TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Ontarian Foods
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Originating from Toronto, this simple sandwich consists of thick slices of fatty and crispy peameal bacon on a Kaiser bun. The bun soaks up the bacon's juices, developing its own meaty texture in the process. The sandwich is usually paired with mustard, and nowadays there are even modern versions with added cheese, eggs, tomatoes, or lettuce.
The bacon is called peameal because it used to be rolled in ground yellow peas, and although it's now typically rolled in cornmeal, the name peameal bacon remains unchanged.
MOST ICONIC Peameal bacon sandwich
This bacon is a classic Canadian meat product made with a boneless center-cut pork loin that is typically trimmed of fat, then cured in brine, and finally enclosed in a coating of ground cornmeal, which gives it its signature yellow-hued crust and incomparable flavor.
The original coating consisted of ground yellow peas called peameal, which is how the bacon got its name. Subtly sweet, nutty, and with a hint of saltiness, peameal bacon is not smoked nor pre-cooked, so it requires some preparation prior to consumption.
Sushi pizza is an unusual spin on sushi that is popular throughout Canada, especially in Toronto. It consists of a fried rice patty topped with salmon, tuna, or crab, avocado slices, spicy mayonnaise, and soy-wasabi sauce. It is believed that the dish was invented by a Japanese chef Kaoru Ohsada in a restaurant named Nami.
Originally, he made the dish by frying sushi rice, topping it with salmon, and garnishing it with tobiko fish roe and chopped onions. Today, sushi pizza is often accompanied by soy sauce or pickled ginger on the side. This food trend has also crossed national borders, so you can occasionally find it in poké restaurants in the United States.
MOST ICONIC Sushi pizza
Piacere is a Canadian cheese produced in Stratford, Ontario by Monteforte Dairy. The cheese is made from sheep's milk. Its rind is rolled in summer savory, chili, juniper berries, and rosemary. The texture and aromas become creamier and more pungent as the cheese ages.
Piacere is made in the stlye of Fleur du Maquis. It's recommended to add it to a bowl of vegetable soup or eat it on its own and pair it with a glass of Riesling.
Pair with
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Persian is a Canadian pastry roll characterized by an oval shape and a layer of pink icing that can be made with either strawberries or raspberries. These yeast-risen, fried cinnamon rolls originated at Bennett's Bakery in the city of Thunder Bay.
It is believed that Persians were named after a general named John Blackjack Pershing, although it is still unclear when these tasty rolls were invented. Nowadays, Persians are commonly prepared for fundraisers and similar social events.
MOST ICONIC Persians
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Windsor style-pizza is a unique Canadian pizza originating from Windsor, Ontario. The pizza has a medium-thin crust, and it's most often topped with oregano-spiked tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese that's produced by Galati, canned mushrooms, and sticks of shredded pepperoni, so that every bite of the pizza has the flavor of pepperoni, no matter which part of the pizza you bite into.
The toppings always go on top of the cheese, never under it. There's also the option of adding more toppings such as green peppers and bacon. The pizzas are cooked on cornmeal on stone deck ovens, making the crust crispy in the process. According to Windsor's Community Museum, the inventor of this pizza is unknown, but the main contenders for the title are Sam's Pizzeria, Volcano Pizzeria, and Mario's Restaurant.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Pizza
MOST ICONIC Windsor-style pizza
View moreCape Vessey is a Canadian cheese hailing from Prince Edward County, Ontario, where it's produced by the Fifth Town Artisan Cheese dairy. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's usually left to age from 2 to 3 months before consumption.
Underneath its washed rind, the texture is semi-soft, chewy, and firm. The aromas are tangy, strong, and goaty, while the flavors are sweet, subtle, delicate, and slightly nutty, with a creamy mouthfeel and hints of acidity. The cheese won the title of Grand Champion Goat Cheese at the Royal Winter Fair in 2008.
Lemon Fetish is a Canadian feta-like cheese produced in Prince Edward County, Ontario. The cylindrical cheese is made from pasteurized sheep's milk. The natural rind is rolled in Red Fife wheat and lemon zest, giving the cheese its name.
The texture is dry and crumbly and the aromas are lactic and very clean. The complex flavors are best described as lemony, tangy, citrusy, and salty, with hints of sour cream. You can serve Lemon Fetish the say way as a feta, but due to its drier texture, it's recommended to serve it with juicy vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocados.
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Best Ontarian Food Producers
Glengarry Cheesemaking, based in Lancaster, Ontario, specializes in producing fine artisanal cheeses. The company, which has obtained several awards, offers a range of products including the famous Lankaaster cheese - a gouda-style cheese aged to different maturity levels.
