22 Must-Try Foods from British Columbia

Posted by Jenny Potter on October 20, 2016

From fresh seafood to bountiful Okanagan fruits to decadent Nanaimo bars, there's lots to savour in beautiful British Columbia. Discover some of the unique flavours and rich culture that make West Coast fare distinct.

  • The Ultimate Nanaimo Bars
     
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    The Ultimate Nanaimo Bars

    <p>The <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/history-of-nanaimo-bars/" target="_blank">history of the Nanaimo bar</a> can be traced back to the Vancouver Island city of Nanaimo, B.C., with the first known recipe published in 1953. Requiring no baking, Nanaimo bars have become a favourite dessert thanks to the ease of making them along with their undeniable sweetness.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/the-ultimate-nanaimo-bar/16810/" target="_blank">The Ultimate Nanaimo Bar</a></strong></p>
  • Salt Spring Island Lamb
     
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    Salt Spring Island Lamb

    <p>A favourite of the Queen herself, Salt Spring Island’s tender lamb is known for its unique flavour and texture.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/salt-spring-island-lamb-with-mustard-spaetzle/14088/" target="_blank"><strong>Salt Spring Island Lamb</strong></a></p>
  • Sockeye Salmon
     
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    Sockeye Salmon

    <p> There’s nothing quite like bright, fresh sockeye salmon during the holiday season. The firm, fluorescent-fleshed fish is full of rich, intense flavours and is best enjoyed fresh from BC waters. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/west-coast-cedar-planked-salmon/14386/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>West Coast Cedar Planked Salmon</strong></a> </p>
  • West Coast Fish Chowder
     
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    West Coast Fish Chowder

    <p>Smoked, candied salmon and rockfish star in this creamy, comforting soup that will warm your belly and your soul after a chilly walk along the beaches of Vancouver Island.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/seafood-chowder-vancouver-island/" target="_blank"><strong>West Coast Fish Chowder</strong></a></p>
  • Okanagan Valley Fruit Salad
     
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    Okanagan Valley Fruit Salad

    <p>This delightful fruit salad is laced with slices of bocconcini for a sweet and savoury take on the classic dessert.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/okanagan-valley-fruit-salad/12760/" target="_blank"><strong>Okanagan Valley Fruit Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Spot Prawns
     
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    Spot Prawns

    <p>Another local B.C. delicacy, spot prawns are best savoured as fresh as possible. These large, sweet shrimp are a West Coast specialty, and are served fresh during their short-lived 6-8 week season each spring.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/pan-seared-bc-halibut-and-spot-prawns-with-morel-english-pea-and-chorizo-ragout/18062/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Pan-seared B.C. Halibut and Spot Prawns with Morel, English Pea and Chorizo Ragoût</strong></a></p>
  • Wild Onion and Mushroom Tart
     
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    Wild Onion and Mushroom Tart

    <p>Deep and earthy wild B.C. chanterelle and morel mushrooms are lightly fried with wild onions, leeks and butter in this Parmesan-topped savoury tart.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/wild-onion-and-wild-mushroom-tart/16333/" target="_blank"><strong>Wild Onion and Mushroom Tart</strong></a>.</p>
  • California Rolls
     
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    California Rolls

    <p>As the story goes, the ubiquitous sushi staple, was invented right in Vancouver by Chef Hidekazu Tojo. Despite the name, Chef Tojo stands by his claim of creating the famous sushi star.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/california-rolls-with-brown-rice/14182/" target="_blank"><strong>California Rolls</strong></a></p>
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  • Traditional Bannock
     
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    Traditional Bannock

    <p>During the Great Canadian Cookbook’s stop in Tofino, B.C., Marnie Helliwell brought this bannock to the potluck with Lynn Crawford. Marnie learned this simple, traditional recipe from her friend, Grace George, an elder of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, where every family has their own unique version passed down from generation to generation.</p><p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/traditional-bannock/16288/" target="_blank"><strong>Traditional Bannock<strong></a></p>
  • One-Skillet Trout with Green Beans
     
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    One-Skillet Trout with Green Beans

