Canadians are quite the patriotic bunch, and Ottawa is no exception. Take a stroll around this picturesque city and you will find that there are classic Canadian foods around every corner.
Pure Maple Sugar
Photo by Katrina Cuthbertson
Everyone knows about maple syrup, but do you know about its more intense cousin? With texture that is similar to fudge, it’s the most intense syrup you’re going to taste in your life . Stock up on that insulin because the sugar rush will be very worth it.
Beavertails
Photo by Katrina Cuthbertson
These ski-hill classics are available in many sweet or savoury flavours.
The classic is cinnamon and sugar, but the garlic bread inspired one is surprisingly good too (both pictured above). The “tails” are actually whole wheat dough that has been stretched, shaped and then deep-fried. This makes it the perfect canvas for all sorts of flavours. Let me just tell you, the Oreo and Nutella varieties are amaze-balls.
Canada Cookies
Photo by Katrina Cuthbertson
These can be found at Le Moulin de Provence in Byward Market. Obama stopped by this bakery when he visited Ottawa in 2009, and since then, these cookies have also been affectionately coined “Obama Cookies”. They are just a simple and delicious shortbread in the shape of a Maple Leaf, with “Canada” scripted in white frosting.
Gezellig Bistro
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Keith on flickr.com
Located in a converted bank, Gezellig Bistro’s motto is: “Local and sustainable food being sourced directly from the farmer or producer”. They have an amazing Quebec Duck Confit (pictured above) and an extensive wine list to complement it. They also bake fresh bread and serve it with a dipping oil specially created by the chef daily.
Lastly, as a fellow Canadian branch, shoutout to the new Spoon University Carleton—located in the city of interest for this article, coincidentally—that just launched. Check out their page to see more great food in Ottawa.