They provide cheesemaking supplies and host educational workshops on cheese production.
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Global Cheese Awards - Best
2023
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2015, 2011
BEST Glengarry Cheesemaking Cheeses
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023
International Chocolate Awards - Bronze
2023, 2018, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017
BEST Mellis Chocolate Chocolates
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
BEST Atalanta Corporation/mariposa Dairy Cheeses
Parmalat Canada is a subsidiary of the global dairy company, Lactalis, and specializes in dairy and cheese products. The company produces a variety of dairy items including milk, cheese, and yogurt. Parmalat Canada owns several popular Canadian dairy brands such as Beatrice, Lactantia, and Astro.
It operates multiple manufacturing facilities across Canada.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2011
BEST Parmalat Canada Cheeses
Upper Canada Cheese Company is a specialty cheese producer located in Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada. It primarily uses milk from Guernsey cows, which is known for its rich quality and unique flavor profile. The company offers a variety of artisan cheeses, including the popular Niagara Gold and Comfort Cream.
They source their milk from a single local herd to ensure consistency and quality.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Upper Canada Cheese Company Cheeses
The Udder Way Artisan Cheese Co is a cheese producer located in Canada. They specialize in crafting small-batch, artisan cheeses with a focus on quality and traditional methods. The company aims to source local ingredients and emphasize sustainable practices in their production process.
They offer a variety of cheese types including soft, semi-soft, and aged varieties.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
BEST The Udder Way Artisan Cheese Co Cheeses
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gin Gold Trophy
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
BEST Helford River Distillery Spirits
Balderson Cheese is a Canadian company specializing in the production of high-quality cheeses. It was founded in Balderson, a small village in Ontario, which has a long tradition of cheese-making. Balderson Cheese offers a variety of cheeses, including their well-known aged cheddar, as well as other varieties such as blue cheeses and spiced cheeses.
Their cheeses are renowned for their rich flavor and quality, and Balderson is recognized as one of the leading producers in the Canadian cheese industry. The company places great emphasis on the production process, using traditional methods and natural ingredients.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2020
BEST Balderson Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS
World Beer Awards - Gold
2023
World Beer Awards - World’s Best Flavoured Beer
2020
BEST Amsterdam Brewing Company Beers
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2022, 2021
BEST Wellington Brewery Beers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Ontarian Food Products
Soma Chocolatemaker produces a chocolate called Guasare, known for its rich and complex flavor profile. The Guasare cacao beans are sourced from Venezuela, specifically from the region where the rare and ancient variety of Criollo beans are found.
These beans are highly prized for their nuanced taste and aromatic qualities. Soma Chocolatemaker carefully crafts the Guasare chocolate to highlight the beans' natural flavors, resulting in a product that is celebrated by chocolate enthusiasts for its depth and richness.
AWARDS
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
2018
International Chocolate Awards - Best in competition' overall winners
2018
Celtic Blue Reserve is a gourmet cheese product crafted by Glengarry Cheesemaking, which is known for its unique and award-winning cheeses. This particular cheese is a soft, creamy blue cheese with a mild yet distinct flavor profile. It features a slightly tangy, earthy taste with hints of mushroom, thanks to its blue veins.
The texture of Celtic Blue Reserve is smooth and buttery, making it highly versatile for both cooking and direct consumption, whether spread on crackers or melted into sauces. The cheese has also gained recognition in the culinary world, highlighted by its accolades at cheese competitions.
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2015
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gin Gold Trophy
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
Birch Branch is an exquisite chocolate that showcases a harmonious blend of rich dark chocolate and the unique flavor of birch syrup. This delightful combination offers a subtle sweetness complemented by earthy undertones, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Each bite unveils layers of complexity, with the smooth, velvety texture melting beautifully on the palate. Perfect for those who appreciate innovative flavor pairings, Birch Branch is not just a treat but an exploration of nature's bounty. Ideal for gifting or indulging yourself, this chocolate invites you to savor the artistry of fine chocolate making.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2017
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2023
Dark Milk Tumaco is a product made by Hummingbird Chocolate Maker. This specific type of chocolate likely features a combination of dark chocolate flavors and the creaminess associated with milk chocolate. Hummingbird Chocolate Maker is praised for their meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to high-quality ingredients.
However, for details such as the origins of the cacao beans used in Dark Milk Tumaco or specific tasting notes,
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
2020
AWARDS
World Beer Awards - Gold
2023
World Beer Awards - World’s Best Flavoured Beer
2020
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.