Your meals in Canada may be unfamiliar.
Breakfast and lunch in Canada typically involve cereal, toast, fresh fruit and vegetables, sandwiches, soup and salad.
Dinners are typically the biggest meal of the day and is usually served hot. There can also be international influences in any meals your homestay will provide. Here are some things you can expect:
Breakfast
A typical Canadian breakfast can vary, but there are some common foods that many Canadians enjoy to start their day.
- Cereal: Many Canadians have a bowl of cereal for breakfast, often with milk. Oatmeal is especially popular in colder months and can be sweetened with maple syrup, honey, or fruit.
- Muffins: Often Canadians like their breakfast to be a “grab-and-go” option like a muffin or fruit.
- Toast with Toppings: Toast is a breakfast staple, often topped with butter, jam, honey, or peanut butter. Some Canadians also enjoy avocado toast or scrambled eggs with their toast for a more filling meal.
- Yogurt and Fruit: For a lighter and healthier breakfast, many Canadians enjoy a bowl of yogurt topped with fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and granola.
- Hot Drinks: Canadians often enjoy a hot drink with breakfast, such as a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
It is important to note that your homestay may ask you to prepare your own breakfast and lunch from the ingredients they have in their house.
In summary, a typical Canadian breakfast includes lighter options like yogurt and fruit. It can range from quick and easy to more elaborate meals on weekends and holidays, and there’s a definite preference for maple syrup, a Canadian touch!
Lunch
You may need to pack your own lunch for the day; Here’s what you can expect to choose from:
- Sandwiches: A classic Canadian lunch often includes sandwiches. These could range from simple peanut butter and jam (PB&J) or turkey and cheese sandwiches to more elaborate creations like chicken or tuna salad sandwiches. These are commonly served with a side of chips, fruits, or veggies.
- Wraps: Wraps, often filled with grilled chicken, vegetables, and sauces, are a popular option. They are easy to pack and carry, making them great for quick lunches at school or work.
- Leftovers: Leftover food from dinner is often enjoyed the next day for lunch. This could be anything from pasta, stir-fried vegetables, or a piece of roast meat.
In summary, a typical Canadian lunch is quick and easy to prepare and can include a mix of hearty comfort foods but also lighter, fresh and sometimes raw/cold food items.
Dinner
A typical Canadian dinner is usually the biggest meal of the day. Here are some examples.:
- Meat and Potatoes: Many Canadians enjoy a hearty dinner featuring a protein (like chicken, beef, pork, or fish) served with potatoes, often accompanied by a side of vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn.
- Pasta Dishes: Pasta is a common dinner option in Canada. A typical dinner might include spaghetti with marinara sauce, lasagna, or a creamy alfredo pasta. These meals are often paired with garlic bread and a simple salad.
- Stir-Fries and Casseroles: Stir-fries, often made with chicken, beef, or tofu, and a mix of vegetables, are quick and popular dinners, especially for busy families. Casseroles are also a common dinner dish, often made with ingredients like pasta, cheese, meat, and vegetables, baked together in a single dish. A classic example is the “tuna casserole.”
- Poutine: This iconic Canadian dish consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and covered in gravy. While often considered more of a snack or late-night food, poutine is sometimes enjoyed as a fun and indulgent dinner, especially in Quebec.
- Salads and Vegetarian Options: For a lighter dinner, many Canadians enjoy fresh salads with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Vegetarian options like veggie burgers, grain bowls (e.g., quinoa or rice with vegetables), or vegetable stir-fries are also common.
In Summary, a typical Canadian dinner can range from hearty meals like roast dinners and meat with potatoes to lighter fare like salads or stir-fries.
Other Considerations
Often Casual
After spending all day at work or school, it’s nice to come home, relax, and enjoy a meal with your family without worrying about formalities.
Varying Mealtimes
Every family has their own unique time that they like having their meals, dependent on their weekly schedule. Communicate the times you like eating to your family!
Timeliness
It is important to tell your family when you will be late or will miss a meal.
Talk to Your Homestay Family About Food
For example: allergies, food preference or dietary needs.
- “I like to eat rice for breakfast. Can you prepare rice for me please?”
- “I don’t like sandwiches. Can I try something different for lunch please?”