Food Culture Shock: Grocery Stores, Potlucks, and Why Canadians Put Ketchup on Everything
From giant grocery stores to potluck etiquette and quirky Canadian snacks, here’s what newcomers need to know about Canada’s food culture.
Food Culture Shock: Grocery Stores, Potlucks, and Why Canadians Put Ketchup on Everything
Food is comfort. But in Canada, food culture will surprise you.
Grocery Store Adventures
Big chains (Loblaws, Sobeys, Superstore) can feel overwhelming at first.
- Missing your favourite brands? Ethnic supermarkets are your lifeline.
- The good news: you’ll discover new favourites too.
Potlucks = Social Survival
Your coworker invites you to a “potluck.” Translation: bring a dish, share with everyone.
- Show up empty-handed, and you’ll be that person.
- Bonus: bring a dish from your culture—you’ll instantly be the star.
Canadian Food Quirks
- Ketchup chips: Addictive.
- Poutine: Fries + cheese + gravy. Messy, delicious, non-negotiable.
- Pumpkin spice everything: Fall turns into a Starbucks menu. Don’t fight it—just sip.
The Bottom Line
👉 Tip: Cook your cultural food proudly. Food = fastest way to friendship. Nothing bonds people like sharing biryani, jollof rice, or dumplings.
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