Canada is one of the greatest countries on earth. We have unique cultures across the country, we value our kindness, and we have enough natural resources to make some weird megalomaniacs salivate at the thought of absorbing us. While many countries have their own iconic foods, some Canadian versions stand out as superior especially in comparison to MuskZuckBezosCook nation (aka the USA). Here are 15 Canadian foods that outshine their international counterparts.
1. Poutine vs. Cheese Fries
Poutine (pronounced more like pootsin rather that pooTEEN, but you’ll get a pass outside of Quebec) is FAR superior to any ‘cheese’ fries you’d fine in the US. Originating in la belle province, this dish consists of crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds (NOT mozzarella or cheddar), and rich, dark beef gravy. Other cheeses melts inconsistently while poutine’s fresh curds retain their texture, creating a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
2. Montreal-Style Bagels vs. New York Bagels
New York bagels may be famous, but Montreal-style bagels are simply better. These bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter due to being boiled in honey water before baking in a wood-fired oven. The result is a bagel with a crisp exterior and a chewy interior, packed with flavor.
3. Canadian Maple Syrup vs. American Maple Syrup
This is a no-brainer. Canada produces the world’s finest maple syrup, with a depth of flavor unmatched by the corn syrup-based garbage Americans call ‘syrup’. The colder climate and traditional tree-tapping methods make Canadian syrup richer and more authentic.
4. Butter Tarts vs. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a Southern classic, but Canada’s butter tarts take the crown. These small, handheld pastries feature a flaky crust filled with a gooey, buttery, caramel-like filling. Whether plain or with raisins or pecans, butter tarts offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that pecan pie just can’t match.
5. Hawkins Cheezies vs. Cheetos
Cheetos might be the sad, global standard for cheesy snacks, but Hawkins Cheezies is far more flavourful. Made with real aged cheddar and using an old-fashioned extrusion method, these crunchy, intensely cheesy snacks have a firmer texture and a richer, more authentic flavor compared to the puffier, less satisfying Cheetos.
6. Nanaimo Bars vs. Brownies
Brownies are great and everything, but they’re boring. Nanaimo bars are next-level. This no-bake Canadian treat consists of three layers: a crumbly coconut and graham cracker base, a smooth custard-flavored middle, and a rich chocolate topping. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a uniquely indulgent dessert.
7. Montreal Smoked Meat vs. Pastrami
While pastrami is beloved in New York, Montreal smoked meat is better. Made from brisket that is dry-cured with spices, then smoked and steamed, it has a more delicate, tender texture and a deeper, richer flavor compared to pastrami’s drier, pepper-heavy profile.
8. Hickory Sticks vs. Potato Sticks
While the U.S. has potato sticks like Pik-Nik, Canada’s Hickory Sticks stand out due to their smoky, barbecue-like seasoning. These thin, crunchy potato sticks have a bold, savory flavor that American potato sticks lack, making them a superior snacking choice.
9. Caesars vs. Bloody Marys
The Bloody Mary may be famous worldwide, but Canada’s Caesar cocktail is the superior choice. Made with Clamato juice (a mix of clam and tomato juice), vodka, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices, the Caesar has a richer, more complex flavor than the standard Bloody Mary. It’s also often garnished with extravagant toppings like pickles, bacon, or even lobster tails.
10. BeaverTails vs. Funnel Cake
Funnel cakes are a popular fairground treat, but Canada’s BeaverTails take fried dough to a new level. These hand-stretched, deep-fried pastries are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with delicious ingredients like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit. Unlike funnel cakes, which can be messy and inconsistent, BeaverTails offer a perfectly balanced texture and flavor in every bite.
11. Tourtière vs. Meat Pies
French meat pies exist in many forms, but Acadian tourtière stands out with its rich, spiced pork and beef filling wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. This savory delight is especially popular during the holidays.
12. Bannock vs. Fry Bread
Indigenous Canadian bannock is a hearty, versatile bread that can be baked or fried. Unlike other fry breads, it has a denser, more satisfying texture and is often enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings.
13. Oka Cheese vs. Brie
Oka cheese, created by Trappist monks in Quebec, offers a bolder, nuttier, and more complex flavor compared to traditional brie. Its creamy texture and distinctive taste make it a standout among soft cheeses.
14. Split Pea Soup (Habitat Soup) vs. Other Pea Soups
Canada’s version of split pea soup, known as “habitant soup,” is heartier and more rustic than international variations, with tender yellow peas and chunks of ham adding richness.
15. Canadian Smarties vs. M&M’s
In Canada, Smarties are candy-coated chocolate pieces that are similar in size and shape to M&M’s but with a thinner, crunchier shell and a richer chocolate flavor. Meanwhile, in the U.S., “Smarties” refer to small, tangy, chalky tablets similar to Canada’s Rockets. When compared to M&M’s, Canadian Smarties offer a unique texture and taste that many prefer over the American counterpart.
Conclusion
Canada > US for food.