Experience Indigenous cuisine in Ontario
Mādahòkì Farm | Billie Chiasson
Staples in traditional Indigenous cuisine include native and seasonal species present in the traditional territory, such as game meat like bison or elk and freshwater fish, including salmon and trout. The three sisters: beans, corn and squash, as well as wild rice, maple, local berries and various teas also feature in Indigenous cooking.
Bannock has been associated with contemporary Indigenous cuisine. It is a versatile unleavened bread that is baked and often served alongside a stew or soup or as a dessert with blueberries or maple syrup. Flour-based bannock was introduced and adapted into Indigenous cuisine as a result of European colonization; however, many Indigenous communities made a similar dish from ground camas bulbs and other wild plants pre-contact.
Sample traditional and modern Indigenous cuisine at an Indigenous-owned restaurant, on a guided food tour or from a local food producer.
Search for more Indigenous Experiences across Ontario by region or by activity.
Northwest Ontario
The Restaurant at Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre
Kay Nah Chi Wah Nung, meaning The Place of the Long Rapids, is a sacred Ojibwe burial site in Northwest Ontario that holds over 8,000 years of history. In addition to the Manitou Mounds, the land was once home to thriving Indigenous villages and campsites.
The Rainy River First Nations have developed an interpretive centre where visitors can book a guided tour of the ancient mounds and the outdoor trails with a trained heritage interpreter.
After your tour, dine at the restaurant overlooking the Manidoo Ziibi or Spirit River. The menu includes various traditional wild rice dishes, bannock with butter and jam, battered walleye and a selection of desserts.
Open seasonally only.
Location: 340 Ross Road, Stratton
Tea Horse
“Tea as it should be, authentic ingredients and infused with passion.”
This Indigenous-owned, industry-first, artisanal tea company is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg Peoples in Northwest Ontario and produces a premium selection of custom, roasted wild rice and tea blends available online.
Location: Thunder Bay
Anishinaabe Wild Rice Experience
Witness the Ojibway tradition of harvesting and processing wild rice on an authentic, guided, hands-on experience.
The two-day package includes the use of canoes, supplies, demonstrations and food. Experiences can be booked from early September to late October.
Location: 70 kilometres southwest of Thunder Bay, Whitefish Lake, Nolalu
Northeastern Ontario
North46 Restaurant at Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre
This gorgeous First Nations-owned hotel is located on the north channel of Lake Huron on Manitoulin Island. It incorporates natural decor elements of wood and stone and features rooms and suites, a ballroom and a pool.
North46, the upscale on-site restaurant, focuses on authentic Indigenous fare while treating guests to a stunning view of Georgian Bay North Channel and the nearby La Cloche Mountains.
Location: 66 Meredith Street East, Lobby Level, Little Current
Raven Rising
Sure to excite all chocolate lovers, chef and owner Tammy Maki embraces her Indigenous heritage and love of confectionery by creating delicious and innovative chocolate treats using Indigenous ingredients.
The Sudbury-based business ships Canada-wide.
Location: Sudbury
Manitoulin Brewing Co.
Three friends—Blair Hagman, Joet Dhatt and Nishin Meawasige—have come together to brew something great.
This little (1/3rd Indigenous-owned) craft brewery on Manitoulin employs quality ingredients and the highest attention to detail to produce a small-batch craft beer lineup that celebrates the flavour of the island. You can also snag cool merch like t-shirts and hats.
Location: 43 Manitowaning Road, Little Current
ᑯᑯᒼx Indigenous Kitchen
Renowned Chef Joseph Shawana delivers a catering land-to-table menu of authentic Indigenous cuisine with organic, vegan and gluten-free options.
Location: Manitoulin Island
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Chummy’s Grill
Enjoy Indigenous fusion food or the popular Thursday and Friday night fish fry at this Sault Ste. Marie diner in the Batchewana Bay First Nations community.
Location: 262 Frontenac Street, Sault Ste. Marie
Sayers Fishery
A family-owned business out of Batchawana Bay at Corbeil Point on the Obadjiwan Reserve fishes Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Pick up freshly caught fish or tasty smoked lake trout and whitefish at the Batchawana Bay location or the Algoma Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. Cash only.
Location: 446 Corbeil Point Road, Obadjiwan Reserve, Batchawana Bay
Giizhigat Maple Products
Home to some of Northern Ontario’s sweetest maple syrup, maple candies and maple butter, this operation is owned and operated by Ojibway couple, Deborah and Isaac Day.
Originally from the Six Nations of the Grand River, where their families had been making maple syrup for generations, Deborah and Isaac moved to a farm on St. Joseph Island and expanded their maple production with sweet results.
In addition to maple syrup, browse the shop for gifts, clothing and jewelry.
Location: St. Joseph Island
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Naagan by Zach keeshig
Head to the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market on Saturday and Sunday for a nine-course tasting experience and an organic, locally sourced Ojibwa-inspired menu prepared by Chef Zach Keeshig.
Private catering events can also be arranged.
Location: 88 8th Street East, Owen Sound
Ziibaakdakaan Maple at Cape Croker Park
In addition to a wide variety of guided cultural and outdoor programming, this family-oriented campground and park on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula features an operating sugarbush that produces 100% pure Ontario wood-fired maple syrup.
Location: 112 Park Road, Neyaashiinigmiing, Georgian Bay
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Yawékon by Chef Tawnya Brant
Top Chef Canada contestant Chef Tawnya Brant runs a catering business serving Indigenous and Haudenosaunee fusion cuisine, soups, salads and house-made juices.
Many of the ingredients are harvested from the family garden or sourced locally.
Location: Ohsweken
Bex Baked Goods
Becky Thomas creates custom sugar cookies, cupcakes and other baked goods in various designs and themes, including ones that celebrate Haudenosaunee culture.
Order by email.
Location: Six Nations
Greater Toronto Area
Tea N Bannock
Diners gush over this comfy, inviting east-end Toronto eatery that feels like you’re in a friend’s kitchen.
Though not Indigenous-owned, the seasonal menu features ingredients sourced from sustainability-conscious local producers and incorporates contemporary and traditional dishes like bison burgers, elk stew, grilled trout and tea.
The prints and artwork adorning the walls, plus to-go snacks, are available for purchase.
Location: 1294 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
Ottawa Region
Beandigen Café
Enjoy great coffee while you learn about Indigenous art and culture at this downtown Ottawa cafe run by Anishinaabe owners Paula and Jayde.
Location: 106-900 Exhibition Way, Lansdowne TD Place, Ottawa
Mādahòkì Farm
For your catering needs, choose from impressive and fresh Indigenous-inspired menus from Chef Trudy Metcalfe-Coe, a talented Inuk Chef and Resident Chef Paul Owl at Mādahòkì Farm.
Options range from traditional to contemporary, formal to casual.
Location: 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean
Birch Bark Coffee Co.
Here’s a java that tastes and feels good.
Producing organic, fair-trade and SPP (Simbolo de Pequeños Productores, which represents small producers worldwide) certified coffee, this cause-driven company diverts proceeds from sales to bring Certified Water Purification Systems to Indigenous Communities.
Find out where you can pick up Birch Bark Coffee. Founder Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow is a member of the Whitefish River First Nation, which is located on Birch Island.
Location: Ottawa
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Manitou Bistro
From medicine wheel grazing boards to wild rice tacos and Bannock pizza, owner and chef Suzette Foucault serves Indigenous-inspired fusion cuisine that honours and celebrates her heritage.
Location: 297 Raglan Street South, Renfrew
Last updated: October 17, 2024