How many have you tried?
Which one do you like best?
Bannock
Bannock, also known as fritter, is a traditional bread made by Native Americans on the North American continent. Recipes are often tailored to locally available ingredients and cooking equipment, so each version is unique. Bannock bread can be baked, fried or cooked on a stick over a campfire at a campsite.
At Salmon ‘n Bannock, an Aboriginal restaurant in Vancouver, Bannock is served with dishes. You can also find Bannock at the food truck Mr. Bannock, or place an order from Metis Bannock Queen.
Nanaimo strips
Nanaimo strips are a pastry originating in Canada. They were invented in the Vancouver Island city of Nanaimo in the 1950s and later named after the West coast city where they originated.
Nanaimo strips, popular throughout North America, are made with ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, coconut and butter and are incredibly simple to make. You can make your own by following the official recipe on the City of Nanaimo website
Bjornbar Bakery in North Vancouver and Valley Bakery in Burnaby are great places to enjoy Nanaimo strips.
Caesar cocktail
This classic cocktail was invented in Calgary in the 1960s as a Canadian take on the red glamorous Bloody Marley. Both share the same ingredients, including vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce and Worcester sauce, but the Caesar has an unusual addition: clam bouillon.
Caesar cocktails are usually served in salt-rimmed glasses and garnished with a sprig of celery. Today, some Vancouver restaurants offer versions with top-notch decor, including pepperoni sticks, shrimp and bacon. Also included are full-size burgers, onion rings and a bowl of nachos placed on top.
BC volume
Vancouverites love sushi, so it’s no surprise that there are signature rolls named after the province of BC. Invented by local chef Eito Tojo in 1974, the BC roll consists of grilled salmon skin and cucumber wrapped in seaweed over rice. Tojo chose the name to celebrate BC’s wild Pacific salmon harvest.
You can find BC rolls on the menus of most local sushi restaurants, including Tojo’s, where they were originally created.
Gravy cheese fries
This Quebec dish is made with gravy and cheese curds over a plate of hot French fries. Over the past few decades, this dish has become so popular in Canada that you can find it in almost any fast food restaurant.
There are several restaurants in Vancouver that specialize in this snack, serving traditional and fusion gravie-cheese Fries, including La Belle Patate, Mean Poutine, Fritz European Fry House and Belgian Fries.
Fog of London
Despite its name, London Fog was actually invented in Vancouver. The drink is made with infused Earl grey tea, vanilla extract and steamed milk, with honey added in some versions.
The buckwheat cafe that originally invented the London Fog is no more, but you can still find it in most warm Coffee shops. Kafka’s Coffee and Finch’s Tea House are recommended.
Salmon candy
Also known as Indian sweets, this sweet smoked salmon snack is a traditional Aboriginal dish. The salmon is marinated before being smoked, with pepper added in some versions. Authentic candy salmon can be found at The Longliner Seafood counter on Granville Island or at The Daily Catch, a restaurant on Commercial Drive.
Beaver tail
The sweet pastry has a variety of toppings, from chocolate hazelnut spread to strawberry cheese. The name comes from its resemblance to a stretched beaver tail. Beaver tails were invented in Ontario in 1978 and are popular in Canada. In Vancouver, beaver tails can be eaten in places like grouse Mountain or the PNE Playground.
Hawaiian pizza
Pizza lovers may be surprised to learn that Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in Canada. Hawaiian pizza originated in Ontario in 1962. This pizza is a combination of pineapple and ham. Some people think it is delicious, while others disagree with the taste.
Hawaiian pizza can be found everywhere in Vancouver, from cheap street-side pizzerias to high-end artisan pizzerias, at almost every pizzeria. Try an updated version at Pizzeria Barbarella, or try a classic at Uncle Fatih’s.
Montreal bacon
Quebec’s most popular Montreal pancetta is made by marinating brisket with a variety of spices, then smoking it and finally steaming it, usually served with a sandwich on rye bread and topped with mustard.
Of course, you don’t have to go to Montreal to order a bacon sandwich at local Vancouver restaurant La Belle Patate, or try the gravy cheese fries topped with bacon at Fritz European Fry House.
