Croffles: At the intersection of croissants and waffles

CanCulture visited Fuwa Fuwa and tried the newest addition to their menu: croffles

By: Apurva Bhat

(Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

The wind is cool, my face is numb and my friend and I can’t wait to reach Fuwa Fuwa to try their fluffy-looking croffles. With my university nearby in downtown Toronto’s Dundas Square, the franchise’s Bloor St. W. location is the closest and most accessible to me. When we enter the store, we are welcomed by the warmth and smell of fresh pancakes being cooked.

Known for their Japanese pancakes, Fuwa Fuwa began making croffles that gained immense popularity this summer at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). According to blogTO, they were nearly sold out each day. On Oct. 1, the restaurant announced that the affordable croffles - only $5.99 each (without tax) – would be a permanent addition to their menu.

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These croffles come in four flavours - signature, tiramisu, cocoa banana and cookies and cream. We ordered the signature, tiramisu and cookies & cream.

As we were waiting for our food to be made, we could see other orders being freshly prepared - an employee flipping a batch of fluffy Japanese pancakes and another employee whisking batter for more pancakes. The store is clearly popular. Despite coming in an hour before closing, there was lots of traffic and online orders dinging in.

This location was fairly compact, but we didn’t have difficulty finding a seat. After seven minutes, our desserts were brought to our table. The portion was what one would expect for the price - not too huge and not too small. 

Each croffle, as explained by a front staff member, has the same base - a croissant. It is then toasted in a waffle maker and topped with whipped cream.

Depending on the flavour, the ingredients differ. My personal favourite was the cookies and cream which happens to be one of the more popular flavours according to an employee. It was topped with crushed Oreos and was extremely delicious. I especially liked the balance between sweet and savoury.

The cookies & cream croffle is one of Fuwa Fuwa’s more popular flavours.  (Apurva Bhat/CanCulture)

The one thing I didn’t enjoy was that the croffles were slightly undercooked in the middle. I’m someone that appreciates flaky and crispy croissants, but the texture of these was softer. I also couldn’t taste the waffle aspect of the croffles as much - it majorly tasted like a slightly undercooked toasted croissant.

The signature flavour offers customers a simple, uncomplicated flavour for the less adventurous eaters - topped with a handful of strawberries and blueberries, it wasn’t very extraordinary.

Contrary to what a video on Fuwa Fuwa’s Instagram suggests, the signature croffle didn’t have any syrup or powdered sugar on top. Because of this, it wasn’t extremely sweet but was actually refreshing which I appreciated.

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The tiramisu flavour was a big no for me. Like the other flavours, the middle was slightly undercooked. Also, the combination of coffee syrup and cocoa powder wasn’t ideal – it left an extremely bitter aftertaste. I also didn’t like the excess overload of cacao powder, but if you love bitter desserts, this might be what you’re craving.

The tiramisu croffle topped with cacao powder and coffee syrup (Apurva Bhat/CanCulture)

The order total was $20.31 with taxes which wasn’t too bad. But as a student living in an expensive city like Toronto, I wouldn’t necessarily purchase all flavours - rather stick with one or two.

The price per croffle is what makes these treats an attractive purchase - only $5.99 a piece! I wouldn’t have the signature or tiramisu flavours again, but I would definitely return for the cookies and cream ones.

Overall, If I were to rate Fuwa Fuwa out of 10 based on the croffle’s flavour, quality, service, ambiance and price, I would give it a six. I would love to try their pancakes and perhaps even the cocoa banana croffle, which happens to be another popular choice for other customers!

6 holiday food markets across Canadian cities

‘Tis the season to enjoy warm treats on chilly days

By: Rienne Mendoza

The Distillery Winter Village in Toronto’s iconic Distillery District (Vladyslava Andriyenko/Unsplash)

The holiday season is often marked by hectic gift shopping at malls and staying in as it gets dark by 4 pm. Change your scenery by checking out these six holiday markets across Canada.

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Farm Outdoor Christmas Market

The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Outdoor Christmas Market allows visitors to celebrate local artists, makers and farmers in Dawson City, Yukon. Attendees can embrace the holiday spirit by purchasing warm treats and drinks, going on a wagon ride or sitting by the warm bonfire. The event runs from Dec. 8 to Dec. 9, and admission is free of charge. 

Poster of the outdoor Christmas Market, featuring a green truck with bagged vegetables (Dawson City)

PNE Winter Fair

Do you happen to be strolling in Vancouver and looking for winter events all in one place? For 10 nights starting on Dec. 14, head to PNE Exhibition grounds for skating on the Tim Horton’s rink, holiday concerts and sightseeing holiday lights. Try new treats ranging from specialty doughnuts to holiday drinks with various onsite food and beverages. Tickets range from $15 to $12, while children under three years are free and can be purchased online.

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Market Collective Cheer

Inside the BMO Centre in Calgary, explore various local businesses while munching on treats from various food and beverage vendors. Each business is unique in its own way as it explores different tastes, such as Bakery Box YYC and Issa Green. The event also features other artists, designers and musicians showcasing their works for patrons to enjoy. Tickets are available at the door for $7 on weekends, and children 12 years and under are free.

Market Collective runs from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11 at the BMO Center in Calgary. (Market Collective)

Toronto Holiday Fair

Head over to Nathan Philip Square’s magical winter wonderland until December 23. After skating in the square or strolling along the Artisan Marketplace, eat some freshly baked goods from Bee’s Knees Bakery or egg waffle desserts from Golden Bubbles. If you’re over 19, visit the Polar Point Bar and try their various holiday alcoholic drinks. 

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Marché de Noël de Joliette (Joliette Christmas Market)

Enjoy a more local winter market focused on Lanaudière culture in downtown Joliette until December 23. There are nearly 30 local artists showcased to help you find an original gift for someone you appreciate. While shopping, try The Donut Cabin's famous doughnuts with powdered sugar on top or enjoy a prepared meal offered by La Seigneurie des Patriotes.

Marché de Noël de Joliette entryway. (Lanaudière)

Evergreen Market

Enjoy a walk along downtown Halifax near the waterfront at the Evergreen Market until December 18. Vendors from all over the province are spread out in 22 wooden chalets adorned with festive lights, offering their very best for the holiday season. Try some warm baked goods provided by local businesses during your visit. If you’re craving some holiday sweets, check out Chocolate Wish to keep you warm.

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A taste of Canada's Best New Cookbook

This new cookbook goes beyond mouthwatering food recipes by diving into culture, history and agriculture

By: Anna Maria Moubayed

A featured recipe in Canada’s Best New Cookbook by Wayfarer Oyster House, a restaurant in Whitehorse, Yukon. (Anna Maria Moubayed/CanCulture)

I went to Indigo to get Canada's Best New Cookbook in the flesh, and I, along with a lovely worker, had trouble finding the book. Turns out Canadians are already enjoying this “new” and “best” cookbook, and it is selling fast.

The book itself is a partnership between Air Canada’s enRoute, a site that helps travellers navigate hotels and restaurants in different cities– and, well, makes you wish you weren’t sitting here reading this article right now– and Destination Canada, a corporation that helps develop tourism in Canada.

The cookbook is written by James Beard Award-nominated writer Amy Rosen, but also features contributions from other Canadian writers like Alexandra Gill, Julie Van Rosendaal and Heather Greenwood Davis.

It contains recipes from more than 30 restaurants, including the top 10 winners of Air Canada enRoute's Canada's Best New Restaurants program from the past 20 years.

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Within the first few pages, a “glossary” of ingredients appears, which help define each Canadian province by positioning them within fascinating food contexts. For example, did you know that quality wheat from Manitoba is exported to over 70 countries, from Iran to Japan? Or that Saskatchewan is the world’s top exporter of lentils and produces 95 per cent of Canada’s supply? Or that fresh lobster is available in Nova Scotia 365 days a year?

The book is sectioned by different parts of Canada: Atlantic, Central, Prairies, North and West. Each section has its own specific recipes and stories.

The recipes come from different chefs from different cities. They have an ingredient list and detailed instructions on how to prepare the dish. Each recipe has a perfect-looking picture of the dish that shows the end result. The mouth-watering pictures are sure to inspire anyone to jump into the kitchen and start cooking, or check their bank account to possibly book a trip to the chef’s restaurant.

The recipes are a mix of sweet and savoury and could amount to a full-course meal, starting with some appetizers, amuse-bouche or soup, followed by the main course and finished off with sweets and drinks.

Making food, whether professionally or simply to cook for your family, often creates stories, memories or even history that passes down from one generation to the other along with the recipe itself.

In this modern take on a cookbook, there are interesting and heartfelt stories about the preservation of different cultures and cuisines, how different cuisines have grown in Canada, the business struggles in the food industry, and Indigenous history scattered amongst the recipes. This provides an unexpectedly refreshing mix of content that connects the reader’s emotions to the food.

The first of the stories, titled “A healing food journey, beginning with bannock cooked in the sand” by ILona Daniel talks about the traditional Mi’kmaq territory on the north shore of Prince Edward Island. Even though the Lennox Island First Nation situated there was the first reserve in Canada to be owned by its own community, the Mi’kmaq of Lennox were forbidden to perform any traditional practices by the local church for a long time. In an effort to keep these traditions alive, practices had to be conducted secretly, yet in plain sight, thus giving rise to the bannock cooked in the sand. 

Bannock was not always prepared in the sand. This new tradition comes from times when preparing bannock was seen as a practice of culture. To keep the bannock a secret, the Elders of the community would make the dough and keep it in a hole under firewood. Then, they would cover it with sand and put the firewood back over the bannock until it was cooked.

Another one of the stories titled “An epic taste adventure on Surrey’s spice trail” focuses on Surrey, home to the second largest South Asian community in Canada (next to Brampton, Ontario). The author, Bianca Bujan, is on a hunt for the best South Asian food the city has to offer. 

Bujan visits Chaska, where the small, unassuming space is contrasted with a big and bold menu, with in-house made spices and marinades. She also visits Kerala Kitchen, where Sujith Rj, a former Fairmont Hotels chef, now lives his dream of running a restaurant that features his childhood foods. Here, dosas dominate the menu. She describes the crepes as “airy” and “crispy.” Bujan goes to My Shanti, where the chef and restaurant owner Vikram Vij guides her through the two-pronged eating process of gol gappas. When she arrives at the restaurant, she is greeted by Vij with a warm smile and his hands in a prayer position. “My Shanti means my peace, … and my home is where I find peace.’' In his home away from home, the restaurant’s menu pays homage to the diversity, regionality and richness of South Asian cuisine. 

