The East Coast is not only celebrated for our breathtaking landscapes and friendly locals but also for our distinctive and delicious cuisine. From hearty seafood dishes to sweet indulgences, our traditional maritime recipes offer a flavourful glimpse into our heritage. I want to share with you some beloved Nova Scotia classics you’ll find in restaurants and home kitchens throughout the province, beyond the traditional fish and chips or lobster rolls.
Hodge Podge
Hodge podge is a true Nova Scotian staple. It’s a hearty medley of fresh, local vegetables, traditionally featuring potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn. What sets hodge podge apart is its creamy, buttery sauce made from milk or cream, which envelops the vegetables in a luscious blanket of flavor. Traditionally, hodge podge is enjoyed during the peak of the harvest season when vegetables are at their freshest. It is delicious in its simplicity and is typically found in home kitchens instead of on a restaurant menu, but the aptly named HodgePodge Eatery in Lunenburg has it on the menu in mid to late summer.
Blueberry Grunt
A dessert with roots in the early Acadian settlers’ kitchens, blueberry grunt is a sweet treat that features juicy blueberries and a soft, biscuit-like topping. The name “grunt” comes from the sound the dish makes while it cooks. This dessert is perfect for showcasing Nova Scotia’s wild blueberries, which are small, sweet, and packed with flavour.
Rappie Pie
Rappie pie, or râpure, is another Acadian dish with deep roots in the history of our French-speaking communities. This hearty casserole showcases the resourcefulness and culinary traditions of the early Acadians, using simple ingredients like grated potatoes and meat to create a dish that is both rustic and satisfying. Traditionally, the preparation begins by grating potatoes, then squeezing out the liquid and replacing it with broth, which gives the dish its unique texture. Layers of seasoned meat—often chicken or pork—are added, and the pie is baked until golden brown, forming a deliciously crispy crust over a soft, savoury filling. You can find rappie pie on some restaurant menus or in the frozen section of many NS grocery stores. In my opinion, the best place to eat a rappie pie is to attend an event at the Congrès mondial acadien 2024, or at La Cuisine Robicheau in Clare.
Oat Cakes
Nova Scotia oat cakes are a delightful, rustic treat that reflects our Scottish heritage. These simple yet deliciously crumbly square cookies are made with oats, flour, butter, and a touch of brown sugar, resulting in a hearty, slightly sweet snack that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.
Dulse
Dulse is a nutrient-rich red seaweed harvested from the cold waters of the Bay of Fundy. While its briny flavor can be an acquired taste for some, dulse is widely available across Nova Scotia in its dried form as a salty, chewy snack. Definitely worth a try for the adventurous eater!
Donairs
No list of Nova Scotia classics is complete without mentioning the donair, a Halifax-born favourite that has become iconic across the province. This deliciously messy street food consists of spiced ground beef cooked on a rotisserie, thinly sliced, and served in a warm pita. What sets the donair apart is the signature sweet donair sauce, made from condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder, which perfectly complements the savoury meat. Typically topped with diced tomatoes and onions, donairs are a late-night staple, particularly in Halifax, where the dish was first created in the 1970s. You can find it at the famous King Of Donair, or at most pizza places in even the smallest towns.
