Canada’s food culture is diverse, influenced by its rich history and expansive geography. From the sugary sweetness of Quebec’s maple syrup to the coastal seafood of Nova Scotia, these provinces offer iconic dishes that represent the heart and soul of Canadian cuisine. Here, we highlight two quintessential dishes—Poutine from Quebec and Scallop Chowder from Nova Scotia—that showcase the best of these regions.
Poutine is a comfort food like no other. Hailing from Quebec, this indulgent dish consists of crispy fries, cheese curds, and gravy—but it’s the simple combination of flavors that makes it so beloved. Poutine is often enjoyed as a late-night snack or a hearty meal, and it’s found on nearly every menu across the province. It’s a Canadian classic that speaks to the comforting, homey nature of Quebecois cuisine, which you can enjoy with our expert local guides on our cultural walking trip of Quebec & Charlevoix.
Get The Recipe
To create this from the comfort of your home, try this recipe (serves 4):
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 1 ½ cups fresh cheese curds (preferably white cheddar)
- 2 cups beef gravy (or chicken gravy, depending on preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step by Step:
1. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F
2. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
3. While the fries are frying, heat the gravy in a small saucepan over medium heat.
4. To assemble the poutine, place the fries on a serving platter. Top with cheese curds, then pour hot gravy over the top.
5. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately, while the cheese curds are still warm and melting.
Nova Scotia’s Scallop Chowder
Scallops are a signature seafood of Nova Scotia, and this chowder recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy these sweet, tender shellfish. While on tour in Nova Scotia’s charming coastal villages, you can enjoy the rich flavors of this creamy soup that celebrates the natural sweetness of seafood. This chowder is perfect for cozy dinners and pairs wonderfully with freshly baked bread.
Get The Recipe
To create this from the comfort of your home, try this recipe (serves 4):
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of fresh scallops, cleaned and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups fish stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish) and salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add potatoes and stock, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cream and milk. Add the scallops and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the scallops are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, perhaps with some crusty bread.
These two dishes, Poutine and Scallop Chowder, beautifully represent the unique flavors and food culture of Quebec and Nova Scotia. Whether you’re indulging in the cheesy, crispy delight of poutine or savoring a creamy bowl of scallop chowder, you’re experiencing a true taste of Canada.
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