There’s also “Nunavut’s craft beers and landscapes quench thirsts and soothe souls” by Susan Nerberg. It talks about how the floe edge, or sinaaq in Inuktitut, is where open water meets the ice still attached to the shoreline. For a few weeks each year, Nerberg writes, the floe edge becomes an assortment of delight, with an “eruption of life” on its shores. Perhaps this is why the Nunavut Brewing Company chose to launch in Iqaluit, with a beer named Flow Edge, writes Nerberg.

The government-run wine and beer stores are limited since supply is based on container ships arriving with cargo during ice-free summers. “Our goal is to make a local product that supports the local community,” says Jason Oldham, NuBrew’s general manager. 

At the taproom, a customer’s senses are already at work. From the bar stool, the iceberg-white brew hall is visible, with the aromas of hops, yeast, malt, and barely reaching the tip of the nose, writes Nerberg. The red ale is called Aupaqtuq, Inuktitut for “red.” Frob Gold, the strong ale, comes from Martin Frobisher. Nilak, one of the regular beers on tap, comes from the Inuktitut word for “freshwater ice.” 

“There are northern lights and a midnight sun pouring glitter on the bay and tossing sparkles on the hills. There’s the land to feed the senses,” she writes. 

This book does a good job of bringing the art of modern-day cooking in a multicultural society to the reader's kitchen. It truly takes the reader around Canada and provides stories behind certain food scenes while introducing them to new restaurants, skillful chefs and their delicious recipes. 

Crafty Ramen: The at-home noodle kit’s rise to success

The Guelph-based restaurant and ramen kit creators reflect on their recent achievements

By: Talia Saley

Crafty Ramen home-made kits displayed on their website. (Courtesy of Crafty Ramen Market Inc.)

When Miki Ferrall moved from Japan to Canada in 2016, she felt there wasn’t a restaurant that made her feel at home. When reminded of Japan, she felt levels of homesickness and wanted this restaurant to re-create a space that felt like home. So she decided to open her own place with her husband, Jared Farrell. The pair opened their first location in Guelph, Ont., in 2017.

“We wanted them to feel comfortable to try our ramen and share the Japanese culture,” said Miki Ferrall.

Khalil Khamis, the chief executive officer of Crafty Ramen started as a loyal customer before joining the team.

“As a single guy after a long day of work, I would stop in and sit at the bar, and it would feel like home,” said Khamis.

After many conversations, Khamis partnered with the couple to further expand the business. When the company opened their second location in Kitchener, Ont., in 2019, they faced universal troubles that came with running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After observing other strategies businesses have shifted to doing in order to counteract losses, they decided to begin their own at-home meal kits. Crafty Ramen aimed to “help bring that experience home” to their consumers throughout quarantine.

How it works and how it has grown

Ramen kit descriptions listed on their website (Source: Crafty Ramen website)

Customers can subscribe to Crafty Ramen to receive meal kit deliveries every couple of weeks, ranging from every one to eight weeks. Buyers must secure four to six items to proceed with their purchase at a starting price of $65.26 for a minimum of four meal kits.

On the website, there is a section that leads to written instructions on how to build the kit, along with YouTube tutorials. When customers open the package, it comes with all of the separate ingredients which they must assemble together. 

Crafty Ramen started by making around 200 meal kits for daily pickups. As soon as the meal kits were added to their website, customer reactions were extremely positive. Inter-province customers even began requesting for the company to ship kits to their location. Recently, Crafty Ramen has expanded their delivery service locations out to British Columbia.

“The base over here is really we have a very strong customer community,” said Miki Ferrall.

In 2020, Crafty Ramen started to build its e-commerce website, now reaching around 1000 subscribers for their meal kit products. Their meal kits are available in more than 150 grocery stores across Ontario. 

In the near future, Crafty Ramen is planning on shipping its products to towns around Vancouver. The company is also planning on opening another location in Toronto, specifically in the Ossington area.

With the success of their new products, including the at-home ramen kits and other unique additions, such as their brothless ramen, gyoza and sausage kits, they are continuously trying to improve to spread their brand. They are using social media through paid social posts, as well as organic engagement through influencer outreach.

Crafty Ramen is also making efforts to better its environmental footprint. Instead of using gel packs for delivering their meal kits, for example, they switched to using dry ice after receiving feedback from customers. The liners for their packaging are made from 100 per cent recycled water bottles. Instead of viewing feedback negatively, Crafty Ramen try to use it as a means to improve on “some of the parts that some of [their] customers might not be happy with.”

After the development of the company both in person and online, they have noticed how dine-in customers will eat in and take a meal kit with them home. Some customers have encouraged Crafty Ramen to open a restaurant in their city after tasting the at-home meal kits.

Crafty Ramen enters the ‘Den’

Crafty Ramen’s founders, Miki and Jared Ferrall, and chief executive officer, Khalil Khamis on Dragons’ Den. (Courtesy of Crafty Ramen Market Inc.)

When Miki Ferrall was in Japan, she grew up watching The Tigers of Money, the original incarnation of CBC’s Dragons’ Den. She said she was excited to appear on a similar TV show that she grew up watching. 

“I just got so excited about just all the time I was smiling, it was a super fun day,” said Miki Ferrall.

Khamis mentioned how the experience meant a lot to him as he grew up watching Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank as an entrepreneur.

The application process started with an online questionnaire and a one-minute pitch video. Even after getting accepted to air on Dragons’ Den, the team from CBC helped to prepare and refine their pitch to be ready for the show.

On Dragons’ Den, Crafty Ramen asked the dragons for $600,000 in exchange for 6.5 per cent of the business. They ended up going with the deal from Arlene Dickinson for $600,000 with 12 per cent of the company.

Let’s hope Crafty Ramen will continue to deliver their homey experience to bring joy to consumers across Canada for years to come.

Odd burger redefines fast food with a fully-vegan menu

Plant-based eaters can look forward to enjoying the fast vegan fare in an elevated McDonald’s-esque establishment 

By: Vanessa Tiberio

Odd Burger’s vegan fare resembles typical fast-food, coming in familiar packing. (Vanessa Tiberio/CanCulture)

As a full-time vegetarian and (major) foodie, I’m constantly on the hunt for the newest innovations in the plant-based world that take a unique approach to trick eaters into thinking they’re really eating meat.

After having Odd Burger on my radar for quite some time, I decided to finally head over to a location and give it a try for myself.

Hailing from London, Ont., Odd Burger is a rapidly expanding chain of company-owned and franchised vegan fast-food restaurants that, oddly enough, resemble all of the blissful characteristics of every existing fast-food chain in Canada.

The company was founded in 2014 by James McInnes, and was originally known as “Globally Local.” McInnes was joined by his partner, Vasiliki McInnes, in 2015, and they began to produce vegan meal kits and recipes. One such recipe, known as the “Famous Burger,” garnered quite the attention at the London Ribfest, catapulting the couple into launching a food truck and bringing their recipes all across Ontario.

With their continued successes, the pair launched their first restaurant location in 2017 in London, Ont. and opened their own manufacturing facility in 2018. The company is the first vegan fast-food chain to go public and has even announced that it’s going to launch franchising operations in the United States.

The corporation currently has eight locations across Ontario, with 11 more proposed nationwide locations on the way, planning to open in Calgary, Victoria, Ottawa, Regina and Edmonton.

Upon walking into the Vaughan, Ont., location, I was immediately hit with a renewed sense of nostalgia for my pre-vegetarian times. With walls adorned with pink writing reminding you that you are indeed inside a vegan restaurant, along with the McDonald’s-esque ordering kiosks, I felt both welcomed and excited for what was to come.

The brightly lit interior of Odd Burger contains simple seating and large graphics on the walls. (Vanessa Tiberio/CanCulture)

The Odd Burger brand champions its vision of sustainability with small stores optimized for delivery and takeout, competitive pricing, advanced cooking technology, and a “vertically-integrated supply chain,” which is basically fancy verbiage for saying they own all aspects of their supply chain.

Needless to say, I had very high expectations for this restaurant, and I am quite glad to say that I was not disappointed.

The ordering process was very simple – the kiosks act as stand-ins for workers taking orders, which is great for indecisive people like me who couldn’t decide what I wanted to order from the expansive menu of relatively inexpensive items.

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Ordering kiosk

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Odd Burger menu screen

The menu includes burgers with either smash or “ChickUn” patties, wraps such as tacos and gyros, salads, wings, desserts, shakes, sides and even breakfast items.

Since I couldn’t possibly order everything I wanted to try (as tempting as it was), I decided to choose two burger combos to get as real of an experience as a typical burger fast-food joint. After a very short wait, the warm brown paper bag with a bright pink sticker sealing it shut was in my possession.

The packing that contains the food items is marked with their branding. (Vanessa Tiberio/CanCulture)

The first thing I tried was the Famous Burger – the apparent legend itself. Let me just say, this burger was massive. The double-smash patty, triple bun, iceberg lettuce and famous sauce resembled an all-too-familiar Big Mac tucked beneath the golden arches down the street. The flavour profile and texture were so enjoyable I truly had to do a double-take to make sure the cheese wasn’t real. 

Odd Burger’s Famous Burger, which put the company on the map in 2015. (Vanessa Tiberio/CanCulture)

The only downside to this burger is that it is super messy – that famous sauce, although delicious, has a mind of its own, so make sure to grab napkins in advance!

Next up was the Crispy ChickUn burger, which is apparently one of their most popular menu items. This burger contains a (fake) chicken patty, green leaf lettuce, tomatoes and house-made “mayo.” This burger was quite refreshing, with the ChickUn patty having the perfect combination of crispiness and softness one can ask for. It was also far less messy than the Famous Burger and, overall, felt like a more nutrient-dense choice.

The Crispy ChickUn burger, accompanied by a side of fries and onion rings. (Vanessa Tiberio/CanCulture)

Obligatory to a combo meal, I had to get my hands on their fries and onion rings. Their fries are on the thick-cut side and strike the perfect balance between saltiness and greasiness. Ketchup wasn’t even needed – a telltale sign of a good fry. Their onion rings were just as good, although I did find them to be a bit overcooked. They were also thick and contained a pretty good onion-to-batter ratio – Lorde would be quite proud of this set of rings.

Considering the quality of the food, and given the current economic situation, I found the pricing of the meals to be quite reasonable. The Famous Burger combo was $14.97, while the Crispy ChickUn was priced at $13.98, which is just a bit more expensive than common fast-food chains. But then again, finding quick vegan food is not the easiest task, and often you’d be facing prices of upwards of $20 for a meal at a vegan restaurant.

