There’s more than just Ice Hockey, Maple Syrup, and Moose
Canadian Culture Translated Through U.S. Terms
Living in the United States has surrounded me with an impeccably diverse population of people and I am forever grateful for that. Along with the diversity of people come the different foods and aspects of culture that we share. As a native Canadian and now dual-citizen, I can’t help but miss a few of the truly Canadian delicacies. Here are a few that I always remember to indulge in whenever I’m in the neighborhood:
1. Poutine
Instead of the traditional In-N-Out animal fries, we have poutine. For those who don’t know, animal fries are french fries topped with melted cheese, diced onions, and In-N-Out’s secret sauce. Originating in Quebec, Canada, Poutine is described as french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. As the french word “poutine” translates to “mess”, you can probably imagine how eating the famous dish would go.
2. Lay’s Ketchup Chips
As odd tasting as this may sound, don’t forget that Lay’s now makes Chicken and Waffle flavored chips. Ketchup chips are nothing short of your average sodium-filled, binge-worthy junk food. If you’re open to trying Chicken and Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, or even Cappuccino flavored Lay's, Ketchup flavored chips should be nothing short of normal for your taste palette.
3. BeaverTails
In spirit of the country’s national symbol, the beaver tail, this tasty treat is outright delicious. Forget your average county or state fair funnel cakes, these fried dough pastries are made in the shape of a beaver’s tail and can be consumed with a wide array of toppings. From Nutella and bananas, cinnamon and sugar, chocolate or caramel syrup with candies, or even apple’s and cinnamon; it’s almost impossible to consume your beavertail plain.
4. Tim Horton's - Timbits
The staple of the Canadian caffeine chain. Tim Horton’s is the Canadian version of Starbucks. Starbucks has its cake pops and Tim Horton’s has their donut holes: Timbits. You may have had donut holes before but Timbits could never come close in comparison. After trying your first bite, you’re guaranteed to want to buy their almighty 50-pack, which gets consumed in a household a lot faster than you’d think.
5. Jakeman's Maple Cream Cookies
A sweet and tremendously patriotic treat. Jakeman’s maple cookies are made with real, authentic maple syrup, complimented with a cream filling. They’re basically an oreo but with maple-syrup flavored cookies instead of the usual chocolate cookie. Nevertheless, their taste is on a whole other spectrum than Nabisco’s Oreo cookie.
6. Milk in a Bag
One thing that isn’t different in Canada is the universal fact that cookies go hand in hand with milk. But before you go wandering into Loblaw’s dairy section looking for your regular, gallon carton of milk, take this into consideration-- milk in a bag. As weird as this concept may sound, it’s one of those things you never question until someone points it out. Before you question this foreign idea, know that Canada takes pride in its production of hormone-free milk. In my opinion, milk in a bag actually tastes better than milk in a carton. It’s served by simply cutting a corner in the bag and inserting the bag in a plastic pitcher.
7. Candy Names
Searching for your favorite candy might take a little longer than expected in Canada. Although we do have a lot of the same candies as the States, Canadian candies are quite the delicacy. Whether it’s Coffee Crisps, O’Henry bars, Aerobars, Smarties, Rolo, or Kinder Eggs, you’ll be longing for at least one of these when you’re back in the states. If you’re a fan of what are known as “smarties” in the U.S., beware -- they’re called “rockettes” in Canada. “Smarties” in canada are a candy that more closely resemble m&m’s than the powdery, tablet, looking candy it’s known as in the states.
8. Traffic Signs
As universal as traffic signs and their colors may seem, you might be alarmed to find that all the traffic signs in Canada are in French. Despite each sign still corresponding to the same shape and colors as they do in the U.S. the words on them are in French. So even if you don’t speak a lick of French coming into Canada, you’re bound to learn at least one word while driving around the streets. But not to worry, we still drive on the same side of the road!
9. St. Viateur Bagels
Since 1957, St. Viateur has baked their bagels in a wood-oven. They provide the city of Montreal with bagels 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s almost impossible to walk by a St. Viateur Bagel shop and not be intrigued. The actual bagel baking process is on display in each and every one of their bakeries or cafés-- conveyor belt’s exposed and everything! You’ll never leave one of their shops wondering just how fresh your bagels are.
10. Currency
Although the United States might be headed in this direction soon, the concept of pennies ceasing to exist is a rather foreign one to grasp. As of February 4, 2013 pennies were withdrawn from circulation in Canada. In other words, less rummaging through your purses and pockets for exact change and less change to haul around! Instead of $1.00 bills, the Canadians have a $1.00 coin called a “Loonie” and a $2.00 coin called a “Toonie”.
Canadian money is also different by the fact that each bill is a different color, depending on its value. The dollar bills are also partially transparent-- how crazy is that?! And just when you thought it couldn’t get any crazier, they have a woman on their bill! As a formerly British-owned territory, the Canadian $20 bill, loonie, and toonie, feature the face of Queen Elizabeth II on it.
Now that you’ve been somewhat immersed into the culture and famous foods of your neighbor’s up North, don’t be discouraged to give any of these foods a try next time you’re in the neighborhood. And don’t forget to try the maple syrup, eh?
