It’s time for our weekly Love Where You Live post, and this one is all about food from Nova Scotia. Normally I would be ecstatic, even when I am “eating healthy”, but this week I am a bit hesitant. Do you guys know the main type of food that Nova Scotia is famous for? Well, let’s just say I am not a fan. As a first-generation Portuguese, what I am about to say will likely cause my Portuguese family to cringe, but I do not like seafood of any kind, and Nova Scotia is well known for many a things seafood.
This post will be a bit different as it will list foods that Nova Scotia is known for, and then mention a few restaurants that are well known for these dishes. Be sure to give them a try on your next visit to Canada’s Ocean Playground.
We still have COVID restrictions in place as I write this, and some of the restaurants mentioned in this post may not be open or they could have restrictions in place. This post is not to encourage travel now, but when it is safe to do so. Please enjoy and perhaps even try to make some of the food here on your own. I think I am trying Rappie Pie one day soon!
I figured we should rip the Band-Aid off and start with a big seafood dish that is one of the most popular in Nova Scotia, lobster. Nova Scotia is world famous for lobster and it is one of the provinces most valuable seafood export.
The famous Nova Scotia Lobster Trail, which is similar to the Good Cheer Trail mentioned in my Unique Experiences post., The more places you stop and try lobster, the more your passport gets stamped and the bigger chance of winning a prize.
Lobster comes in many shapes and sizes in Nova Scotia, from your traditional lobster dinner to lobster rolls, to creamed lobster to lobster poutine and even lobster beer.
Some of the most well-known places to try this lobster in Nova Scotia include:
Hodge Podge is a traditional dish in Nova Scotia that is a simple, one-pot dish. It combines whatever you have in the fridge, usually beans, carrots and peas, but the simplicity of it is that you can adapt to what’s seasonal and fresh. This dish represents warmth and comfort to many locals and is perhaps enjoyed best in someone’s home on a Sunday evening!
Source: Taste of Nova Scotia
I have never tried a donair, although I have seen them. Right about now you are probably thinking I am not a food expert, and you’re right, I am a bit picky, but I have come a long way. Travelling and my husband made me realize the need to give things a try.
In 2015, the donair became the official food of Halifax, and is likely the most famous food in Nova Scotia, after lobster. A combination of the Greek gyro and a Turkish doner kebab, wrapped up in a pita with beef, onion, tomatoes and garlic sauce, the donair is loved by the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you have lots of napkins available as it can get a little messy!
Similar to lobster, the donair comes in many unique offerings, such as the donair pizza, burgers or poutine versions.
Some of the better-known places to give this a try are:
Another world-famous dish in Nova Scotia is Digby Scallops. Found in Digby, NS, they are always fresh, plump and succulent. Nova Scotia is known as the “Scallop Capital of the World” and if you haven’t tried Digby Scallops, you need to!
Some of the best places to eat scallops are:
Source: Pixabay
Originally hailing from Scotland, oatcakes are thin and crispy with the perfect balance of salty and sweet; although in Halifax they do get a little thicker and chewier. Best served with tea, they are usually made of four simple ingredients; oats, flour, sugar, and a bit of salt. You may find some dipped in chocolate or with peanut butter! To me they sound like a granola bar and the perfect road trip snack!
Surprise, surprise! I LOVE Blueberries. Did you know that Oxford in Nova Scotia is the “Wild Blueberry Capital of Canada”? Nova Scotia is also one of the worlds first commercially grown regions to produce wild blueberries. It is also the official berry of the province and there is even a festival in August that is devoted to it.
The Blueberry Grunt might be the most famous blueberry dish in Nova Scotia, with blueberry and biscuits, this dish is always a crowd pleaser!
This Acadian dish is not really a pie but a mix of grated potatoes and meat, usually chicken. It is cooked by removing all the excess water from the potatoes and then you add back in some meat stock and bake.
Let’s face it, this whole list could be filled with seafood offerings, but I had to pick my battles and oysters made it on the list!
Let the world be your oyster, or in this case, Nova Scotia. With a few different varieties offered throughout the province, you will find different oysters with their own characteristics and flavours, but all mouth watering.
You can get some great oyster offerings at:
Something I have never heard of before is Dulse, an edible seaweed grown in the Bay of Fundy. You can eat this with just salt or add it to recipes like pizza dough, pastas, soups and more.
Do you like seaweed? They say this is a must try, but it also an acquired taste, so give it a try and let me know what you think on your next trip to Nova Scotia. Don’t forget, we at Ombi Travel can help you plan this trip, down to the last detail!
I am ending this post with another food/fruit that I love and that is apples. You may not associate Nova Scotia with apples but with over 20 varieties of apples grown here, you may want to reconsider.
If you are travelling with family, perhaps an afternoon of apple picking should be on your itinerary, and there are a lot of family friend orchards waiting for you!
I know that I need to expand my palette and I will promise you this, I will try everything on this list on my next trip to Nova Scotia. Wow, I can’t believe I just wrote this down, that makes it real right?
That’s it for Nova Scotia, and I don’t know about you, but it has reignited my desire to take a trip out east! You?
As always, please don’t forget to like, comment or share this post and subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter at the bottom of this post. Until next time, stay safe, smile and know that we will get through this.
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