Odd Burger also launched an app in August 2022, where customers can receive loyalty points when they make orders that can be redeemed for food. Unfortunately, I only became aware of this when I sat down to indulge, but this is a great way of incentivizing purchases – the app is also really simple to use.

An overview of the total order. (Vanessa Tiberio/CanCulture)

Overall, Odd Burger did not disappoint me one bit and definitely did live up to the expected hype. With the modern-fast-food ambiance, the easy ordering experience and the quality of the food, Odd Burger is a wonderful vegan fast-food restaurant that is sure to please many vegans and non-vegans alike. If you ever find yourself near one of their many locations, make sure to stop on by and see what you’re missing!

What your favourite Canadian fall drink says about you

Are you really Canadian if you haven't tried a Tim’s pumpkin spice Iced Capp?

By: Allison Baldwin

(Alisa Anton/Unsplash)

With fall coming to an end, it’s only right to commemorate our favourite fall drinks that will be deeply missed as the winter season takes over. I love everything about fall – from the leaves on the trees changing colours and the days getting cooler, to cozying up by the fire with a spooky movie.

But the season is not complete without a delicious warm drink by your side. And yourgo-to fall drink can tell a lot about you. Here is what your choice says about your personality.

Maple Spice Latte - Broadview Espresso

Taking a twist on the classic pumpkin spice latte, your selection says you like to shake things up. You never turn down the chance for an adventure and are always up for a good time. Your daring personality shows you never back down from a challenge and live with no regrets.

Maple spice lattes are reflective of the adventurous type (Toa Heftiba/Unsplash)

Salted Caramel Latte - Balzac's Coffee Roasters

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This sweet and salty drink is perfect for those who love the mix of two strong flavours: caramel and salted chocolate. Your pick shows that you’re an ambivert – you take on a healthy medium between an introvert and an extrovert. While you can be a social butterfly during the day, as soon as nighttime falls, you can be seen curling up with a good book and enjoying some quiet time.

S’mores Latte - Sweet Jesus 

This one-of-a-kind drink is jam-packed with flavours of melted chocolate and toasted mini marshmallows and topped off with graham cracker crumbs. This option says you have a big heart and strive to put others first. You’re definitely your friend's go-to person in times of need, as you’ll always lend an ear.

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Pumpkin Chai Tea - DavidsTea

This unique take on the classic chai tea has a rich taste and is filled with the flavours of fall. From kicks of cinnamon to cloves, this choice shows you are a bold person with a big personality who also loves to try new things! Confidence comes easily to you, and your character is contagious.

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Hot Apple Cider - Bobette & Belle

Hot apple cider is reflective of the old soul personality type. (Anshu A/Unsplash)

This timeless drink radiates good energy. If this is your go-to, you’re a person who always likes to find the positive, even in the worst of situations. You’re naturally an old soul and like spending time alone every once in a while.

Pumpkin Spiced Iced Cappuccino - Tim Hortons

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I could not forget about adding a pumpkin-spice-flavoured drink to this list. An Iced Capp is a staple drink all year round, making this Tim Horton’s drink the ultimate Canadian fall staple! If this is your favourite drink, you like the classics and are known to follow up on traditions every time fall rolls around.

What Canadian Halloween candy are you based on your zodiac sign?

How about a Big Turk, eh?

By: Aru Kaul

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to try out different kinds of candy. If you’ve never given much thought to where the sweets you’ve been munching on this season come from, you’ll be surprised to learn that so many of your favourites originate from Canada! Keep reading to find out which ones and get a recommendation for what you should try based on your zodiac sign.

BIG TURK ┃

ARIES

(March 21 to April 19)

Like this exclusively Canadian candy, you aren’t suited for everyone’s taste buds. But this also means that you’re a crowd favourite among those who appreciate you and among the ones that matter! Ignore the haters and just be you babe.

AERO ┃

TAURUS

(April 20 to May 20)

You’re bubbly and sweet, just like this 87-year-old chocolate bar. When life gets too hectic, you know just how to wind down and take a breather. After all, what could be more relaxing than biting into an Aero and feeling the bubbles melt on your tongue? Just make sure your relaxing breaks don’t make you lose track of reality.

WINE GUMS ┃

GEMINI

(May 21 to June 20)

Don’t be fooled by the name, wine gums sadly don’t have any wine in them, and lucky for your friends, neither do you. Like these elastic bonbons, you’re the sober driver mom friend everyone can count on after a party. Some people might think this makes you boring and it kind of does, but you embrace this title and take your role very seriously.

COFFEE CRISP ┃

CANCER

(June 21 to July 22)

Just like their chocolatey exterior and coffee-flavoured inside, you have a personality that makes you perfect for all kinds of people! Kids love your sweet personality, adults love your strong disposition…you’re really killing it out here, crowd-pleaser! Just make sure you don’t lose your own identity while trying to make everyone else satisfied.

MALTESERS ┃

LEO

(July 23 to August 22)

These small round chocolate balls are the perfect light snack to satisfy your sugar craving! Similarly, you add sweetness to everyone’s life in doses - and that’s why they can’t get enough of you! But you should watch out for anyone who tries to take advantage of your sweetness. 

THRILLS GUM ┃

VIRGO

(August 23 to September 22)

You might recognize this purple gum by its distinct colour and soapy taste. Some people might think this is weird and it is - but it’s also innovative and unique. After all, no one ever went down in history for being normal. We’re looking at you trailblazer.

CARAMILK ┃

LIBRA

(September 23 to October 22)

You’re just like the mystery of how the caramel gets inside the chocolate bar, in that no one really gets you. But you’re completely okay with that. You like being enigmatic and keeping others on their toes. You believe that the less people know, the better.

CRISPY CRUNCH ┃

SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21)

This crunchy treat was introduced to shelves in 1912, making it one of the longest-running chocolate bars in Canada. You can’t go wrong with a chocolate and peanut butter combination. Just like the Crispy Crunch, you’ve also been around for a while (maybe not literally, but definitely spiritually) and you feel like you’ve seen it all. Remember that this is far from the truth and there’s always something more to discover!

BOUNTY ┃

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 to December 21)

Who would've thought that chocolate and coconut could go so well together? They’re such different flavours, but together they make sense. Remind you of anything? This is similar to you and your aspirations. People might think that your goals don’t make any sense or that you’re not capable of achieving them, but you prove them wrong every time!

GLOSETTE ┃

CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19)

Just like these easy-to-eat raisins, you value the simple things in life. You don’t need a luxurious lifestyle to be happy. You would rather spend your time and money on the ones you love than on fancy things. After all, you can’t take ‘em with you.

EAT-MORE ┃

AQUARIUS

(January 20 to February 18)

The aromatic dark chocolate and crunchy nuts in this bar will leave you wanting to eat more–hence the very appropriate denomination. Not only is this a great combination, but it’s also a great marketing tactic. This chocolate is representative of your mind. You always know how to make full use of your ideas and turn them into a fruitful reality.

MR. BIG ┃

PISCES

(February 19 to March 20)

Mr. Big - We saved the best for last! With chocolate, peanuts, wafers and caramel, Mr. Big is a combination of different sweets. In the same way, Pisces is thought of as a combination of all the signs, containing traits from each one and transforming into whatever costume they need to be for the night. Way to go, you wild shape-shifter! 

The language of food: softly spoken, deeply-demonstrated

From food workers to culinary writers, varying perspectives unite love and food as a singular focus

By: Rowan Flood

A meal shared among family in Alexandria, Egypt. (Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

In the early ‘90s, Russell Belk, a Toronto-based professor and researcher in gift-giving, spent a year living in Romania. To this day, he recalls both a heart-warming and heart-wrenching story about his time there. The story involves his hosts going to great lengths to show their hospitality. 

In Romania, Belk and his wife would sometimes be invited to people's homes for meals. When Belk would arrive, their hosts would only have prepared food for him and his wife, not themselves — often due to monetary limits. Rather than citing the reason, they would apologize, saying they had already eaten. 
This meant they had invited guests over to their homes and provided them with a meal by restricting their own intake. 

“They were literally sacrificing their meal for us,” said Belk. “That’s a part of the hospitality tradition.”

This is one example of how food is used to communicate. Through this act of holding the health of their guests above their own, the family in Romania demonstrated respect and immense generosity. 

Food allowed the family to express a form of love in a silent yet memorable way. It is a universal gift because “food is life,” said Belk.

His research and experience in different cultures continues into SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African). In this region, he observed that hospitality rituals involving food are given much significance. 

He mentioned one tradition in Islam — although not always practiced as much anymore: if someone knocks on your door, you should invite them in, even if they’re an unknown face. You welcome them into your home for up to three days before asking who they are and their reason for coming, explained Belk.

“You should feed them during this period,” said Belk. “Hospitality is that important.”

The act of providing food to an unknown individual without question is a way of communicating kindness without words. The selfless act can be compared to saying a thousand caring words, yet it speaks in its own way: by allowing actions to communicate something different and personal for everyone. 

Bonding through food is seen often through acts such as family meals, eating out with friends, baking bread for neighbours and much more. This was the first home-cooked meal shared amongst roommates in Toronto. (Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

Another way that food enables communication is by allowing people to speak the languages of the food’s cultural background. Karon Liu, a food reporter at the Toronto Star, told CanCulture of a place in Scarborough, Ont. called Great Fountain Fast Food. Here, he's witnessed food enable people to practice speaking a language.

Liu explained that during the ‘80s and ‘90s, this area in Scarborough had a lot of people from Hong Kong. Now, he's seeing younger people trying to learn or re-learn Cantonese go to the restaurant. In particular, he said that generation Z and first- and second-generation kids have been flocking to Great Fountain since its social media grew exponentially during the pandemic.

“Every time I go there, I see these really young 20- and 30-somethings sheepishly go up to the counter and try to order something in Cantonese; they’re trying so hard,” said Liu.

Liu explained that even though the employees of Great Fountain do speak English, these guests he sees insist upon speaking Cantonese with them.

Speaking the language is a way of connecting to people's cultures, but so is eating and cooking food. Liu spoke from his own experience — of having his grandma pass away and being able to continue feeling a connection despite the loss:

“The easiest way was to try to replicate the dishes that she ate,” said Liu.

Restaurants and other food settings also enable connection and socialization. According to Liu, kids can come to food courts after school to hang out, while older generations can go catch up in the morning with a newspaper.

