Some Canadian foods are famous across the country, but many people secretly admit they enjoy the idea of them far more than actually eating them (according to a recent survey we conducted).
Donair pizza
Pizza and donairs are two popular foods, so why not combine them, right? Well, while the idea may sound good, donair pizza doesn’t always hit the mark.
Sweet donair sauce drizzled on pizza toppings creates an acquired taste that some love, but many others hate. Some Canadians order it out of curiosity or civic pride, only to learn that they prefer a bite of plain pizza or a regular donair next time.
BeaverTails
Deep-fried pastries slathered in sugar, chocolate, fruit or any other topping you can think of are great festival or tourist-trap food. Everyone wants one because they look awesome and smell even better.
But actually eating one is a different story. They’re usually so greasy and heavy that many people don’t finish them. After a few bites, the combination of fried dough and sweet toppings can become overwhelming.
Fast-food poutine
There’s nothing wrong with good poutine. Fresh fries, squeaky cheese curds and plenty of gravy can taste amazing. When you get poutine from the fast-food chain, however, the fries get soggy, the curds lose their texture, and the gravy tends to overpower everything.
Sure, Canadians love poutine, but many would admit that poor-quality versions are disappointing.
Jellied moose nose
Jellied Moose Nose is a traditional Canadian meal you’ll most often find up north. It’s made by boiling a moose’s nose, cutting the strips of meat and jellifying the entire thing in a loaf.
Traditionally, it holds a lot of value to Canada’s aboriginal communities that continue to make it. However, most Canadians have a hard time enjoying the texture of jellied meat.
Kraft Dinner
Ask anyone who grew up in Canada what they consider to be comfort food and many will tell you Kraft Dinner. Shortened to KD in many households, not everyone loves it as much as they think they should.
While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional box of mac and cheese, there’s a reason many adults stay away from it. It’s incredibly salty, full of artificial flavours, and not as good as many remember it to be.
Saskatoon berry pie
Pie made with Saskatoon berries is something Canadians tout as a prairie delicacy. However, most people don’t find it to be all that amazing when stacked up against the fruit pies most people grew up eating.
Saskatoon berries have a unique taste that many describe as earthy or nutty. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Tourtière
Tourtière is a classic French-Canadian meat pie usually served around the holidays. Most Canadians like the flaky pie crust, but the inside gets a mixed reaction. Too many random meats and spices are mixed together and it often feels heavy or bland.
Caesars
Canada’s national drink is comprised of vodka, Clamato juice, spices and assorted garnishes. Devotees will argue loudly about its greatness, but detractors can’t stomach the idea of drinking tomato juice flavoured with clams.
Many who order Caesars at parties will admit they only drink them because it’s expected, being the Canadian drink.
Split pea soup
Split pea soup is traditionally very French-Canadian and continues to be popular, especially in the winter. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really help itself with its slimy texture and dull green color.
People either love it as comfort food or hate it as something they dread seeing on the dinner table and can never finish.
Montreal smoked meat sandwiches
Montreal smoked meat is renowned as one of Canada’s signature dishes, but there are plenty of people who don’t really love it.
Sandwiches are often derided as being too big, salty and unpleasant to eat. Sure, tourists will wait in line for them, but ask any local and they’ll tell you they don’t usually crave it.
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