - A juicy burger made from locally sourced bison, served with Manitoba-grown vegetables on a hearty bun. On your road trip, grab one from a food truck; it’s a frequent favorite for quick bites at fairgrounds.
Chicken on a Stick - (grilled chicken skewers) - Marinated chicken pieces grilled and served on a stick, often with a side of tangy dipping sauce. Enjoyed mainly at summer festivals and fairs, locals might share that it’s a go-to street food for quick meals.
Perogies - (stuffed dumplings) - Dough filled with potatoes and cheese, then boiled and sometimes pan-fried for a crispy edge. Locals often enjoy them during family gatherings, typically with a dollop of sour cream.
Fish’n’Chips - (breaded fish with fries) - Crispy battered fish served with thick-cut fries and tartar sauce. Found in many pubs, it’s a popular option for casual dinners, especially on Friday nights when locals celebrate the end of the workweek.
Fall Pumpkin Soup - (pumpkin soup) - Creamy soup made from fresh pumpkin, seasoned with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Best enjoyed in autumn at local markets, where people gather for seasonal fare and share recipes.
Cabbage Rolls - (stuffed cabbage) - Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around seasoned ground meat, slow-cooked in tomato sauce. Eaten during holidays or family get-togethers, these rolls draw memories of warm kitchens and shared meals.
Desserts & Drinks
HoCho - Hot Chocolate (rich cocoa drink) - Decadent hot chocolate made with a blend of cocoa, milk, and a hint of cinnamon, often topped with whipped cream. Perfect for cold Winnipeg winters, it's a favorite for cozy coffee shop visits after skating at The Forks. Caesar - Caesar (spicy cocktail) - A zesty cocktail featuring vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, garnished with celery and pickles. Commonly enjoyed at brunch, especially on the weekends, the Caesar is a must for spicy cocktail lovers—just don’t confuse it with a bloody Mary!
Forest Berry Smoothie - Smoothie de Baies Forestières (sweet berry blend) - A refreshing blend of seasonal berries, yogurt, and a splash of honey, served chilled. Ideal for a warm summer day, locals love to sip this while lounging by the Assiniboine River or after a day at the farmer's market.
Butter Tart - Tarte au Beurre (gooey pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with a luscious mix of butter, sugar, and eggs, sometimes studded with raisins or nuts. Butter tarts are a classic treat found at many local bakeries, typically enjoyed during family gatherings and holidays—just remember to enjoy them warm for that gooey goodness!
Saskatoon Berry Pie - Tarte aux Baies de Saskatoon (fruity dessert) - A delightful pie packed with sweet Saskatoon berries enveloped in a flaky crust, perfect for summertime. It's a staple dessert during local festivals and family picnics—just a heads up, make sure to snag a piece while it's fresh out of the oven; they go quickly!
Food and Groceries in Winnipeg
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.14 |
| Bananas | $1.46 |
| Oranges | $3.87 |
| Potatoes | $2.68 |
| Apples | $3.79 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $2.17 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.94 |
| Imported Beer | $3.35 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.32 |
| Milk 1L | $1.41 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $13.67 |
| Chicken | $10.74 |
| Cigarettes | $15.47 |
| Rice | $3.54 |
| Local Cheese | $9.68 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Late afternoons here in Winnipeg have a unique energy, especially around meal times. It's common to see families eating supper by 5 PM on weekdays. You might notice that many locals prefer to dine out earlier, perhaps to avoid the evening rush or just to enjoy the relaxed vibe before it’s busy. It’s a habit rooted in our long, cold winters; who wants to be out in the bitter chill longer than necessary?
Around the Exchange District and Osbourne Village, you'll find an array of options, from cozy diners to trendy bistros. Prices vary widely. You could grab a hearty sandwich at a café for around 15 CAD, while a sit-down meal at a more upscale spot might set you back anywhere from 25 to 50 CAD per person. Generally, expect to pay slightly more in areas like The Forks, which are touristy but offer vibrant food scenes—think food markets and ethnic stalls.
Payment in Winnipeg is straightforward, with cash and credit/debit cards being widely accepted. Tipping norms suggest leaving about 15-20% of the bill if you're satisfied with your service, just as you would in most parts of Canada. Just a heads up: some places might add a service charge for larger groups, so it's worth checking the bill before adding your tip.
One local dining custom is our fondness for weekend brunch, particularly on Sundays. You’ll often see restaurants packed from around 10 AM to 2 PM, offering everything from traditional pancakes to unique fusion dishes. If you're planning on brunching, it’s wise to arrive early—you don’t want to be stuck waiting in line, especially in colder months.
A common tourist mistake is overlooking the food truck scene, especially in summer when many local vendors pop up near parks and festivals. These trucks offer everything from classic burgers to innovative vegan dishes at bargain prices (usually between 10 and 15 CAD). The joy of trying something new while supporting local entrepreneurs is a vibrant part of our food culture.
As for reservations, they’re generally recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. You definitely don’t want to find yourself hungry and waiting for a table at those peak hours.
Going forward, there’s a noticeable shift in how younger locals are exploring food. They’re leaning into plant-based options and supporting sustainability initiatives. That’s changing menu offerings and inspiring chefs to get creative with vegetarian and vegan dishes. It’s an exciting trend that reflects broader cultural shifts in our community.
Around the Exchange District and Osbourne Village, you'll find an array of options, from cozy diners to trendy bistros. Prices vary widely. You could grab a hearty sandwich at a café for around 15 CAD, while a sit-down meal at a more upscale spot might set you back anywhere from 25 to 50 CAD per person. Generally, expect to pay slightly more in areas like The Forks, which are touristy but offer vibrant food scenes—think food markets and ethnic stalls.
Payment in Winnipeg is straightforward, with cash and credit/debit cards being widely accepted. Tipping norms suggest leaving about 15-20% of the bill if you're satisfied with your service, just as you would in most parts of Canada. Just a heads up: some places might add a service charge for larger groups, so it's worth checking the bill before adding your tip.
One local dining custom is our fondness for weekend brunch, particularly on Sundays. You’ll often see restaurants packed from around 10 AM to 2 PM, offering everything from traditional pancakes to unique fusion dishes. If you're planning on brunching, it’s wise to arrive early—you don’t want to be stuck waiting in line, especially in colder months.
A common tourist mistake is overlooking the food truck scene, especially in summer when many local vendors pop up near parks and festivals. These trucks offer everything from classic burgers to innovative vegan dishes at bargain prices (usually between 10 and 15 CAD). The joy of trying something new while supporting local entrepreneurs is a vibrant part of our food culture.
As for reservations, they’re generally recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. You definitely don’t want to find yourself hungry and waiting for a table at those peak hours.
Going forward, there’s a noticeable shift in how younger locals are exploring food. They’re leaning into plant-based options and supporting sustainability initiatives. That’s changing menu offerings and inspiring chefs to get creative with vegetarian and vegan dishes. It’s an exciting trend that reflects broader cultural shifts in our community.