Words (Core Vocabulary)
- maple syrup / sugar shack (cabane à sucre)
- poutine (fries + cheese curds + gravy)
- Montreal bagel / smoked meat / steamé (hot dog)
- Nanaimo bar / butter tart / Beavertails (fried pastry)
- tourtière (meat pie), donair (Halifax style)
- bannock (Indigenous bread; styles vary by Nation)
- wild salmon / spot prawns (BC) / oysters / lobster (Atlantic)
- Saskatoon berries / PEI potatoes / Okanagan fruit
- farmers’ market / seasonal / local / craft beer / cider
- caesar (clamato cocktail), ice wine
Phrases (Taste, ask, celebrate)
- What’s local and in season right now?
- Could we try the Montreal-style bagels—sesame if possible?
- Any good spots for poutine near here?
- Do you carry single-origin maple syrup, amber grade?
Contextual Examples (Everyday)
- Market: Which farms are these apples from, and are they sprayed?
- Restaurant: We’ll share smoked meat on rye and a plate of pickles.
- Bakery: Do you have Nanaimo bars today, or butter tarts?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
- shop at a farmers’ market
- order poutine / bagels
- try bannock respectfully
- ask for seasonal specials
- pair seafood with a local cider
- bring maple syrup as a host gift
Canadian Cultural Context
- Food scenes vary by region; seasonal and local are popular values.
- Bannock and other Indigenous foods should be approached with respect—ask about the story or Nation when appropriate.
- Quebec specialties (bagels, smoked meat, sugar shack) are widely loved across Canada.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Local ask: “What’s a classic local dish you’d recommend to visitors?”
- Market chat: “Which vendor makes these cheese curds?”
- Gift: “I brought maple syrup—hope you like it.”