Canada is a diverse country, not in people and their cultures only, but also when it comes to food. To people who are new immigrants, it is not always about discovering a new land, but rather getting comfortable and familiarized. Food is big part of this process, both in the connection to cultural background and in opening the entry to new culture. The food world in Canada is vibrant, diverse, and also always expanding, and this is what makes it such a flavourful culture to new visitors.
A Gastronomic Mosaic that Echoes Multiculturalism
The unbelievable diversity of every single food offered is one of the first things new immigrants notice concerning Canada. This has not been by chance- the immigrant populace of Canada from the Asian, Middle East, African, Latin and European descent is heavily reflected in the foods of Canada. And the odds are that at least authentic Indian curries, Chinese dim sum, Lebanese shawarma, Jamaican jerk chicken or Polish pierogis are the next street-corner variant available in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or Halifax.
This multiculturalism implies that you will have an opportunity to find something that reminds you of your home and also to taste the new flavours in the friendly atmosphere. The idea of food festivals, farmers markets, and multicultural events is wide spread across the country and is an awesome opportunity to learn new dishes and to see people of other backgrounds.
The Comfort of Oneself in Familiar Flavours
Going to live in a different country is something that can be daunting and homesickness is a usual experience. Food can be a form of comfort. Luckily, ethnic grocery stores in the big cities in Canada are selling international spices, vegetables, and ingredients. For example:
T&T Supermarket (nationwide) – Chinese and East Asian goods
Patel Brothers or Iqbal Halal Foods in Toronto – South Asian products
Adonis in Quebec and Ontario – Middle Eastern groceries
African Superstore in Ottawa and Calgary – West African foods
There has also been the expansion of online grocery which enables the immigrants in the smaller towns to have easy accesses to international ingredients. Preparing the meals that they know will create a familiarity and a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar setting.
Canadian Classics
On the one hand, it is crucial to keep to those tastes which you are used to, but on the other hand, you might find the practice of eating traditional dishes in Canada interesting as well. The national cuisine of Canada is a product of history, nature and culture. The following are some of the quintessentially Canadian foods that a newcomer is expected to sample:
Poutine: A Quebecois fast food of fries with cheese curds and gravy.
Butter Tarts: A Canadian traditional dessert that has a flaky crust and a sweet filling.
Tourtiere: Quebec holiday meat pie.
Nanaimo Bars: No-bake dessert originating from British Columbia.
Maple Syrup: Normally used on pancakes, waffles or even baked beans.
Eating local food is not only to satisfy the palate, it is a means to better insights in Canadian identity and to become a part of the Canadian cultural life.
Community Food Programs and Community Kitchens
Food is also a concern in finances of many newly immigrated people initial settling down location. Community food and community kitchens, food banks, and meal programs are strong networks in Canada that offer affordable or free meals and also bring the community together.
Such organizations as The Stop Community Food Centre in Toronto and Quest Food Exchange in Vancouver sell groceries on a much lower price; provide cooking classes and meal services. Most of the local community centers and immigrant service agencies host free cooking classes that also serve as a language learning and social bonding process.
Food as Epistemology
Sharing food and cooking is a global form of hospitality and love. New immigrants have little to worry about when it comes to meeting new people, as potlucks, community dinners, and food festivals are a good venue to expose newcomers to their culture and even network. Canada is a multicultural nation and food plays a significant role in most of these festivals.
The newcomers will also be able to share their traditional food with neighbours, in schools or at workplaces. This assists in forming friendships as well as raising the identification and appreciation of the culture. Canada flourishes on such exchanges and several cuisines related to immigrants have now become main stream because of such an action.
Food as a Source of Entrepreneurial Opportunities
The increased demand in Canada to eat different kinds of food has given entrepreneurial opportunities to immigrants who have a passion to cook. The most popular way of newcomers turning their talent at cooking to cash is in the form of food trucks, catering, and small restaurants. Organizations such as Futurpreneur Canada, The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) and Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISS of BC) provide support (mentorship and resources) to newcomers wishing to venture food-based business.
The Canadian food industries have rich soil where culinary dreams can be cultivated with a favourable market and government policies promoting the development of small businesses.
Postscript: A Trip to Savour
Food in Canada is more than a way of trying new food; it is a way of discovering a sense of community, and finding a place to belong. It can be a way of exploring where to find great spices, having your first taste of maple syrup, or even offering your own recipes to new-found friends, the Canadian culinary adventure is as varied and significant as is the people of Canada. Food is a comfort and something to look forward to especially to new immigrants. Your plate is a passport, in Canada--to belonging, to chance, to connection.
