If you don’t already consider Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada as one of the food capitals of the world, then you should think again. This Maritime province is home not only to some of the freshest seafood on Earth, but also to some of the most innovative cooking and interesting local ingredients in North America.
Known primarily for its excellent seafood and game, Newfoundland & Labrador’s cuisine features both traditional and contemporary dishes, with local and exotic flavours. Fresh seafood can be found almost everywhere in the province, and it is commonplace for what’s on your plate to have come straight off the boat.
Cod is what the province is most famous for, which can be eaten both fresh and flaky or dried, but there’s also fantastic opportunity to eat lobster, mussels and squid straight from the Atlantic Ocean. You can also sample wild Alaskan salmon from the Exploits River in central Newfoundland, or a simple dish of fish and chips from Ches’s in St John’s.
Also on the menu is Canadian wild game, such as moose, caribou, bear and rabbit, prepared in traditional and innovative way. Throughout the province you can try local dishes that you might never have heard of, like cod tongue, doughboys, salt fish and toutons. Order a Jigg’s dinner, which is the equivalent of a British roast dinner, followed by the province’s popular ‘Figgy Duff’, a 16th century raisin pudding.
The province is also home to some unique drinking experiences, such as the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company, which serves beer created using 10,000 year old iceberg water. In addition, you can sample local vodka, rum and gin triple-distilled and bottled in the province. For sweet souvenirs you should visit the Newfoundland Chocolate Company, or purchase a Dark Tickle Jam in bakeapple or partridgeberry flavour.
Embark upon a culinary adventure at one of the province’s fine dining restaurants, such as Bacalao, Raymonds or the Reluctant Chef. With dishes such as Lobster Spaghetti Saffron Pasta and seared Fogo Island cod, a trip to Newfoundland & Labrador really is a foodies’ paradise.
Whatever you choose to do on your holiday to Newfoundland & Labrador, Canadian Affair can offer help and advice on where to go and what to do. Contact one of our experts for more information.