Canada’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with microbreweries popping up from coast to coast, offering a wide range of locally brewed beers. Pairing these distinctive Canadian craft beers with food is an art, and there’s no better way to experience this than by exploring the vibrant street food culture across the country. From Montreal’s bustling food markets to Vancouver’s diverse street vendors, Canada offers a feast of flavors that perfectly complement its array of craft beers.
Here’s your ultimate guide to pairing some of Canada’s best street food with the finest local craft beers.
1. Montreal’s Poutine & Pale Ale
Poutine, one of Canada’s most iconic street foods, consists of crispy fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy. It’s a heavy dish that pairs perfectly with a pale ale. The crisp, slightly bitter finish of a pale ale cuts through the richness of the poutine, balancing out the flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Craft Beer Pairing:
- Alexander Keith’s Pale Ale (Nova Scotia)
This classic Canadian pale ale has a light, refreshing taste that balances the heavy flavors of the cheese curds and gravy in poutine.
Where to Find It:
- Try La Banquise in Montreal, which serves over 30 varieties of poutine, and pair it with your favorite pale ale at a nearby craft beer bar.
2. Halifax Lobster Rolls & Lager
The lobster roll is a must-try in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and when it comes to beer pairings, a crisp lager is the way to go. The light, refreshing qualities of a lager enhance the delicate sweetness of the lobster meat, while its mild bitterness complements the buttery roll and rich mayo dressing.
Craft Beer Pairing:
- Propeller Pilsner (Nova Scotia)
A crisp, golden pilsner with a clean finish, Propeller Pilsner is the ideal beer to accompany a fresh lobster roll from the East Coast.
Where to Find It:
- Head to Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market or The Canteen in Dartmouth for an authentic Nova Scotia lobster roll.
3. Toronto’s Peameal Bacon Sandwich & Amber Ale
Toronto’s famous peameal bacon sandwich is a local favorite that packs bold flavors with thick, juicy slices of pork loin on a crusty bun. An amber ale provides just the right balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness to enhance the savory, salty goodness of peameal bacon.
Craft Beer Pairing:
- Amsterdam Brewery’s Downtown Brown (Ontario)
This amber ale offers caramel undertones that pair beautifully with the savory, smoky notes of peameal bacon.
Where to Find It:
- Visit Carousel Bakery in Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market to grab one of these iconic sandwiches.
4. Vancouver’s Japadog & IPA
The fusion of Japanese flavors with the classic street food staple—the hot dog—makes Japadog a unique experience in Vancouver. Topped with ingredients like teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayo, and seaweed, Japadogs demand a beer that can hold its own against bold flavors. Enter the IPA, known for its hoppy bitterness, which stands up to the intense umami flavors of the Japadog.
Craft Beer Pairing:
- Driftwood Brewery’s Fat Tug IPA (British Columbia)
With its citrus-forward hops and robust bitterness, this IPA enhances the savory and tangy toppings of the Japadog.
Where to Find It:
- Japadog food carts can be found across Vancouver, including Robson Street, serving these fusion delights.
5. Quebec’s Tourtière & Brown Ale
A traditional tourtière, a meat pie originating from Quebec, features a filling of seasoned pork or beef wrapped in flaky pastry. A brown ale is the perfect beer to complement the warm, spiced flavors of tourtière. The rich malty notes of brown ale pair well with the savory meat filling without overpowering the pie’s delicate crust.
Craft Beer Pairing:
- Le Trou du Diable’s La Morsure (Quebec)
This bold brown ale has a malty sweetness with a slightly bitter finish, ideal for enhancing the flavors of the traditional Quebecois meat pie.
Where to Find It:
- Try Aux Anciens Canadiens in Quebec City for a taste of authentic tourtière, and enjoy it with a local brown ale.
6. Calgary’s Perogies & Wheat Beer
Traditional perogies—stuffed dumplings popular in Eastern European communities in Calgary—are often served with sour cream, onions, and bacon. A refreshing wheat beer with a hint of citrus can cut through the richness of the perogies while complementing their hearty, comforting flavors.
Craft Beer Pairing:
- Wild Rose Velvet Fog (Alberta)
A smooth and slightly fruity wheat ale, Velvet Fog is an excellent companion to the creamy and savory perogies.
Where to Find It:
- Check out Heritage Park’s Ukrainian Village or local street food markets in Calgary for delicious, authentic perogies.
7. Ottawa’s BeaverTails & Porter
For dessert lovers, BeaverTails are a quintessential Canadian treat. These fried dough pastries, shaped like a beaver’s tail and topped with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or even savory toppings, pair beautifully with a porter. The deep, roasted flavors of a porter contrast the sweetness of the pastry, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Craft Beer Pairing:
- Beyond the Pale’s Darkernoon Porter (Ontario)
This robust porter, with its notes of chocolate and coffee, pairs excellently with a sweet cinnamon BeaverTail.
Where to Find It:
- BeaverTails stands can be found at Ottawa’s ByWard Market or along the Rideau Canal, especially during wintertime skating season.
Conclusion
Canada’s craft beer scene is as diverse as its street food offerings, and pairing these two together can elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re indulging in the rich flavors of a poutine or savoring a fresh lobster roll, there’s a craft beer in Canada that will perfectly complement your meal. From coast to coast, you can explore the unique and delicious fusion of street food and craft beer, making your journey through Canada an unforgettable culinary adventure.
So next time you’re exploring Canada’s cities or countryside, don’t forget to raise a glass of local craft beer and savor the flavors of the country’s best street food!
