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8 Canadian Foods You’ve Never Heard Of, And Where To Try Them

Unusual and very, very delicious.
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When you think of Canada, several national treasures spring to mind; maple syrup, ice hockey, poutine. While Canadians embrace these traditions whole-heartedly -- especially when it comes to culinary delights -- they also cherish many not so well known delicacies. Canucks are truly unique, and so are their palates.

London Fog

While it could also double as a great cocktail name, the London Fog is in fact a type of hot drink.

Made up of Earl Grey tea, milk and vanilla syrup, this steamy concoction originated in Vancouver, however its creator still remains a mystery.

London Fogs can be found in most cafés across Canada. However, if you're after the flavours with a twist, Vancouver based ice cream connoisseurs, Earnest Ice Cream, have created a London Fog gelato version that is out of this world, according to Gastrofork blogger Dee Los Santos.

Bannock

A type of flat bread, Bannock takes its name from the traditional Scottish bun but was adopted by the Metis and Franco Canadians.

This Canadian delicacy is traditionally served over the campfire or with a big bowl of split pea soup! VanFoodies blogger Joyce Lam recommends Duchess' Bannock and Desserts in Alert Bay, BC for their delicious and generous portions.

Foodology blogger Diana Chan also recommends Salmon n' Bannock in Vancouver, famous for its bannocks.

Donairs

Dubbed Canada's answer to the Greek Gyros, Donairs are famous in The Maritimes and certainly centred in the city of Halifax.

Touted as the city's official snack, Donairs are a pita filled with spit roasted shaved beef, tomatoes and onions slathered in a signature sauce. Legend has it that the Halifax Donair originates from a restaurant owner, Peter Gamoulakos back in the 1970s.

It's understood that his original 'gyros' didn't quite fit with the East coast cuisine, but a tweak of the recipe and voila! Halifax's famous dish was born. Peppers & Pennies food blogger Amanda Cortens recommends King of Donair and Tony's Donair for a fix.

Ice Wine

Making the most of their frosty climate, Canadians love a good ice wine!

This dessert wine is produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The sugars within the grape do not freeze, but the water does, creating a more concentrated, sweet wine.

The Inniskillin Winery, based in Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario, is believed to have created the first ice-wine in 1984 -- a Vidal labelled 'Eiswein'. Lam recommended Peller Estate in Niagara Falls. They're also incidentally one of the biggest producers of Ice Wine in Canada. Los Santos recommended award-winning Summerhill Pyramid Winery, based in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Nanaimo Bars

This three-layered treat consisting of a wafer crumb base, custard butter icing and melted chocolate is the pride and joy of Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Local legend has it that it originated from a woman called Mabel Jenkins, who submitted the recipe to a public cookbook in the 1950s. Chan recommended Whistler and Vancouver based handmade bakery, PureBread, for their Nanaimo Bars. Of course, it's definitely worth trying one from their namesake city, and Bocca Caféin Nanaimo is touted as one of the best.

Beavertails

Deep fried pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar, chocolate or maple butter, say no more!

Beavertails were first introduced in 1978 by husband and wife team, Grant and Pam Hooker, in Ottawa, Ontario. Now, they are the sole producers of Beavertails™ in Canada. The whole-wheat pastry is stretched out, resembling the shape of a beaver's tail -- hence the name. Beavertails are sold across Canada, namely at markets, theme parks and ski resorts!

Saskatoon Berries

While they closely resemble a blueberry, Saskatoon berries offer a far more unique flavour. Originating from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, these zesty berries can be found in the Canadian Prairies and pack a nutritional punch. Each berry contains a significant dose of manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, fibre, protein and antioxidants!

Cortens said Saskatoon berries are mostly used in jams and pies and recommended trying them at the Berry Barn, in Saskatoon.

Moose

Steak, Lamb, Chicken -- step aside. If you're a Canadian Northerner (very Game Of Thrones we know), then there's a good chance you spent most of your childhood living off the land -- AKA, eating moose.

80Twenty food blogger, Kris Osborne said that while moose meat can be hard to find in stores, there's other ways of getting your hands on it. "If you befriend a northerner, you're bound to be invited over for a meal at some point," Osborne said.

In terms of how to eat it, Osborne said cooking moose meat slowly simmered with onions and green peppers and served over potatoes is nothing short of amazing.

Discover more amazing places to eat Canada's unique and amazing cuisine here.

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