As a Canadian expat living in Dubai, I'm always thrilled to meet fellow Canucks living on this side of the pond, especially those who hail from my own backyard in the 6ix (Toronto).
While I love living abroad in Dubai and embracing new cultures and experiences, one of the challenges of expat life is missing some of the comfort foods from back home. I mean, what Canadian doesn't get nostalgic about double-doubles and dutchies from Timmies? Or visiting Canada's Wonderland or the CNE for a beaver tail? They're a beauty, eh?
While far from fancy, we Canadians do have some culinary gems worth getting off the chesterfield for, and some of them have made their way to Dubai! Without further ado...
Check out these Canadian restaurants in Dubai:
The Eggspectation concept was created by Eggspectation Group, with the first restaurant in downtown Montreal in 1993. The menu boasts an impressive selection of crepes, soups, salads, omelettes, pasta, steak, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, or their famous Eggs Benedict and fresh squeezed orange juice! Find Eggspectation in Dubai at The Beach @ Jumeirah Beach Residence and City Walk. Visit website
Voted 2017's "Best North American Restaurant" by Time Out Dubai, Weslodge labels itself 'Rock and Roll' chic, a modern saloon exploring North American fare with an international twist. Its menu pays homage to its hometown roots with items such as whole Canadian lobster, maple-glazed salmon and lobster poutine. Experience it for yourself at the JW Marriot Marquis Tower. Visit website
Sink your teeth into one of these bad boys, made from gourmet ingredients and complemented by hand-cut French fries made fresh every day and cooked in trans fat-free canola oil. Hand-spun milkshakes, house-made sauces, traditional poutine are a must. Find a location near you at Dubai La Mer, Last Exit Sheikh Zayed Road or Box Park on Al Wasl Road. Visit website
This proudly Canadian burger joint lets you build your burger your way with over 30 gourmet toppings to choose from. Their 100% Angus beef burgers are free from additives, preservatives, antibiotics and added hormones, so you're only getting the good stuff! Other options include veggie burgers, chicken and turkey burgers, grilled sausage and hot dogs. Located in Dubai Media City. Visit website
You haven't experienced pure cookie joy until you've tried Félix & Norton. Launched in Montreal in 1985, the brand is a Canadian favourite, and I'm SO happy they're available in Dubai. They make amazing gifts for others or devour them all yourself. I'll never tell. Locations may not be current in Dubai, however, you might be able to score them for delivery on Uber Eats. Visit the local website
Nothing screams Canadian like Timmies! Arguably Canada's most nostalgic food franchise, this cafe and bake shop has expanded its menu over time to include quite an array of options, including home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods. Locations are available all over Dubai, but perhaps the best part about living here is that you can order it right to your front door through sites like Talabat. Visit website
Don't let the name fool you. New York Fries was founded by a couple of Canadian brothers in 1985. Famous for their french fries, hot dogs, poutine, New York Fries is very much a part of our heritage, eh! Lots of locations in Dubai; find one near you. Visit website
For the love of all that is holy, GO HERE NOW! In Toronto (and surrounding areas), we know this eatery as Sweet Jesus, but the goodness doesn't lie. Sweet Salvation's delicious ice cream treats take confectionery to new heights. Not only are these eyeball-rolling good, they're super insta-worthy. Get yours today at City Walk. Visit website
Fried dough hand stretched to resemble a beaver's tail. Add delicious toppings like nutella, cheesecake spread, maple, cinnamon sugar, and the list goes, and you've got a recipe for sheer delight. You will never forget your first beaver tail experience, I promise you that, folks! But don't take my word for it. Go get one now at Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim! Visit website
I pretty much spent my entire teenage and young adult years sipping on a coffee chiller from Second Cup. In fact, Second Cup may have been the first coffee product I ever consumed, so there's a lot of sentiment lingering for this brand. Unfortunately, they've discontinued the chiller (WHY, OH WHY???), replacing it with a line of blended frappes and frochos, but hey, there's still plenty of goodness to enjoy. At the very least, Second Cup is Canadian, hence making the list. Find a location near you. Visit website NB: If anyone from Second Cup is reading this, PLEASE bring back the classic chiller, a.k.a., the Canadian way to stay cool!
What you sayin'? Put on your runners and give'er!
Have I missed any? What's your favourite Canadian restaurant or meal that you miss the most? Mine's 100% Swiss Chalet. Is anyone listening?? BRING SWISS CHALET TO DUBAI!
Bonus: List the number of Canadian slang words and phrases I've used in this post.
