Culinary Adventures in Saskatchewan
Located in the prairie region of Canada, Saskatchewan is a sought-after tourist destination, with over 12 million visits made to and within the province every year.
This province has something for everyone, from natural preserves where you can go wildlife and birdwatching to a wide variety of museums and art galleries. Moreover, Saskatchewan is the perfect vacation destination for foodies!
Saskatchewan has plenty to offer to food enthusiasts. From charming food joints with unique dishes to hands-on cooking classes to hone your culinary skills. Are you ready to discover all the culinary adventures that await you in Saskatchewan? Then, read this comprehensive guide the team at Leenan Property Management has written for you!
Iconic Foods and Drinks to Try in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has a rich cuisine, greatly influenced by its Indigenous heritage and the province’s agriculture. If you’re visiting Saskatchewan in the future, these are the best traditional drinks and dishes you must try:
• Saskatoon berry pie. Made with the wild berries that grow in the northern regions of the province, this is the perfect treat after a long day of hiking or birdwatching. The berry pie is one of the most popular dishes in Saskatchewan and we can see why.
It’s got the perfect combination of flavors, with a slightly tart flavor and the right touch of sweetness.
• Bison burger. Bison is one of the most widely used meats in Saskatchewan, as these animals are native to the area and it has various health benefits. Local restaurants offer various bison dishes, but the bison burger is one of the best ways to taste this lean and flavorful meat!
• Shishliki. This dish is originally from Russia but has become quite popular in Saskatchewan, particularly in the town of Kamsack. Shishliki can be roughly translated as ‘marinated meat’ and it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Traditionally made with lamb, you can also find chicken, pork, and beef shishliki across Saskatchewan!
• Wild game sausages. This dish is an homage to Saskatchewan’s rich hunting culture. These sausages are made with a variety of meats, from venison to deer, all sources from the local area.
• Rocky Mountain oysters. If you’re an adventurous eater, you’ll want to try this dish! Also known as prairie oysters, these are not real oysters but rather deep-fried bull testicles. You can find them as appetizers at local restaurants or as easy-to-eat snacks at local festivals all across Saskatchewan.
• Regina-style pizza. If you’re a real foodie, you probably already know that Hawaiian pizza was invested in Canada. But that’s not the only pizza style Canadians came up with! Regina-style pizza is a unique dish.
With a thick layer of dough, this pizza is loaded with a variety of toppings, including deli-cut sandwich meat, pepperoni, green peppers, and tons of cheese.
• Spudnuts. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll have to try spudnuts. These chewy, sugar-covered doughnuts are made with a special ingredient: potatoes!
Originally made with mashed potatoes, they are now made with a dry potato/flour blend, but they are just as delicious. You can find them at any local bakery or at the Saskatoon Summer Fair.
Saskatchewan is also the birthplace of some iconic drinks, such as the Saskatoon berry liqueur. Made with local berries, this sweet liqueur can be enjoyed on its own or in a tasty cocktail.
Plus, in recent years, the Saskatchewan craft beer scene has grown steadily. Nowadays, you can find many local breweries that are playing with flavors to create their own innovative brews!
Culinary Adventures to Try in Saskatchewan
In addition to mouth-watering dishes, Saskatchewan offers visitors a wide variety of culinary adventures. From distillery tours and fun cooking classes to experiential dining, here are some one-of-a-kind experiences this province has to offer:
Berry-Picking at Rhodes Raspberries and Blackcurrants
A wide variety of wild berries grows in Saskatchewan, but picking at the national parks may not be the best idea. You can not only try them but also handpick them yourself at Rhodes Raspberries and Blackcurrants! This family-owned U-pick business is only a few minutes away from the city center of Saskatoon.
At Rhodes Raspberries and Blackcurrants, you can find fourteen different varieties of berries, three varieties of blackcurrants, three varieties of Saskatoons, and Sea Buckthorn berries. If you visit Saskatchewan during the colder months, don’t worry! You can purchase frozen berries all year round.
Black Fox Farm & Distillery
Located outside of Saskatoon, Black Fox is one of the country’s most well-known craft distilleries. You can take a tour across the farm and distillery, u-pick flowers during the warmer months, or enjoy a cocktail on their outdoor patio! Plus, At Black Fox, you can find a wide variety of whisky, gin, and liqueurs that make the perfect gift for family and friends.
Saskatoon Farmers' Market
Saskatchewan’s economy is primarily based on agriculture. To this day, this province is widely recognized for its high-quality crops and is the second-largest cattle-producing area in all of Canada! The best way to try the amazing produce that’s grown in Saskatchewan is by going to the farmer’s market.
The Saskatoons farmer’s market has been up and running since 1975. This year-round market is the perfect spot to find local fruits, veggies, meats, artisanal products, and baked goods, among many other things. Plus, there are special events, such as plant sales and family-friendly activities, hosted throughout the year.
Local Market YQR
Located in Regina’s warehouse district, Local Market YQR gathers many local brands and producers together. You can find anything here, from handmade clothes to locally grown produce and delicious foods.
The Local Market also has a commercial kitchen, where chefs and restaurant owners often host pop-up events, so whether you're a local or see it on a road trip, you have to stop and explore!
Simon's Fine Foods
Are you looking to hone your culinary skills? Simon’s Fine Foods is the right place for you. Owned by Chef Simon, this premier cooking school offers a wide range of cooking classes. It doesn't matter whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned home cook, here you can learn anything from basic knife skills to Thai cooking or Sourdough baking!
Classes are typically held on evenings and weekends. Plus, Simon’s Fine Foods offers both open classes anyone can take and private classes for friend groups or companies. If you’ve always wanted to become a better cook, this is your shot!
Bottom Line
Saskatchewan has a lively food landscape. Foodies can enjoy a plethora of unique dishes at its many local restaurants.
Plus, there are many culinary adventures you can enjoy in this province, from hand-picking berries and touring a craft distiller to taking cooking classes with international chefs. But this is just the tip of the iceberg! There’s so much more to do in this beautiful province.
Do you want to learn more about what Saskatchewan has to offer? Contact Leenan Property Management today!
