Walking through Ottawa’s lively streets, you can’t help but be drawn in by the delightful scents of its unique culinary offerings. This city, steeped in history and buzzing with cultural activity, is home to an array of must-try local dishes. From the unpretentious yet deliciously satisfying poutine — fries topped with cheese curds and gravy — to the indulgently sweet maple syrup-infused goodies, there’s a wealth of food experiences to be had.
But what stands out as the best of the best?
Delve into Ottawa’s food scene, and you’ll find the iconic BeaverTail, a hand-stretched, fried dough pastry often smothered in cinnamon and sugar. It’s a treat that’s closely associated with Canadian cuisine and a staple in Ottawa’s ByWard Market area. Another highlight is the “Obama cookie,” a shortbread delicacy from Moulin de Provence bakery, which garnered fame during President Obama’s visit in 2009.
Local ingredients are also vital to Ottawa’s culinary identity. The city’s chefs take pride in sourcing from nearby farms, showcasing the region’s produce in dishes like the savory Ottawa Valley pork, complemented by seasonal vegetables. Additionally, craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the thriving brewery scene, with local establishments like Kichesippi Beer Co. and Beyond the Pale Brewing Company offering a taste of the city’s artisanal spirit.
For a true taste of Ottawa, exploring these dishes and the stories behind them isn’t just about satisfying your appetite — it’s about experiencing the very essence of the city’s cultural fabric. With each bite, you’re partaking in a piece of Ottawa’s history and the warmth of its community.
Classic Canadian Poutine
As someone deeply passionate about hearty and satisfying meals, I often find myself drawn to the quintessential Canadian poutine when I’m in Ottawa. This beloved dish features a base of perfectly fried potatoes, generously draped with a savory gravy, and crowned with fresh cheese curds that offer a delightful ‘squeak’ when bitten into. It’s a dish that truly embodies the spirit of Canadian cuisine, providing a comforting and fulfilling eating experience.
Poutine enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of twists on the traditional recipe available in the culinary scene. Whether it’s the addition of smoky bacon, tender pulled pork, or the luxurious touch of lobster, these toppings elevate the dish, adding complexity and depth to the flavors.
Ottawa is renowned for its exceptional poutine offerings, with establishments like the famous Smokes Poutinerie and the chic Elgin Street Diner standing out. Each eatery infuses its own flair into the poutine, making each version a unique discovery. Patrons can expect a diversity of interpretations of this national favorite, ensuring a memorable taste journey.
BeaverTails – A Canadian Delight
BeaverTails, a Canadian Pastry Staple from Ottawa
If you’ve relished the variety of poutine in Ottawa, you’ll certainly want to try BeaverTails. These pastries aren’t just a treat; they’re a Canadian emblem of sweet indulgence, essential for any Ottawa culinary adventure.
Originating in Ottawa in the 1970s, BeaverTails pastry is a Canadian innovation. Crafted to resemble the tail of a beaver, the dough is stretched and fried to a golden crisp. The outcome is a pastry that’s both crunchy and warm, usually garnished with an assortment of sweet toppings.
A favorite topping for many is a simple yet satisfying sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. This pairing brings to mind the comforting taste of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. For those seeking new flavors, you have options like rich Nutella, classic maple syrup, or the crunch of Oreo pieces.
Enjoying a BeaverTail is a memorable experience. These pastries are a delightful way to indulge your dessert cravings as you delve into Ottawa’s diverse food offerings. Make sure to sample this quintessential Canadian pastry on your Ottawa visit.
Savory Tourtière – A French-Canadian Specialty
Delight in the robust taste of Savory Tourtière, the cherished French-Canadian meat pie. This festive favorite, deeply ingrained in the culinary heritage of Quebec, is a celebration of traditional flavors and cooking practices.
At the heart of the Tourtière lies a blend of minced pork, beef, or veal, seasoned with a bouquet of herbs and spices that infuse the pie with its distinctive taste. The addition of a buttery, flaky pastry crust brings a pleasing contrast to the succulent meat mixture within.
Cinnamon, a standout spice in this recipe, is essential. Its warm, subtle sweetness enhances the meat’s savoriness, striking a fine balance on the palate.
