Indigenous Culinary Experiences in Ontario

Do you know what cedar tea is? Have you ever tried bannock – straight from the fire?

Bannock (or frybread) is a non-traditional unleavened bread that is baked or fried that is often associated with Indigenous cuisine. It is often served alongside a stew or soup or as a dessert with blueberries or maple syrup. It’s got a sordid legacy but is celebrated as a community staple in many regions across Ontario today. It also goes great with a hot cup of cedar tea!

When you look at contemporary Indigenous cuisine, community and history bind it together. You’ll find cornerstone ingredients like game meat (think bison or elk), freshwater fish including salmon and trout, root vegetables, wild rice, maple, local berries, cedar tea, and of course bannock.

Rich with heritage and often inspired by the land, modern and traditional interpretations of Indigenous cuisine are on the rise in Ontario. Restaurants across the province are showcasing the incredible diversity of Indigenous food and drink.

Pow wows are some of the best places to experience local Indigenous culture and food. These social gatherings celebrate tradition, honour the past and renew friendships through music, song, food, dance and storytelling. You can see a list of planned public pow-wows here.