
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in London, Ontario, Canada
1. Bannock with Bison Pemmican
Traditional Native American bread made from flour and baking soda, served with a filling of dried buffalo meat and berries. Try it at Eldon House.
- Authenticity: Experience a taste of Canada's Indigenous cuisine.
- Rarity: Bison pemmican is not commonly found in many restaurants.
- Cultural Significance: Learn about the history and importance of bannock in Indigenous culture.
2. Perth County Pork Pie
A flaky pastry filled with pork, vegetables, and spices. Visit The Old East Village Bakery for this local specialty.
- Regional Specialty: Discover the culinary traditions of Perth County.
- Quality Ingredients: The pie is made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Taste of History: The recipe dates back to the early settlers in the area.
3. London-Style Beef Dip
Thinly sliced roast beef served on a kaiser roll with gravy and melted cheese. The Pioneer Drive-In is famous for this dish.
- Local Icon: Visit a London institution that has been serving since the 1950s.
- Unique Presentation: The sandwich is served open-faced with a side of chips.
- Comfort Food: Enjoy a hearty meal after a day of exploring.
4. Southwestern Ontario Butter Tart
A traditional Canadian dessert made with sugar, butter, and eggs. The Frog and Peach Bakery serves a variety of flavours.
- Regional Delicacy: Indulge in a sweet treat from the Southwestern Ontario region.
- Variety of Flavours: Try traditional, maple walnut, or pecan flavoured tarts.
- Culinary Tradition: Learn about the history and significance of this dessert in Canadian culture.
5. Fort Garry Farms Cheese
Artisanal cheese made from the milk of water buffalo. Visit their farm store to sample and purchase.
- Gourmet Experience: Taste high-quality, unique cheeses not found in many places.
- Animal Welfare Focused: The farm is committed to ethical treatment of their animals.
- Farm-to-Table: Directly support local farmers by purchasing their products.
6. London Brewing Co-operative Beer
A wide variety of craft beers brewed on site. Visit their taproom to sample and purchase.
- Craft Beer Selection: Try a diverse range of unique, locally brewed beers.
- Community-Focused: The cooperative is owned and operated by its members.
- Local Ingredients: Beers are brewed with local malts, hops, and water.
7. London's Best Fish 'n' Chips
Crispy fish coated in beer batter served with thick-cut chips. The Ship Inn is a popular spot for this classic dish.
- Classic British Comfort Food: Experience a beloved British tradition.
- Fresh Ingredients: The fish is fresh and sustainably sourced.
- Historic Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal in a building that dates back to the early 1900s.
8. East Indian Tandoori Chicken
Marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor oven. Try it at Shamiana for an authentic taste.
- Authentic Flavours: Experience the bold and aromatic flavours of East Indian cuisine.
- Cooked in a Traditional Tandoor Oven: The chicken is cooked at high temperatures, sealing in flavour and juiciness.
- Spice Blend: Each restaurant has its own unique spice blend for their tandoori chicken.
9. Thai Green Curry at Sabai Sabai
A fragrant and spicy curry made with coconut milk, vegetables, and chicken or tofu. Sabai Sabai offers a wide variety of Thai dishes.
- Authentic Thai Cuisine: Experience the vibrant flavours of Thai cooking.
- Wide Variety: Try other dishes from the extensive menu.
- Customization: Adjust the spiciness level to your preference.
10. Middle Eastern Falafel at Zalatimo's
Crispy chickpea balls served in a pita with salad and tahini sauce. Zalatimo's offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.
- Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine: Experience the unique flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Vegetarian Option: Enjoy a meat-free meal that is still packed with flavour.
- Homemade: Everything is made fresh daily using traditional recipes.
11. Jamaican Jerk Chicken at The Real Jamaica
Spicy chicken marinated in a unique blend of spices and cooked on a grill. The Real Jamaica offers an authentic taste of the Caribbean.
- Authentic Caribbean Cuisine: Experience the vibrant flavours of Jamaican cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness level to your preference.
- Homemade Sauce: The jerk sauce is made from scratch using traditional recipes.
12. Tacos at La Fogoncita
Mexican street-style tacos filled with various proteins and toppings. La Fogoncita offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes.
- Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Experience the vibrant flavours of Mexican cooking.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a meal that is popular on the streets of Mexico.
- Customization: Choose from various proteins and toppings to create your perfect taco.
13. Vietnamese Pho at Pho 88
A traditional Vietnamese soup made with rice noodles, broth, and various proteins. Pho 88 offers a variety of pho dishes.
- Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: Experience the flavours of Vietnamese cooking.
- Customization: Adjust the spiciness level and choose from various proteins to suit your taste.
- Warming and Comforting: Enjoy a hot, filling meal on a cold day.
14. Bubble Tea at ShareTea
A Taiwanese drink made with tea, milk or fruit juice, and tapioca pearls. ShareTea offers a variety of flavours.
- Authentic Asian Drink: Experience a popular drink from Taiwan.
- Variety of Flavours: Try traditional flavours or unique creations.
- Ideal Refreshment: Relax and rehydrate with this sweet and refreshing drink.
15. Crepe at The Crepe Shack
Thin pancakes filled with various sweet or savoury fillings. The Crepe Shack offers a variety of crepes to suit any taste.
- Authentic French Dessert: Experience the classic French dessert.
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from sweet fillings like Nutella and strawberries, or savoury fillings like ham and cheese.
- Portable Snack: Grab a crepe as a quick and easy snack on-the-go.