Ottawa is a city with a ton of local flavor. And when it comes to food, there's something for everyone. Sure, you could try the standard tourist traps—but why not take a chance on something new? There are local eateries serving cuisine from all over the world. So what are you waiting for? Here are some local foods you have to try in Ottawa.
Poutine
You've probably heard about poutine before, but did you know it's a local Ottawa specialty? Poutine is a food consisting of gravy, cheese curds, and french fries. It's the ideal warm-up dish on a chilly winter day.
There are many places to get poutine in Ottawa, but our top pick is Chez Lucien. They make their gravy from scratch, and the fries are always crispy. If you're looking for something hot and delicious to eat, you should try poutine.
BeaverTails
BeaverTails are a well-known Canadian dish now popular worldwide. However, those made in Ottawa makes are unlike in any other city. They are a beloved snack made of fried dough that has been hand-stretched to resemble beaver tails. If you visit Ottawa, you must taste a BeaverTail before you leave.
Smoked Meat
As a local, you have to try Ottawa's famous smoked meat. It's basically corned beef that's been smoked. Furthermore, it comes in various flavors, depending on the deli you visit.
Smoked meat is a staple of Canadian cuisine, and Ottawa is famous for it. So what makes it so unique? For starters, the meat is cured with a blend of salt, sugar, and spices before it's smoked. This gives it a unique flavor and texture that you won't find anywhere else. Some say that smoked meat is the best food in the world, and once you've tried it, you'll understand why. There's nothing quite like it. That's why it can't escape our list of local foods you have to try in Ottawa.
Bagels
There are many great places to get your bagel fix in Ottawa, but you can find the best bagels at Bagel House. They've been perfecting their recipes for years.
Bagel House uses a special malt and honey recipe, giving their bagels a nice crispy crust and a chewy texture. Plus, they're boiled in water before they're baked, giving them that traditional bagel flavor and texture everyone loves. If you're looking for a tasty local snack, be sure to try a bagel from Bagel House!
Maple Syrup
It's no secret that Ottawa is famous for its maple syrup. So when you're here, you have to try it! You can buy maple syrup in all sorts of places, but our favorite is at the farmer's market. You can talk to the people who made it and get a real sense of how much work goes into making this delicious stuff.
And if you want to learn more about it, there are all sorts of tours and workshops you can take. Maple syrup is a big part of Ottawa's history, and it's a tradition that we are glad is still going strong. You may become exhausted after moving because it is a demanding and stressful task. An excellent way to eliminate stress is to check out some restaurants, relax, and have fun in this beautiful city.
Cheese
Ottawa is known for its excellent local food scene, and when it comes to cheese, we have some excellent options. Here are just a few of the local cheeses you have to try:
- Dutch Farmhouse Cheese is made with raw cow's milk and has a slightly nutty taste.
- Sunflower Cheese is made with local sunflower seeds and has a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
- Frère de la Fromagerie is made with raw goat's milk and has a tangy, peppery taste.
- Harbinger of the North is made with raw cow's milk and has a salty, nutty taste.
- Ottawa Valley Thunder is made with raw cow's milk and has a strong, pungent taste.
Canard (Duck)
If you're looking for an enjoyable culinary experience in Ottawa, you should try some of the local duck dishes. Duck is a popular protein in this city, and some great restaurants serve it in various ways.
One dish you must try is canard à l'orange – duck served with a delicious orange sauce. It's a bit sweet but delicious. If duck isn't your thing, don't worry – there are plenty of other local dishes to choose from. Simply request a recommendation from your server.
Tarte Au Sucre (Sugar Pie)
Ottawa is home to some fantastic local foods, and tarte au sucre is one of them. Short and sweet, this sugar pie is definitely worth a try.
It's made with a flaky crust filled with a sweet, custard-like filling. The best part? It has a mountain of whipped cream on top. So if you're looking for a delicious dessert to try, tarte au sucre is the way to go, as advised by professionalmoverottawa.com experts.
Split Pea Soup
An icy winter day is an ideal occasion for this warming soup. And the best part is, you can find it at pretty much any restaurant or deli in the city. So why is this soup so popular in Ottawa? We think it has something to do with the fact that it's so affordable and easy to make. Plus, it's packed with all kinds of healthy ingredients like vegetables and protein-rich split peas. If you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal, you can't go wrong with split pea soup.
Shawarma
Shawarmas are available everywhere, but Ottawa's Shawarmas are unbeatable, especially on a chilly winter night after a few drinks with friends. Everyone in the city loves them because they are so delicious. The fact that Middle Eastern food has become commonplace on Ottawa's streets is proof of the city's diversity. You can't go wrong with a Shawarma, especially one from Shawarma Palace if you want to discover more about that culture while enjoying some delicious food.
Conclusion
Ottawa offers a variety of local foods that are worth trying. From the famous BeaverTails pastry to the quintessential Poutine, don't miss these local foods you have to try in Ottawa!