“The food court is a third place for a lot of people — a lot of people don’t go there to just eat and leave,” said Liu. “It's a communal place.”

In addition, dining out can be a joyful, loving and exciting experience. Ashleigh Kasaboski, front-of-house manager at Black Rabbit, believes that eating at a restaurant and sharing food creates conversations and memories. From fighting for the bill to singing happy birthday around a candle-lit cake, gestures involving food enable us to show love to each other, said Kasaboski.

Although the power of food is clear and the joy it brings is distinctly felt, there is another life to food: the lack and excess of it.

Loaves and Fishes in Nanaimo, B.C. is a food bank that provides food across Vancouver Island and battles food waste in the area. Director of development Abby Sauchuk told CanCulture that there is another issue that plays into Canada’s hunger problem: waste.

“The food is there; it is just getting wasted,” said Sauchuk, mentioning how grocery stores would just throw out food if they weren’t giving it to her food bank. 

Shelves within the Loaves and Fishes food bank on June 14, 2022. (Rowan Flood/CanCulture)

This is because grocery stores always have new food shipments lined up, and therefore must rotate older items to ensure the newest ones have space. This is where food banks like Loaves and Fishes come in handy, as dropping off excess food here also saves grocery stores money on paying garbage disposal fees.

 In subtle yet impactful ways, the work by food banks speaks volumes. Offering access to food improves the lives of those living with food insecurity and communicates that there are people who care. At Loaves and Fishes, after food gets sorted, it goes to one of 12 depots across Vancouver Island — where it is given to those in need without any questions or proof of income. 

“We don’t choose what [patrons] are going to eat for them; that’s their decision,” Sauchuk said.

The idea of choosing what to do with food is telling. Eating at a restaurant is an immense luxury for some, while a daily routine for others. Food banks are a regular part of life for some families and individuals, while foreign to others.

Yet, food is still at the centre of all these contrasts. And its ability to demonstrate love, compassion and respect is what makes it truly powerful.

A guide to grocery shopping with intentions

Planning out your grocery store trips can save you time and money 

By: Kaitlyn Stock

Grocery shopping can be a stressful endeavour. But it doesn’t have to be. (@nicotitto via Unplash)

It’s a truth universally acknowledged: grocery shopping is intimidating. But going into a grocery store without a list of necessities to purchase will only result in you walking out with a cart full of items you may not even need and stress that you can do without. CanCulture is here to help with  seven tips that any of us could use at home and in store to save a little time and money on our food runs.

Before going

Plan your meals

Meal planning in advance saves you time when it comes to the actual cooking process, but also has the double benefit of outlining your shopping list and making your trips easier.

By planning your meals throughout the week, you can incorporate leftover ingredients lying around that you need to use up. This will not only reduce waste in your household but also help you empty out your fridge before your next major grocery store trip, ensuring that the food you have to consume is always at peak freshness.

 Opt for stores that have a point system

There are many grocery stores with loyalty programs across Canada. For example, shopping at President’s Choice stores, such as Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills, allows you to gain and use PC optimum points.

This is a great way to save money and collect points that you can ultimately redeem for free groceries. Make sure you look through your point offers before leaving for the grocery store.

Avoid peak hours

The last thing you want to do at the grocery store is standing in long checkout lines and around crowded areas. One way to make sure you are not caught shopping during busy hours is to obviously go when it is least packed.

According to Fresh Daily, the top three times with the longest lineups anywhere in Canada are Thursday afternoons between 4 and 6 p.m., Saturday between 12 and 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Planning the before and during facets of your shopping trip can alleviate much of the stressors. (Viki Mohamad via Unsplash)

At the store

Take advantage of price matching

Price matching is how customers can get their groceries at a discounted price at participating stores, if they show the cashier that the exact same item is being sold cheaper at another chain. 

Many grocery stores across Canada do price matching. So instead of wasting your time driving around to different grocery stores, you can price match your items using flyers and apps like Reebee and Flipp to ensure you are only getting the best deals.

Eye the sale sections

Buying your favourite items when they’re on sale will undoubtedly secure the best prices. 

It’s also helpful to know that at all times, there’s often at least one deal going on in every aisle of a major grocery store. Going with the flow will have your wallet thanking you in the long run, while also introducing you to different brands and potential new favourites.

Collect coupons

Couponing can help you reduce the costs of your groceries tremendously. While shopping, keep an eye out for coupons near your essential items. Another great way to find coupons is online. You can even try emailing the companies you buy from and they potentially might send you some as a gratitude. 

Check expiration dates

It’s important to check the expiration date on many perishable foods such as meats, poultry, fish and dairy. You can’t be too safe with canned food or spices either. 

This way, you can make sure that you’re not wasting your money on food that you will eventually have to throw out before using. Not only does checking expiration dates save you money, it also reduces waste. 

We roast your personality based on one of three Tim Hortons drinks

No, you aren’t legally Canadian if you choose Starbucks over Tims, so just skip this article in that case.

By: Jennifer Nguyen

(Erik Mclean/Unsplash)

O, Canada. Practically everybody across our country loves some Tims goodness: doesn’t a double-double every workday morning sound heavenly? 

Wait — you don’t like that? Sorry to exaggerate, but what kind of Canadian are you then?!? 

Actually, let us at CanCulture show you. Go ahead and choose from one of these three absolutely random drinks: iced capp, dark roast coffee or unsweetened brewed iced tea. Then sit back and prepare to feel very seen by our psychic crystal ball.

Iced Capp

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You think you chose the iced capp life, but truth is, the iced capp life chose you. It’s a little basic, yes, but aren’t you too? We feel like you’re a happy-go-lucky and friendly person that’s popular in your circle. Though, the phrase “easy come, easy go” could apply, don’t you think? You also stand a good chance of owning a small white dog. If you’re over 27, then you’re a certified kid at heart — seriously, try coffee sometime. You can’t ask for added mocha whenever your friends judge you for not being able to hold caffeine forever.

Dark roast coffee

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We could say you’re one predictable individual, but that’s what makes you so trusted. You like having your agenda and bullet journal in your black bag. But you’re also to be feared, lowkey. Like, not even a double-double or an americano will do? Because if you’re into dark roast, your wallet will thank you for just starting to make it at home. Unless there’s magic in the water at Tims, then we won’t judge. We really don’t want to mess with you. Maybe you can take our advice and take yourself less seriously sometimes. Then you’ll see how fun it could be to just live and let live. 

Unsweetened brewed iced tea

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Oh, you’re DIFFERENT. That’s why you go with one of the few zero-calorie items on the menu. Plus, a tea — iced yet sugar-free — at Tim Hortons, which is famous for coffee… are you like British with a twist, then? Either way, you like floating your own boat like that. If you have godsent willpower like we’re sensing, we hope you allow yourself some guilty-pleasure sugar every once in a while. It’s okay to like regular sweetened iced tea like the rest of us. We promise it won’t make you any less cool!

How good is Goodfood? A Toronto university student’s honest review

CanCulture tried this popular Canadian meal-delivery service so you don't have to!

By: Mariana Schuetze

(Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture)

When we think about the meal-prep services available out there, Germany-based HelloFresh is a popular name that comes to mind. But did you know that there are some made-in-Canada options to explore too, namely Goodfood?

These food delivery subscription services can seem like a great and affordable way to cook fun meals without having to think too much about it. So, with my schoolwork piling up, I put Goodfood to the test to see how good it is! 

The choices

As I browsed through the site to customize my box, I can see that Goodfood has a few different categories that I can choose from. Depending on each category, the price for the week can vary. The recipe options include: classic, easy prep, vegetarian, clean and family styles. That seems to be a great variety for all needs and tastes, and they change a bit every week.

For three different classic meals, two servings each, the box came to around $80 for a week. And if you really think about how much food it’s giving you, this seems like fair pricing to me. Goodfood also offers a bunch of coupons from time to time that can give you a lot of money off your subscription. This time I was able to get a discount code from another user of the service that gave me $40 off my first box.

With the classic box, you get prepped ingredients and easy instructions — which saves you the time and money you would traditionally dedicate to grocery shopping or testing new recipes each week. Something I dread every day is coming up with ideas for what to eat, so this definitely helps. 

 For my first time trying out Goodfood, I chose three of their classic meals with different cooking times to test them out. They are also all meatless because I wanted to test the variety of the vegan and vegetarian options, as someone who struggles with adding protein to their diet. My choices were: toasted coconut, lime and sweet pepper curry with spring greens, fresh cheese-stuffed tortellini in creamy pesto sauce with zucchini and peas and the most complicated one, potato and turnip “tartiflette” with sharp endive and apple salad. 

The delivery

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As promised before payment, I received my order exactly one week after placing it. Everything got delivered to me in a big refrigerated cardboard box and each meal came with all its ingredients inside a plastic bag. Because I’ve also tried HelloFresh before, I wanted to make a quick comparison here: in its packaging, Goodfood seems to have more plastic than HelloFresh, which had its meals come in paper bags. However, the flyer that came with the Goodfood meals says that everything can be recycled, which is what I’ll be doing. And while I didn’t order any meat products this time, the fact that there might be raw meat in the box is something to keep in mind with meal services, in case you won’t be able to get to your delivery right away.

One thing I really enjoy about Goodfood and meal-kit delivery services in general is that they help me try out different recipes and ingredients that I probably wouldn’t cook or buy on my own. For example, this week I got to try endives and turnips, which were completely foreign territory before this meal. 

I also enjoy that everything comes pre-portioned, which helps with food waste, especially if you live by yourself. With services like Goodfood, you wouldn’t need to buy a whole pack of sweet peppers, for example, when you aren’t planning on using them all right away. 

Yet, this comes with the added plastic packaging that all these smaller portions of food, like, say, heavy cream, come in. But I would imagine that Goodfood is trying to figure out a more sustainable way to deliver these products, and I know I’ll be doing my part in recycling and composting what I can.

The execution

Now, onto the cooking. 

Every meal comes with a recipe card that lays out all the spices, ingredients and condiments — like salt and butter, for example — that you’ll need. It also tells you the cooking time and the number of calories per serving. On the other side of the card, there is the recipe. 

What I enjoy about these cards is how simply the instructions are written, and they even come with pictures! For someone who isn’t a very great cook, this is an amazing way for me to work on my cooking skills without burning down the kitchen. So, what I did for each meal was read everything before cooking and take out all the things I would need from my kitchen. This allowed me to have the oven preheating or water boiling when needed. 