Savory Tourtière is synonymous with joyous gatherings, particularly during the Christmas season and New Year’s festivities. It’s a dish that unites loved ones, kindling a sense of community and shared heritage at the dining table.
In Ottawa’s culinary scene, Savory Tourtière takes center stage in many local eateries and pastry shops. Each chef adds their personal touch to the time-honored recipe, inviting patrons to experience the diverse culinary interpretations of this esteemed pie.
Embark on a gastronomic journey through French-Canadian culture with a serving of Savory Tourtière. This gastronomic gem not only pleases the taste buds but also offers a window into the soul of Canada’s Francophone province.
Ottawa’s Famous Shawarma
Ottawa is celebrated for its exceptional Shawarma, a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine that has won over the hearts of both residents and tourists. This dish stands out with its perfectly sliced meats, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, which are seasoned with a special mix of spices and then slow-cooked on a rotating spit, creating a dish that’s both juicy and delightfully crispy.
The standout feature of Ottawa’s Shawarma is the unique spice blend and marinade used to flavor the meat. While the specific spices can vary by restaurant, they typically include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic—each contributing to the meat’s enticing scent and complex taste that balances savory notes with a hint of tang. The marinade, often a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and vinegar, not only tenderizes the meat but also deepens the flavor.
Ottawa’s Shawarma is also distinguished by the wide variety of toppings and sauces available. Customers can customize their dish with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, as well as tangy pickles, smooth garlic sauce, and spicy hot sauce, allowing for a personalized and thrilling combination of textures and tastes.
Shawarma can be enjoyed in Ottawa either wrapped in fluffy pita bread or atop a serving of aromatic rice, making it an essential experience for anyone looking to explore the city’s rich culinary offerings. When visiting Ottawa, don’t miss out on enjoying this delicious Middle Eastern specialty.
Fresh and Flavorful ByWard Market Cuisine
Exploring Ottawa’s culinary landscape, I’m particularly drawn to the ByWard Market’s fresh and delectable offerings. Renowned for its commitment to farm-to-table dining and unique gastronomic delights, the market is a haven for anyone passionate about making vibrant food choices.
At the market’s core, an array of dining establishments proudly presents Ottawa’s finest local produce. Seasonal vegetables and meats procured from nearby farms ensure that sustainability is at the menu’s forefront, guaranteeing that every dish isn’t only scrumptious but environmentally considerate.
The market is also a crossroads of global flavors. You can savor the essence of international cuisine, from a French bistro infusing traditional recipes with contemporary flair to an Italian trattoria where homemade pasta is the star.
Beyond just eating, the ByWard Market offers immersive culinary adventures. Food tours reveal the market’s best-kept secrets, and cooking classes empower you to bring Ottawa’s flavors into your own kitchen.
Indulge in Sweet Maple Syrup Treats
Indulging in the sweetest of treats, the ByWard Market in Ottawa offers a delightful array of maple syrup-infused delicacies. The rich, amber liquid of maple syrup is a beloved Canadian staple, and here in the heart of Ottawa, it takes center stage in a variety of mouthwatering desserts and candies. From classic favorites to inventive creations, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Maple Pecan Pie: Sink your fork into a luscious slice of pecan pie, infused with the distinct flavor of maple syrup. The buttery crust and crunchy pecans perfectly complement the sweet, velvety filling.
- Maple Sugar Tarts: These delectable tarts feature a gooey filling made with pure maple syrup, encased in a flaky pastry shell. The combination of sweet and buttery flavors is simply irresistible.
- Maple Ice Cream: Cool down with a scoop of creamy maple syrup-infused ice cream. Its velvety texture and subtle sweetness make it a refreshing and indulgent treat on a warm summer day.
- Maple Fudge: Sink your teeth into a square of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth maple fudge. Its creamy consistency and rich maple flavor will leave you craving for more.
- Traditional Maple Syrup Candies: Experience the pure essence of maple syrup in its most concentrated form with these delightful candies. Made by boiling and cooling maple syrup until it crystallizes, these candies provide a satisfyingly sweet burst of flavor.
Whether you have a sweet tooth or simply appreciate the wonders of maple syrup, the ByWard Market offers an irresistible selection of maple syrup-infused desserts and traditional maple syrup candies. Prepare to indulge in a truly Canadian culinary experience that celebrates the natural sweetness of this beloved ingredient.
