Lifestyle

7 Delicious Canadian Dishes That You Can Cook for Yourself! | Chef Bobby Rahman

Published

4 years ago

August 26, 2021

As a Chef, Bobby Rahman prides himself on his vast knowledge of the many different cuisines all over the world. However, his trademark, as a resident of Ontario, Canada, has always been Canadian dishes!

Today, we’ve compiled a list of some of Chef Bobby Rahman’s favorite Canadian meals. Complete with insightful tips and background information provided by Bobby himself, who is eager to share the taste of the food of his home country.

Canadian Cuisine 101 | Bobby Rahman

Bobby Rahman: When I talk about Canadian cuisine, I don’t really restrict myself to one region over the other. BUT, it should be said that there are definitely variations within them. Canada, much like the United States, is a melting pot of all sorts of different cultures — and with different cultures come different ways of cooking and different tastes.

The type of cuisine you’ve probably heard about is French-Canadian cuisine, but a lot of traditional Canadian dishes also have English, Scottish, and Indigenous roots. The dishes I’m sharing today will be a mix of all of the above!

1. Poutine

Bobby Rahman: Poutine! This delicious French-Canadian dish is probably one of the most recognized Canadian dishes on social media and the like. And no wonder, really. It’s the kind of dish that you regret the next day but is so sinfully good that you just can’t stop yourself from taking a bite when it’s in front of you.

If you’re not familiar with it. It’s best described as French fries covered with gravy and topped with fresh cheese curds. It’s not the kind of meal that I would recommend if you’re watching your weight. But if you’re looking to fill a craving, then a couple of healthier decisions, like oven-frying rather than deep-frying or just cutting back on the gravy might help soothe your conscious a bit.

2. Peameal Bacon

Bobby Rahman: Not to be confused with ‘Canadian Bacon’, Peameal Bacon is a type of wet-cured, unsmoked back bacon. It’s easy to prepare, and it’s delicious! Literally, it’s just trimmed lean, boneless pork loin that is brined and then coated in cornmeal. A healthier option because it’s leaner and has less fat. So, you can enjoy the wonder of eating ‘back bacon’, as it’s sometimes referred to, with less guilt.

3. Bannock

Bobby Rahman: Bannock is original, indigenous Canadian cooking. It’s often mixed up with the Scottish Bannock (an unleavened type of bread). But it’s been around Canada since before ‘pre-contact’ as you’d say. To describe it quickly, it’s a type of bread. Flat, much like the Scottish Bannock, that is made out of wheat and shaped into rounds that are either fried or baked.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy to start with, then this is a good one to try. It’s simple enough to prepare, after all. You can keep it easy by topping it with some kind of butter or jam, or you can experiment a little bit by rolling some cheese into the dough before cooking.

4. Tourtière

Bobby Rahman: Tourtière is a French-Canadian meat pie dish that’s a must for the holidays (especially if you live in Quebec). There are many different ways of preparing it. But popular ingredients are pork, beef, veal, potatoes, and, even, game meat! A perfectly filling meal if you’re looking for something for parties, as an example, they’re a hit!

5. Nanaimo Bars

Bobby Rahman: Nanaimo Bars are a favorite confectionary treat here in Canada. It got its name from the city, Nanaimo, British Columbia. Perfect if you’re looking for a treat that keeps well since it can be enjoyed even after frozen.

I recommend it all the time for parents who want to cook with their kids. It’s a no-oven recipe, with the main ingredients being chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, custard powder, and icing.

6. Butter Tarts

Bobby Rahman: Another treat that keeps well is Butter Tarts. It’s a quintessential dessert here in Canada. Picture it as a small, bite-sized pastry filled with a syrup (which is made to be semi-solid) that is made up of butter, sugar, and eggs (although you can always spice it up with a few nuts or dried fruit if you want.) They’ve been around for a while, also a great treat to have around for the holidays — since you can make them ahead of time and freeze them before eating.

7. Saskatoon Berry Pie

Bobby Rahman: If you fancy yourself another type of pie (just to complete the trifecta we’ve ended off here), Saskatoon Berry Pie is one that you might want to try out. The Saskatoon berries themselves may be hard to come by depending on where you live (they’re native to Canada and the US — although they are available in some places in Europe as well), but the unique taste is worth the extra effort of looking around for it.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

6 days ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.