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The overall cooking process was quite easy and it didn’t take me too long to prepare everything, especially because it all comes pre-packaged. The “tartiflette” took me the longest, mostly because it required some time in the oven. 

The meals tasted quite good, which is a little surprising coming from a picky eater like me! I liked how the meals also come with the seasonings pre-packaged, which makes everything really flavourful in the right amounts. And for someone who wouldn't know where to start seasoning something, this was a major plus.

I also had my mom try the meals and she approved of them — another point for Goodfood (and the chef in me!). 

The verdict

An unexpected part of all of this: cooking was quite fun! Having every item ready and the step-by-step instructions made everything super easy and the whole experience a lot more enjoyable, relaxing even. I found out that I actually really enjoyed cooking more elaborate meals for myself — and I certainly enjoyed eating them. 

The cleanup after cooking was fine. The recipes didn’t require me to use a bunch of different pots and pans, so I was able to wash and clean everything up quite fast — I think it took me about 10 minutes for every meal. 

As for the actual cooking time, I went a little over what was said in all the recipe cards. For the tortellini meal that was supposed to take 15 minutes, it took me about 20 minutes without the cleanup, and the other two dishes took about 40 to 50 minutes overall. 

Goodfood’s toasted coconut, lime and sweet pepper curry with spring greens (Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture).

Goodfood’s fresh cheese-stuffed tortellini in creamy pesto sauce with zucchini and peas (Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture).

Goodfood’s potato and turnip “tartiflette” with sharp endive and apple salad (Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture).

For me, the biggest downside of meal delivery services is the plastic waste that they generate. While it’s not extremely abundant, it’s certainly larger than buying things in bulk. Yet, on the other hand, precise portioning does help with food waste, and the recipe variety can provide us with more diverse food options. 

Another point to consider is the price. I would say it’s fair, given what’s provided, but it’s not the most affordable food option out there (because come on, there’s always cheap and delicious fast-food options next door). But I’d say it’s more nutritionally-dense and certainly a lot more fun to make yourself. 

And, finally, cooking and cleaning up does take some time, which can be another negative point for this service. But as I said, it can be fun and quite relaxing too. 

So, in the end, it’s up to you to consider. My conclusion though: Goodfood can get a little pricey, but for someone who lives by themselves and isn’t a very creative cook — and can afford the service — it can be a great and quite easy option to switch things up in the kitchen. 

4 Ontarians guess their moms' favourite meals

Happy Mother’s Day from CanCulture!

By: Amie Sosa

(Conscious Design/Unsplash)

Our mothers can know us better than we know ourselves. They can sense when we are sad or happy — especially when it’s about who broke the vase on the dining room table. So sometimes our mothers know exactly what we need to refuel our energy and satisfy our taste buds when it comes to cooking. Plus, there is nothing that beats their freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or mouth-watering veggie stew. 

On the other hand, though, how well do we know our moms and their dietary preferences? This Mother’s Day, CanCulture put four Ontarians to the test by having them guess their mothers’ favourite dishes. See how our delectable quest unfolds below!

Is it chicken soup?

Strong and independent are two words to describe Gabby Giron, a mom of two. Her son Daniel, an up-and-coming TikToker behind the account @ned_variant, assumed that a satisfying chicken soup for the soul would be his mom’s go-to meal. 

Turns out, Gabby prefers a heartier meal such as good steak or hot grilled seafood. These appetizing meals for protein and strength that her parents introduced to her at an early age no doubt influenced Gabby’s bold, charismatic personality. 

Gabby Giron (Courtesy of Daniel Giron)

Shepherd’s pie must be right

According to Debbie Hunter, who grew up with traditional, comfort family recipes, you can never go wrong with a warm, cheesy noodle hug. So her child Jayden guessed that a soothing-to-the-soul bite of Shepherd's pie would be most appetizing for their mom, a very familiar meal she made throughout their childhood. 

And that was the right answer! Debbie was introduced to it by her grandma around the age of 10 as a staple comfort food. Since then, Shepherd’s pie has become a source of warmth and consolation to Debbie, who always takes the time to care about others.

Jayden Hunter (left) and Debbie Hunter (right) (Courtesy of Jayden Hunter)

Can’t go wrong with cultural delicacies

Taedra Cooke guessed oxtail with rice and peas, a flavourful Jamaican dish, would be her mother Elizabeth Cooke’s favourite meal. Well, she almost got it right. 

Curry goat, roti, rice, and peas are Elizabeth’s top picks. Although her parents began cooking it for her at an early age as a way of embracing their culture, it didn’t become Elizabeth’s favourite meal until later. A culinary staple in Jamaican cuisine with a myriad of unique spices and tender meat, this is a perfect meal for the one-of-a-kind, loving Elizabeth Cooke. 

Elizabeth Cooke (Courtesy of Taedra Cooke)

One tamale, two tamales

Magdalena Rodas is best known for her work ethic and determination, and her youngest daughter Heidi Sosa thinks she loves a deliciously dense Guatemalan-style tamale. This is a traditional dish often made during the holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Día De Los Muertos. 

Sosa was spot on! Rodas does not only enjoy the savoury taste of tamales, but also the fun of creating and sharing them with others. Her sweet, caring and sensitive personality really shines through her cooking.

Magdalena Rodas (Courtesy of Heidi Sosa)

Do you think you would have guessed your mom’s favourite dish correctly? No matter what, our mothers fill the food they make with love and cultural knowledge (and sometimes way too many vegetables), but we can never get enough. We appreciate you, for the love you carry everywhere, especially in your cooking. Thank you, mothers, for everything!

9 upcoming summer food festivals in Canada

Make the most of the warmer weather with these Canadian food festivals

By: Daniella Lopez

(James Sutton/Unsplash)

With COVID-19 restrictions easing across all of Canada, this summer is the perfect time to discover some of the country’s largest and most unique food and drink festivals. Here are nine festivals across the summer months you can enjoy in person. 

May

Canadian Festival of Chili and BBQ

Canada’s oldest and largest chili and BBQ competition returns to Downtown Langley, B.C., from May 13 to 15. This two-in-one festival combines taste-testing delicious foods and fiery competitions. With some of the lowest entrance fees, anyone is able to enter the different categories of competition. If festival-goers want to sample some of the competing dishes, they must make a minimum of $5 entrance donation to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. To date, the festival has donated over 60 thousand dollars to the Young Burn Survivors Camp in British Columbia.

(Joshua Kantarges/Unsplash)

Okanagan Spring Wine Festival

Discover Okanagan Valley’s wine industry through taste-testing from May 5 to 15. Enjoy happy hour drinks for as low as $6, tour numerous wineries while enjoying the vineyard’s wines, or immerse yourself in a private wine tasting tour.

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June

Edmonton Craft Beer Festival

Enjoy one of the fastest-growing beer festivals in the world at the Edmonton Expo Centre from June 3 to 4. Sample over 500 beers from more than 100 breweries, attend a seminar on cooking with beer, sample local cuisine or explore the festival’s distillery district. This is an 18-plus event so be sure to bring government ID.

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Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival

Venture to Midland, Ont. on June 11 to immerse yourself in the wondrous world of butter tarts. Festival-goers can enjoy butter tarts from professional and home cooks alike, and anyone is eligible to enter their butter tarts for competition. Over 200 vendors will be spread out across the city’s downtown core including food trucks, merchants and entertainers.   

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July

Taste of Edmonton

Enjoy one of Edmonton’s summer traditions, the Taste of Edmonton festival, from July 21 to 31 at Churchill Square. Since 1984, the festival has offered the city’s best food and drink vendors. You can also enjoy music from local artists ranging from folk to jazz.

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Toronto Food Truck Festival

Enjoy some of Toronto’s best food trucks at Woodbine Park from July 29 to August 1. Taste local food, savour a cold beer and participate in live-eating challenges. Admission is free and the festival offers vegetarian, halal, gluten-free and vegan options.

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August

Chocolate Fest

Venture to Canada’s Chocolate Town, St. Stephen, N.B., from July 31 to August 4. The festival goes back to 1984 and is a celebration of the town’s chocolate heritage — Canada’s oldest family candy company, Ganong Bros. Limited, is located here. Enjoy delicious candy-themed events including treasure hunts, pudding-eating contests, bingo and more!

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Taste of Calgary

Discover all Calgary has to offer including food, drinks and music from August 4 to 7. Enjoy global cuisine from Calgary’s very own eatery and breweries, listen to Calgary’s local musicians or shop at unique city vendors. Festival-goers can buy sampling tickets for $1 and use them to try out different food and beverage items.

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September

Canada’s Largest Ribfest

Finish your summer holidays off with a bang by attending Canada's Largest Ribfest in Burlington, Ont. on Labour Day weekend! Enjoy world-class BBQ from vendors, listen to music from emerging and established performers, or unleash your inner child by riding on carnival rides. With hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, the festival has raised around $5 million for local charities over its 25-year run. 

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Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters: Unique coffee in a unique environment

A great place to study, read or relax in Waterloo, with an exquisite interior and delicious coffee and desserts.

By: Kaden Nanji

(Kaden Nanji/CanCulture)

This article is part of CanCulture’s food review series, where our writers explore some of the best food finds across the nation.

I discovered Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters by chance when stuck in an unfortunate predicament on my trip to Waterloo, Ont. My train home was scheduled for 3 p.m.; however, at 5 p.m., I was stranded at the train station in the freezing cold. Then from across the station, I spotted it, a small rustic-looking coffee shop. 

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I hurried inside to find that the interior of the coffee shop is beautiful. Abstract art is framed on the walls; modern geometric chandeliers hang on the ceiling; wooden couches and tables spaced out on the floor of the cafe. The use of exposed pipes throughout the cafe added to the intended rustic look as well. The peaceful atmosphere allowed for various customers to study, read or write at the tables, as well as chat amongst each other. This overall ambience of Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters is enough to make me go back.

The rustic Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters features wooden furniture and warm lighting in industrial style. (Kaden Nanji/CanCulture)

Then comes the food. As it was a cold, rainy day and I had a few hours to spare, I decided to order two drinks and a small dessert. The first drink I ordered was the peppermint mocha, which has the perfect ratio of peppermint to chocolate and coffee. A lot of the time when making peppermint drinks, the peppermint taste can be overpowering; however, at Smile Tiger, you can distinctly taste their world-renowned coffee. As well, the foam at the top of the mocha helped to texturize the drink. 