    <p>Whether you hooked it yourself or bought it at the grocery store, you’ll be equally satisfied with this simple and flavourful trout dinner with fresh, seasonal green beans.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/okanagan-green-beans-a-one-skillet-recipe-youll-love-37942/" target="_blank"><strong>One-Skillet Trout with Green Beans<strong></a></p>
  • World Famous Hot Smoked Salmon Sandwich
     
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    World Famous Hot Smoked Salmon Sandwich

    <p>There’s so much bold British Columbia flavour stuffed between this ciabatta bun. Wild, smoked salmon, maple mustard coleslaw and spicy Sriracha mayo are layered in this mouthwatering combo of Asian and Western flavours.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/world-famous-hot-smoked-salmon-sandwich/14082/" target="_blank"><strong>World Famous Hot Smoked Salmon Sandwich</strong></a></p>
  • Teriyaki Salmon
     
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    Teriyaki Salmon

    <p>Fresh ginger and lots of garden-picked garlic gives this simple pacific salmon recipe tons of flavour. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/teriyaki-salmon/16315/" target="_blank"><strong>Teriyaki Salmon<strong></a></p>
  • Brownie Dominoes with Wild Blueberry Cinnamon Sauce
     
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    Brownie Dominoes with Wild Blueberry Cinnamon Sauce

    <p>Rich, chocolate brownies are made even better when topped with a luscious, berry sauce made with hand-picked wild B.C. blueberries and a hint of warm, comforting cinnamon.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brownie-dominoes-with-wild-blueberry-cinnamon-sauce/14035/" target="_blank"><strong>Brownie Dominoes with Wild Blueberry Cinnamon Sauce</strong></a></p>
  • Seared Albacore Tuna Loin
     
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    Seared Albacore Tuna Loin

    <p>Buttery pacific tuna gets a simple sear before being sliced crosswise into thin 1/4-inch pieces and smothered in gingery-garlic ponzu sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/seared-albacore-tuna-loin/16294/" target="_blank"><strong>Seared Albacore Tuna Loin<strong></a></p>
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  • Baked Halibut with Fresh Hemlock Spring Buds
     
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    Baked Halibut with Fresh Hemlock Spring Buds

    <p>Inspired by Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations cuisine, this delicious fish dish incorporates hemlock tree buds, which can be harvested in the spring along Vancouver Island’s west coast.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-halibut-with-fresh-hemlock-spring-buds/18523/" target="_blank"><strong>Baked Halibut with Fresh Hemlock Spring Buds</strong></a></p>
  • Apple Cranberry Cinnamon Buns
     
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    Apple Cranberry Cinnamon Buns

    <p>Not just for Christmas, cranberries are a booming crop in British Columbia. Celebrate the tart little fruit with these delightful apple and berry buns.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-cranberry-cinnamon-buns/14090/" target="_blank"><strong>Apple Cranberry Cinnamon Buns</strong></a></p>
  • PiDGin Chicken Wings
     
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    PiDGin Chicken Wings

    <p>Straight off the menu of Vancouver’s PiDGin restaurant, these juicy wings are a delicious example of Asian-French fusion that makes this coastal city a coveted foodie destination.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pidgin-chicken-wings/14083/" target="_blank"><strong>PiDGin Chicken Wings</strong></a></p>
  • Oysters on the Half Shell
     
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    Oysters on the Half Shell

    <p>West Coasters know the joy of slurping back fresh oysters right out of the Pacific. Enjoy them with a little lemon and a touch of Tabasco, or with a simple mignonette sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/oysters-on-the-half-shell/9975/" target="_blank"><strong>Chuck Hughes’ Oysters on the Half Shell</strong></a></p>
  • Dungeness Crab Tacos with Radish Sprouts
     
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    Dungeness Crab Tacos with Radish Sprouts

    <p>Sweet and tender Dungeness crab makes a delightful filling for these fun, seafood tacos the combine fresh B.C. flavours with everyone’s favourite Mexican dish.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dungeness-crab-tacos-with-radish-sprouts/16171/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Dungeness Crab Tacos with Radish Sprouts</strong></a></p>
  • Lemon Ginger Halibut
     
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    Lemon Ginger Halibut

    <p>Wild halibut gets a touch of Asian flavour as it's marinated in a Granville Island sake, fresh ginger, soy sauce and chili sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-ginger-halibut/14089/" target="_blank"><strong>Lemon Ginger Halibut</strong></a></p>
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