The second drink I ordered was hot chocolate with oat milk, because I have lactose intolerance. I ordered a large size; however, the serving was smaller than I had anticipated. I also felt that the drink lacked a bit of chocolate after tasting. I am personally a fan of more decadent hot chocolate, and this particular type had a much lower concentration. The taste reminded me of the nighttime drink Ovaltine or warm hot milk. Although the drink was refreshing, I wouldn’t call it hot chocolate. 

To accompany my drinks, I purchased a salted caramel brownie, recommended by the waitress. At first glance, the brownie looked fairly large, with nice colouring and visible pieces of salt. Then when I went to cut the brownie, my fork almost broke! The brownie was extremely hard! However, after a bit of a struggle, I got a nice bite of brownie and it was delicious. It reminded me of a brownie I had once had at a French restaurant — quite thick, but so flavourful it makes you salivate. The bit of saltiness helped balance the sweetness of the caramel as well, without overpowering the chocolate undertones. If I were to go back, I would ask for the brownie to be heated up a little so that it wouldn’t be such a hassle to cut through.

Smile Tiger’s salted caramel brownie, hot chocolate with oat milk and peppermint mocha. (Kaden Nanji/CanCulture)

Overall, I had a great time at Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters. The tasty food and beautiful demeanour paired together make a great experience. I would definitely recommend the peppermint mocha and brownie, which are around $4 and $6 respectively, so they make for a nice $10 snack combo. 

I like to end all my articles with my restaurant rating scale, which contains six different categories: taste, presentation, service, ambience, price and creativity. Each of these categories are ranked from 1 to 10 on the scale. For more details on the restaurant rating scale, check out the end of my first article, a review of Hong Shing.

1. Taste: 7.8/10

2. Presentation: 8/10

3. Service: 8.3/10

4. Ambience: 10/10

5. Price: 7.7/10

6. Creativity: 8.2/10

Another look at Morgann Book

Nobody would have guessed that Morgann Book would be uploading more than just videos of herself decorating cakes to an audience of almost three million followers on TikTok. What’s next for the Ancaster teen? 

By: Darya Soufian

(Mara Tataryn/Dairy Queen)

In January 2020, Morgann Book uploaded two videos of herself decorating some Dairy Queen cakes to TikTok. She woke up the next day to millions of views and thousands of new followers. 

A lot changed for the young teenager as she gained more traction and quickly became the “Dairy Queen girl from TikTok.” By the first quarter of 2021, Book had amassed two million followers and a growing fan base that was craving more. 

It’s been over two years since she started this journey and the almost 19-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down. But some things have definitely changed. 

Book graduated from high school last year and started her first year of social science at McMaster University. She plans on specializing in political science next year. 

About three years ago, when the Book family opened the Dairy Queen store in Ancaster, Ont., Monica Dycha started working there and quickly hit it off with Book. 

Friends and co-workers, Morgann Book (left) and Monica Dycha (right), pose together with some Blizzards at the Ancaster Dairy Queen store. (Darya Soufian/CanCulture)

The two went to elementary school together, but with Dycha being a year older, they didn’t become friends until they started working together. Eventually, she started helping Book with her videos.

“We’re both very similar. We both love reading books and hanging out together,” Dycha said. “We were working a shift together and she asked me if I wanted to be a part of a loop she was making for a video, and I said yes.”

Soon after, they started to hang out outside of the workplace and Dycha would get involved with the vlogs that Book was making. 

“I didn’t know people would want to get a cake just for Morgann to decorate and film it, which she did a lot of the time. That was pretty shocking,” Dycha said. “It’s sometimes weird to me that people say to her ‘I love you so much’ like a celebrity, but I’ve never seen Morgann as a celebrity.” 

“I see her as my best friend, so it’s really cool but also surprising… It’s definitely been a life-changing experience for her and everyone who works at the Dairy Queen, but it hasn’t changed anyone’s attitude. And she’s really humble about it too.” 

In her first semester of university, Book didn’t work much at Dairy Queen, but she has found more of a balance between work and school in this second semester. As much as she enjoys interacting with her co-workers and customers, she plans to cut down her hours until the summer. 

@morgannbook Spend a day with me ☀️🌊 #dayinmylife #naples #icecream #fifthave #watersideshops #dq ♬ ALL THE PPL UNDER THIS SOUND GIMME A KISS - <3

While Book still wants to be a lawyer, this new “influencer” lifestyle is becoming a consistent side hustle for her right now. It’s been a lot to juggle — and sometimes a struggle to get brand deals — but she recently hired a manager to help lift some of the weight off her shoulders. It has allowed Book to focus a bit more on school and creating content. 

“They handle all of my emails, brand deals and negotiations; the business side to content creation,” Book said.

Some of her favourite collaborations so far include IKEA and Indigo. She hopes to work with Audible, Lululemon and Spotify soon.

In the past year, Book has started to get more comfortable with YouTube, where she has more creative freedom to make longer videos on just about anything. She started her channel in March 2021 and now has over 700,000 subscribers. 

Book also added that there’s a new audience to engage with on YouTube, which she wasn’t expecting. She initially thought that most of her TikTok followers would migrate over, but has since noticed that the majority of her subscribers are new to her content. 

“The response I get from TikTok sometimes isn’t the greatest and it can be really negative. I think it takes a hit on people’s self-esteem and overall confidence, but on YouTube, I found it to be surprisingly positive,” Book said. “There’s still some hate comments but it’s a really supportive community. I think that’s what has made me want to continue to grow — it changed my mindset a little bit.” 

Book’s shifts often include decorating birthday cakes and filming them for TikTok videos using a phone holder around her neck. (Mara Tataryn/Dairy Queen)

Brand deals and content creation aside, Book has been going on family trips to Florida for a break, mostly from the cold. She also takes this as an opportunity to visit other Dairy Queen locations and scope out something new to try. 

“Everytime I go in, my parents are like, ‘Tell them you make videos!’, and I never bring it up. I’ve never been asked about my videos, even though I’m always filming when I go in,” she said. “I just don’t want to be that person, I just want to be another customer. I want to see how they work. I don’t know why but it’s so intriguing to me.”  

This new journey with social media might be a long-term gig for Book, but she admits that it does scare her sometimes to think about having so many eyes on her. 

“When I was younger, I liked to fly under the radar. I was very introverted and not into social media. It’s been exciting having people watch me grow and make mistakes — it sounds cheesy but it’s true,” she said. “Sometimes it stresses me out a bit because of this filtered version I’m often presenting to the world, and a small part of me wishes I was just not part of this… although I’m so thankful for it.” 

Book thinks that it will be fun to tell her kids about how she made cake videos when she was younger, but also said that there’s a small chance she will still be doing it when she’s 40.

“I don’t know if I’m still going to be doing this even in a couple of years — but I hope I am.” 

Aasha Wines and the craft of storytelling in a bottle

This B.C. micro-vineyard carries a collection close to their heart, each bottle a key moment of their life

By: Apurba Roy

(Erin Leydon/Leydon Photography)

When we think of wine, our minds often wander to the silky texture and bittersweetness from its ripened fruits. But can a bottle of wine tell a story beyond what touches the tip of the tongue?

This idea motivates Aasha Wines, a winery in British Columbia, to not only make a delicious variety of wine but also share key moments of their lives with customers through each bottle. 

Their journey started seven years ago, when owner Gaurav Puri was a silent partner in a project to purchase a small parcel of land in the Okanagan Valley, and as he describes, “with no experience in winemaking — just sort of an interest, a curiosity and a passion for wine.” 

In the subsequent year or two, several partners had left for a variety of reasons, and Puri soon found himself to be the sole owner of the property. 

“We sort of had to start from scratch,” Puri said. 

He recalls having to learn how to get a liquor license, how to source barrels and bottles, as well as all the hard work it took to bring Aasha Wines to the scale it is at today: with a vineyard of over two acres that has rows of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier, an incredibly dedicated team, returning customers and a true promise of sustainability and storytelling through their wine.

The stories that come with Aasha Wines’ products truly never go unnoticed. The tale behind each bottle is as indulging as the wine itself. For example, their velvety 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon called Curious Glance tells the story of when Puri and his partner Tracy Rook first saw each other in a different light outside of friendship. The flavour is described to CanCulture as aptly spicy with notes of vanilla, lingering long after the last sip.

Aasha Wines’ 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Curious Glance, featuring the story of love and partnership between its owners. (Erin Leydon/Leydon Photography)

“When you have this type of product… the thing that sometimes brings people in is the stories about [the winemakers],” Puri said. 

These stories are not only for people who know them personally, but also strangers — either because they can relate to having a similar moment or they are drawn in by their curiosity. 

“We hope to share moments in our lives with openness, and hopefully people find it interesting,” Puri said.

Not only does every bottle have a story to tell, but so does the name of the winery. Puri shares that Aasha is his grandmother’s name, which means “hope” in Hindi.

“That’s what you sort of have with wine,” Puri adds. “From the moment your season starts, you're filled with hope that it’s a good year and your grapes grow well. When you put them into barrels, you hope that it develops nicely. And finally, when in its bottle and someone has the opportunity to taste or enjoy it, you hope that it enhances whatever experience they are having.”

In the age of climate change and great environmental concerns, it is important for companies that depend a lot on nature for their success, such as Aasha Wines, to also treat it right and ensure that they don’t cause any harm for current and future generations.

“From a sustainability perspective, we try to be as minimal as possible,” Puri said. “As winemakers, we are so reliant on the environment being kind to us and being kind to our growing season, so it’s a delicate balance. We want to do things in a way that we can feel comfortable with, that’s not causing more damage — or as little damage as possible — to fulfill what we are trying to do.” 

Aasha Wines’ lush and cultivated vineyard in the Okanagan, B.C. (Rae Drake/Aasha Wines)

Aasha Wines’ 2.81-acre vineyard is environmentally friendly, and they practice sustainable farming through their waste management. The company’s two delicious Rosé wines are made with the help of the after press of their 2016 Syrah, which would have otherwise gone to waste.

Aasha Wines is more than just about the taste of the wine. What they’re after instead is a hope that customers have a magical experience, enjoy that instant of savour, feel inspired by the stories and take that moment to unplug from whatever they're doing. In the words of Puri and Rook as shared on their website, “our wines carry our stories, but we hope they can now play a part in the moments and stories shared around your dinner table.”

5 fast-food brands you probably didn't know were Canadian

Plus their best menu items, according to TripAdvisor!

By: Sakina Chaudary

(Deansfa/Wikimedia Commons)

While I was waiting in line to order a smoothie from Booster Juice the other day, I started to look around at the different vendors in the food court. A sudden thought occurred to me: “How many of these businesses are actually Canadian?” After that moment, I decided to do some research and I’m here to share the results. 

It’s probably no surprise that many of the largest restaurant chains in Canada are born out of our neighbouring giant, the United States. However, you may be amazed to learn how many of your favourite places are actually Canadian. CanCulture conducted some polls to determine how many people were previously aware that these chains are Canadian.

If you’ve never heard of them before, I made sure to also include a recommendation of an item you can get without regret. 

1. New York Fries

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After 109 Canadians participated in a poll, results showed that 17 per cent knew this was a Canadian chain and 83 per cent did not, which is understandable with a name like “New York Fries.”

This Canadian fast-food chain has locations all around the world, including in the United Arab Emirates and India. It’s known for a straightforward menu selling hotdogs, fries and poutine. You may be most familiar with seeing New York Fries locations in mall food courts, which makes them the perfect spot for grabbing a quick bite! 

The New York Fries classic poutine is a go-to order for many, and it’s offered at locations outside of Canada as well! The store in India adds some fun twists on the menu, like different poutine customizations including butter chicken and paneer. Back in Canada, TripAdvisor reviews consistently agree on the excellent quality of the fries here.

2. Booster Juice

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The results of surveying 108 Canadians showed that 39 per cent knew that Booster Juice was a Canadian brand and 61 per cent did not. What about you? 

In 1999, Booster Juice opened its first location in Sherwood Park, Alta. At the time, there were not many smoothie bars or juice stores available on the market, so when Booster Juice emerged, it really hit the spot.

Just two years later, in 2001, 50 Booster Juice franchise locations had been opened, enforcing the chain’s massive impact on Canadians. Today, there are roughly 394 locations in Canada and more around the world, like in China.

Coveted menu items from this chain are the Mango Hurricane or Funky Monkey smoothies. 

3. A&W

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A post shared by A&W Canada (@awcanada)

A&W is Canada's first and best-known burger restaurant. Out of the 65 Canadians who participated in a survey poll, 55 per cent knew that A&W was a Canadian chain and 45 per cent did not. 

In 1956, the company opened its initial location in Winnipeg. A&W Food Services was top-rated amongst baby boomers and their families at the time. By 1996, 40 years later, more than 200 drive-in restaurants were in operation. Today, there are more than 1,000 A&W restaurant locations spread across Canada. 

Some famous A&W items to try include its root beer and Beyond Meat burger. I learned from a TripAdvisor review that this burger has the choice of lettuce instead of traditional buns.

4. Harvey’s

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Out of 110 Canadians polled, 70 per cent knew this was a Canadian brand and 30 per cent did not, so it’s definitely more well-known as a local spot.

Harvey’s has been Canadian-owned and operated for over 60 years. Its menu consists of your classic North American fast food with the likes of burgers, fries, hotdogs and milkshakes. 

The customizable burgers are a particular favourite among customers. Whether you are looking for a classic beef burger, a chicken burger or a fish burger, there is an option for you! 

5. Boston Pizza

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A post shared by Boston Pizza (@bostonpizzacanada)

Boston Pizza has more than 380 locations in Canada, so most people are familiar with the chain’s presence. When polling 110 Canadians, however, results showed that 40 per cent knew of its Canadian roots and 60 per cent did not.

Boston Pizza goes back to 1964, when it was one store opened by Greek immigrant and first-generation Canadian Gus Agioritis. Then in 1968, Dragons’ Den’s very own Jim Treliving franchised his first location in Penticton, B.C., after leaving his job as an RCMP officer. 

In 1973, accountant George Melville became business partners with Treliving to open more locations across B.C. Together, they later purchased the chain and expanded all across Canada. Boston Pizza currently serves an extensive array of options on its menu, including nachos, pizza, pasta, salads, wings and sandwiches. 

A great item to try at this restaurant is the unique spicy perogy pizza. There is sour cream, bacon, potatoes, green onion, mozzarella and cheddar cheese. 

Were you surprised to see some of the restaurant chains that made this list? Well, the more you know, the more you can explore — Canada surely has a range of home-owned and operated food spots, both big and small. 

10 healthy foods perfect for chilly Canadian weather

Climate-appropriate foods to boost your immunity and stay healthy

By: Aditi Roy

The Canadian winter is a long season meant for joyful memories of ice skating, hockey, warm fuzzy pajamas and cups of rich hot chocolate. Even as we enter spring, in many places across Canada the weather still remains rather chilly with the occasional snowfall.

This beautiful season is one to cherish, but we must also pay attention to our health during this time. Experts say people are more likely to get sick in the winter season given the cold climate, lack of sunlight and low humidity. As a result, many may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), common cold or even the flu. 

Here are some foods you can incorporate into your diet to combat such illnesses and enjoy a stress-free time despite the cold.

Blueberries

(Joanna Kosinska/Unsplash)

Blueberries are the national fruit of Canada and for a good reason! They are packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and vitamin C. 

Studies have shown that this delicious fruit has similar effects on the brain as valproic acid, a medication meant to stabilize patients with mild epilepsy. In addition to this, the antioxidant flavonoid anthocyanin present within the berries has been shown to help prevent depression. 

You can eat them as a snack, blend them in your smoothies, use them for your healthy desserts or throw them into your morning bowl of oatmeal for some extra sweetness. 

Sweet potatoes 

(Ela Haney/Pexels)

This versatile root vegetable can be used for both sweet and savoury dishes and has incredible benefits. Sweet potatoes provide you with beta-carotene, vitamin C, manganese and pantothenic acid, all of which aid your immunity and ensure that your body is healthy.

They also contain B6, a water-soluble vitamin essential for brain health. Eating sweet potatoes regularly will help you increase your fibre intake, thus aiding your digestion. And the magnesium in sweet potatoes has been shown to help manage stress and anxiety. 

These vibrant orange root vegetables are also harvested in Ontario, so you can get your hands on some fresh sweet potatoes while supporting locally-grown produce.

Brussel sprouts 

(Jez Timms/Unsplash)

Brussel sprouts make a quick go-to side dish that is healthy and delicious. These edible buds can be baked, cooked over the stovetop or even boiled, but they remain nutritious either way. 

Eating brussel sprouts can help reduce the severity of your common cold, as they can supply around 81 per cent of your daily recommended vitamin C intake. They are also abundant in vitamin K, which will help with your bone health. Brussel sprouts are even known to naturally decrease the body’s level of inflammation.

If you are plant-based, this is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that will ensure your body is working properly.

Oats

(Melissa Di Rocco/Unsplash)

Oats are a filling cereal rich in fibre, multiple vitamins and minerals. This complex carbohydrate enhances one's health as it possesses beta glucans, a compound that has been studied in medical journals for its abilities to fight and prevent bacterial infections. 

It's an incredible food to add to your diet if you suffer from high blood pressure or unstable blood sugar levels. 

When purchasing your oats, try to find excellent quality steel-cut oats. This variety contains more good fibre and ranks lower on the glycemic index (meaning they are less likely to spike your blood sugar), compared to rolled oats. 

Oats have been a staple in the Canadian diet since European settlement and are still a significant export of the country. In addition, the preparation of this cereal is quick and straightforward. You can find various fun ways to incorporate oats into your diet, like healthy sweet treats or Instagrammable cake-like baked oats, to name a few. Oatmeal is also a breakfast staple in many countries.

Rhubarb

(Maximilian Zahn/Unsplash)

This underrated vegetable is a healthy food with cancer-preventive properties. Rhubarb isn't as sought after because of its bitter taste, but when cooked properly, this vegetable turns sweet and can be used to make jam, chutney, and pies. You can also serve it as a side to your protein or toss it in a salad. 

Rhubarb supports bone health due to the vitamin K1 and calcium it has. And did you know it also contains tons of antioxidants, even more than kale? These antioxidants will help prevent you from contracting illnesses and diseases. 

If you’re someone with a green thumb, there’s even a local rhubarb variety called Canada Red that is easy to grow and would be a great addition to any garden project. 

Buckwheat

(MART PRODUCTION/Pexels)

This pseudo-cereal isn't considered a staple in most Canadians’ diets, yet it contains several undeniable health benefits. 

D-chiro-inositol is a plant compound found in buckwheat that keeps your blood sugar levels in check, avoiding the formation of other diseases. Moreover, the presence of iron will help prevent anemia and boost your immune system. In addition to this, its high fibre content is beneficial to your digestive health. 

You can use buckwheat to make baked goods or incorporate it into your daily salads. Perhaps if you try experimenting with this food, it might become the new staple carb in your pantry? 

Garbanzo beans

(Clark Douglas/Unsplash)

Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, are a great plant-based source of protein. 

This legume is filling and contains choline, which can help humans improve their mood and memory. Chickpeas are also an effective remedy for constipation, as they have tremendous amounts of fibre. The indigestible resistant starch in garbanzo beans also helps develop a healthy gut. 

If you are vegan, this is a must-have food in your pantry, as you can get 14.5 grams of protein per cup. The beans are primarily grown in Alberta and Saskatchewan and are readily available in dried and canned forms. You can add them to curries, salads or make hummus out of them.

Salmon 

(Caroline Attwood/Unsplash)

Salmon is an easy-to-cook, nutrient-dense protein that you need to add to your cold season diet plan. 

This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which work to reduce inflammation within the body. This is important as excess inflammation can lead to illnesses like cancer and several heart conditions. It also contains the mineral selenium, which has been shown to fight thyroid antibodies and promote good bone health. 

The delicious fish is very versatile and used in several cuisines, ranging from Japanese sushi to Nordic gravlax. If you are ever in the Quebec region, you can even try catching your own Atlantic salmon in one of over a hundred salmon rivers.

Dark chocolate 

(Pixabay/Pexels)

Canada's rate of sugar consumption can be described as concerning, to say the least, with the average Canadian eating 26 teaspoons of sugar a day. If you have a sweet tooth, try switching from regular milk chocolate to dark chocolate, a guilt-free dessert that is healthy and delicious — this reduces the amount of sugar you consume and curbs your cravings! 

Sneaking a few squares of dark chocolate into your diet can prove to be beneficial, as it has calcium, iron, and zinc that support the body and mind. In fact, studies have shown that eating 24 grams of dark chocolate per day can enhance one's mood, having potential antidepressant effects. 

To ensure you are reaping the benefits of this food, consume dark chocolate that is 70 per cent or higher in cocoa.  

Broccoli 

(Louis Hansel/Unsplash)

Cooking broccoli takes just two to three minutes; adding this vegetable to your diet is a no-brainer to get in your needed vitamins and minerals. 

This cruciferous vegetable contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and build immunity. The bioactive compound within broccoli also ensures that your brain functions well and remains healthy. Interesting enough, this vegetable has more vitamin C than an orange, which is crucial in enhancing one's health. 

Broccoli is grown in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, and you can grab a fresh bunch at local stores across Canada. Enjoy your broccoli as a side, in your stir-fry or soups to keep you warm every winter. 

Canadian food Instagrams you need to follow: Western and Northern edition

15 food Instagrammers that you need to check out if you live in Western or Northern Canada!

By: Ruby Asgedome

(Abby Grant/CanCulture)

At some point, we have all found ourselves stalking food influencers for quick, easy and fun recipes — especially since spending the last two years cooking from home has impacted the food creativity of many Canadians. 

If you live on the west or north sides of the country,  you might already be familiar with these 15 influencers below. They post daily unique food content that is guaranteed to make your mouth water and inspire you to try making your own versions. In case you’re following us from an eastern province, be sure to head over to the first part of this series!

1. @deannawoo – Vancouver

If you love Asian food, you need to check out Deanna! She spends her time trying out new food spots across Vancouver and includes reviews in her Instagram posts and TikTok videos. She also doesn’t limit her posts to just food; followers are able to find drink reviews and ideas across her page as well. 

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2, @9jafoodie – Saskatchewan

Created by Ronke Edoho, this Saskatchewan-based account showcases Nigerian recipes that you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen. Edoho’s videos walk followers through the creation of a number of Nigerian delicacies. If you love anything and everything with spice, you need to check her out.

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3. @busybakerblog – Winnipeg

If you’re looking for healthy, easy recipes and some tasty desserts, Chrissie’s got you covered. From simple soups to pumpkin oat bread, she walks you through the easy steps to make these fun and tasty creations. As the seasons change, so does @busybakerblog and the featured recipes. 

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4. @foodbymaria – Calgary

If you’re a vegetarian or love vegetarian food, head to Maria’s page, filled with mouthwatering food. She links all her recipes in her bio so that followers are able to recreate their own (hopefully) just as tasty versions. Be sure to check out this Calgary-based chef. 

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5. @vancouverfoodie – Vancouver

If food is your love language like @vancouverfoodie’s Emma, you need to hit that follow button. The Vancouver-based foodie fills her page with heavenly Asian food and restaurants. From late-night pho spots across Vancouver to the best halo-halo and happy hour offers in the city, Emma’s got your back with the best recommendations for a night out!

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6. @yukon_foodie – Whitehorse

If you ever find yourself in Whitehorse and looking for the best food spots, Heather Roach has all the drops on the best food across the city. Her account includes images of select menu items from a restaurant, their prices, flavour, service and any special touches. Even if you don’t have a trip planned to Yukon anytime soon, it doesn’t hurt to check out this aesthetically pleasing page.

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7. @heyhangryhippo – Kelowna, B.C.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast foods, lunch ideas or even fun desserts, you can find awesome recommendations here. Kenny’s food Instagram is surely going to have you drooling! Every post looks amazing and will have you making the ride to Kelowna to try all of the amazing food spots that Kenny highlights. 

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8. @peppersandpennies – Manitoba 

If you’re looking to whip up some quick meals on a budget, pay @peppersandpennies a visit. This proud Manitoban showers her followers with easy breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas. Cheap, quick and healthy— the ultimate trifecta. 

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9. @foodkarmablog – Calgary 

Vancouver-turned-Calgary foodie Carmen showcases a range of cuisines bursting with flavour. The page includes photos of tacos, rice bowls, brown butter chocolate and Skor cookies, just to name a few. Carmen includes the restaurants’ location tags in her posts, along with fun reviews that help you know exactly what you can expect when you visit.

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10. @wpgeats – Winnipeg

This couple has got you covered on all the amazing food spots across Winnipeg. Their page features the two of them trying sushi, burgers, pasta and more around the city. They also always make sure to include a breakdown of what they’re eating and where followers can find the food spots!

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11. @lindork – Edmonton

This fun food blogger can be found running around Edmonton, tasting delicious foods and giving her followers the plug for free or discounted yums. Linda of @lindork is also on YouTube with a series where she tries different food each week and gives a fun and quick review. 

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12. @tiffy.cooks – Vancouver

TikTok-famous @tiffy.cooks is based in Vancouver. Her verified page features an assortment of juicy Asian cuisine — and don’t worry, she’s got your back with all the recipes linked in her bio! So if you’re looking for some inspiration and don’t want to eat out, check out her account and cook some delicious food following her detailed instructions!

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13. @miss_foodie – Calgary

If you ever find yourself in Calgary and don’t know where to eat, check out Patricia’s page to find anything and everything you need to know about restaurants in the city — especially if you love desserts! From a mouthwatering crème brûlée danish to a loaded stuffed-crust pizza, Patricia knows good food.

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14. @manitobarestaurants – Manitoba

If you’re ever visiting Manitoba but aren’t sure where to visit for a bite, @manitobarestaurants has got you covered! This is the ultimate Instagram directory for all of Manitoba’s yummiest restaurants. On their page, you’ll find images of chicken and waffles, burgers and so much more from a range of restaurants across the province!

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15. @sask.eats – Saskatchewan

@sask.eats is the go-to page for all of the local restaurants that Saskatchewan has to offer. It features photos of mouth-watering meals from a variety of local spots — including breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

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Canadian Snack Box wraps childhood memories in a package

For those looking to receive a taste of Canadian goods, Canadian Snack Box has you covered, wherever you are in the world. 

By: Vanessa Tiberio

An assortment of classic Canadian snacks is what Canadian Snack Box customers can expect from the various box options. Pictured here is the namesake “Canadian Snack Box.” (Courtesy of Melissa Hurley)

Ever wondered what it would feel like to receive a box of carefully selected Canadian snacks right at your doorstep? Well, Canadian Snack Box aims to do exactly that. 

Founded in the summer of 2020, Canadian Snack Box is a subscription-based service and an online store centred around selling strictly Canadian food products, both internationally and domestically. 

The products sold are all well-admired Canadian snack delicacies that typically grace the aisles of any supermarket or convenience store here in Canada, including chips, chocolate, cookies and other packaged goods.

The company offers five varieties of snack boxes containing around 10 to 15 different items, ranging in price from $30 to $50. Orders can be shipped globally, with a fulfillment time of approximately three to five business days. 

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Operating out of Alliston, Ont., Canadian Snack Box owner Melissa Hurley works alongside her husband Stephen to meet the day-to-day demands of fulfilling snack orders. 

Growing up in Brampton, Ont., Hurley always had a passion for the food industry and running her own business. She initially went to school to become a hairdresser but decided to switch gears into the food industry to continue following her passions. 

“I’ve always liked running my own store and dealing with customers. I just like creating,” said Hurley. 

Prior to the pandemic, Hurley operated a café focused on baked goods. However, like many other Canadians, the onset of COVID-19 forced the couple to shut down their café. After fulfilling online orders for a while, the two decided to shift their focus to another project instead. From there, Canadian Snack Box was born. 

The small business first launched to just 10 customers with its monthly curated boxes. Fast-forward a few months to the fall of 2020, it had grown exponentially with over 100 monthly subscribers. 

The business continued to “blossom into the snack powerhouse that it is now,” said Hurley. Canadian Snack Box currently boasts just under 31,000 followers on TikTok, along with 1,800 followers on Instagram. 

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The company primarily markets to foreign nationals looking to get their hands on snacks that they wouldn’t otherwise find in their local markets, as well as Canadians living abroad who may be looking to receive a small touch of home. 

Although roughly 85 per cent of orders originate from the United States, Hurley said it never fails to amaze her when she sees demands from different countries. 

“I’ve seen orders from Israel… and the Philippines before. Sometimes I look at the address, and I’m like, ‘oh, wow,’” she said.

Despite primarily catering to customers abroad, Hurley said many in-country Canadians make use of the subscription service and snack box options too. 

“I have a lot of people from Toronto — believe it or not — order items because they don’t have certain items in their own city,” she said. 

A number of packaged snack box orders ready to be shipped out are on full display. With close to 400 orders to fulfill, the 2021 holiday season was especially busy for Canadian Snack Box. (Courtesy of Melissa Hurley)

As the internet and import shops increase the accessibility to Canadian snacks worldwide, Hurley faces several challenges in providing snacks not commonly found or already widely sold in other countries. 

To solve this, Hurley has begun consulting with her customers overseas to gauge which snacks they prefer to receive and which ones they have greater access to. This has also helped inform the curation process where Hurley chooses the snacks to send out in her monthly boxes according to customer demands. 

Another factor Hurley must keep in mind when preparing her snack boxes is the season and weather conditions that will affect the food items she is shipping out. In the warmer summer months, Hurley tends to omit chocolate items in the boxes as they’re likely to melt before the customers receive them. 

Hurley also prides herself on putting her customers first by adding full-sized products to the boxes, rather than just trial-sized goodies that she sees many of her competitors doing. 

“If I want to buy something, I don’t want to get something small. I look at my perspective if I were to buy it and how I would feel,” she said. 

Canadian Snack Box owner Melissa Hurley stands beside a sign at her newly opened shop, Oh! So Sweet Candy, in Loretto, Ontario. With the success of her snack boxes, Hurley welcomed the launch of her new “rare candies” store on Dec. 18, 2021. (Courtesy of Melissa Hurley)

Selling Canadian snack boxes has allowed Hurley to expand her online retailer into a physical candy store. On Dec. 18, 2021, Hurley opened Oh! So Sweet Candy in Loretto, Ont., which specializes in selling rare and “exotic” candies not typically found at your local grocer. 

“I just began selling these rare candies and had candy garage sales where people would come and buy candy, like mini markets, and they were so excited for it. They kept asking if I had a store, so I figured it was time to open one up,” Hurley said. 

When she’s not busy fulfilling snack box orders or setting up her rare candies shop, Hurley can be found taking care of her little family of two children. She says the most rewarding aspect of selling Canadian snacks is that she can make doing what she enjoys her full-time job. 

“I love making my own hours so I can spend time with my kids. I don’t like working for others as I have my own specific way of running things, so setting my own hours and doing things my own way has been really rewarding,” Hurley said. 

As for the future, Hurley looks to continue building her Canadian Snack Box business and using TikTok to advertise her goods. She also hopes to see success in her candy shop and potentially open more locations as it continues to grow. 

“I don’t think rare snacks will ever die down,” Hurley said.