Have you tried Chowder, Fricot, Rappie Pie, Dulse, Quahogs, or Solomon Gundy? Learn more here about unique Nova Scotia food!
Like all places, Nova Scotia, Canada has its indigenous or local foods, many I’d never even heard of before, let alone was able to spell. As I often tend to do, I found myself eating my way through this tiny province with no shortage of tasty morsels and fresh foods at every turn. Here are some of the local dishes I discovered beyond lobster and oysters.
Nova Scotia Food
Rappie Pie
This traditional Acadian dish is not really pie at all. Nova Scotia’s Rappie pie, or Rapûre, was described to me by a local (I repeat: described TO me) as a “glue-like” casserole made from potatoes and chicken broth. Suffice it to say, the descriptor is quite accurate, leaving not much more to say than that. Potatoes and glue – dropping into my stomach like an adobe brick – not the most flavorful, and not really an attractive dish, but most likely filling on a cold, wet winter day. It’s often topped with molasses or butter. Are you familiar with rappie pie? Please share what might be a tastier recipe!
Fricot
Now I was seeing some shared traits to Nova Scotia cuisine. Here we have basically the same ingredients as rappie pie, but this is not allowed to gel or congeal into its cousin’s gluey state. Rather, it remains more of a thick chicken stew. The flavor reminds me of something grandma would give you if you were sick, but with the consistency of gumbo.
Read more of my posts from Nova Scotia!
Halifax
Peggy’s Cover & Flight 111
Shelburne
The South Shore
The Right Way to Make Lobster According to a Nova Scotian
Quahogs
Quahogs, or hard-shell clams, are shellfish that live in mud flats along the eastern seaboard from Canada to Florida. The name comes from the Indian name “poquauhock,” meaning horse fish. In fish markets, there are specialty names for different sizes of this species of clam like littlenecks, topnecks, cherrystones, and the largest being called quahogs or chowder clams. We even tried a quahog burger from Nova Scotia’s Roadside Grill. That was pretty good!
Solomon Gundy
We couldn’t find the exact origins of the name Solomon Gundy – whether it is Jamaican or from an old British term or both. But I actually ate Solomon Gundy growing up in the northeast of the U.S., but we simply called it pickled herring. I couldn’t find much of a difference in the pickling juice, onions, and smoked herring as it is found here in Nova Scotia compared to how it would be at a deli on Manhattan’s lower east side. It has a strong taste and, as a kid, I didn’t like it at all. Of course, like most things, it’s grown on me and now I find herring, I mean Solomon Gundy, quite tasty!
Chowder
Anyone from New England – the Boston-area and north of there – claims the ‘best’ chowder or “chow-dah.”
The word chowder has its roots in the Latin word calderia, 
which came to mean cooking pot. In French, the term became chaudiere which is starting to sound much more like ‘chowder’. It also could from the old English word jowter (a fish peddler).
Like many dishes from the past, it originated as a sort of ‘poor man’s stew with bits of whatever was at hand thrown in. Whatever the term’s origins, here in Atlantic Canada, good chowder is a given.
Fleshy bits of seafood in a creamy broth of milk, potatoes, onions is the typical make-up of this popular dish. And if you just can’t get enough, you can see Nova Scotia by following the Chowder Trail and filling your stomach with hearty bowls of this specialty from all around the province.
Without even realizing it, I had hit quite a few of these spots during my visit like Charlotte Lane, Churchill’s at Digby Pines, and La Vista at the Atlantica Resort.
In writing this article, I’ve also learned that Chowder is also the main character of a cartoon in which all the main characters have food names like Schnitzel, Paninin, and Gazpacho. Might have to check that out.
Lunenburg Pudding
Just like Rappie ‘Pie’, this is no dessert. Back in ‘Ye Olde British times’, the word pudding actually meant sausage. Sadly I never got to try Lunenburg Pudding, a spicy encased meat of cooked beef, pork, and other animal innards. The “pudding” resembles a cross between a firm paté and liverwurst.
Dulse
Probably the most intense food I tried in Nova Scotia is dulse. Dulse is basically a healthy snack food of dried red algae. It’s popular in Northern Ireland, Iceland, and the Eastern parts of Canada.
Being a sushi lover and having had many a seaweed-wrapped maki, I though I was prepared for the ocean-like flavor. Wow. This was much more intense than I ever expected. Eating dulse is like eating a dried, concentrated fruit roll-up of the sea. It’s definitely an acquired taste and not surprisingly a lot of it is exported to Japan.
Dulse is a good source of minerals and vitamins compared with other vegetables, contains all trace elements needed by humans, and has a high protein content.
Irish Moss
Also known as carrageenan moss, Irish moss is commonly used as a thickener. You may have seen it on your ice cream or lunch meat ingredients. We saw it on the beach, but didn’t actually take a bite out of it.
Shellfish, of course
And of course all types of shellfish like oysters, scallops, and lobster are quite common and plentiful in these parts. In fact, the hot debate of the “right” way to cook lobster rages on. In fact, here is a video showing the ‘right way’ to cook and eat lobster according to one Nova Scotian.
Have you ever had any of these dishes? What did I miss?
If you liked this, please read more of my posts from Canada!
Okanagan Food: Four Delicious Reasons to Visit the Okanagan Valley
Dog Sledding in Jasper, Canada
Pin It for Later!
Disclosure: I was a guest of Southwest Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Tourism, & the White Point Beach Resort, as always, my writing and views are my own.
Nova Scotia: The South Shore
Yuck! Rappie pie. Glue pie, you mean.
I am highly offended by refering our dish as glue..Italians have spegitti that look like worms ..and god knows what other nations call food so go easy on rappi pie..if you knew the work to make it from scratch you'd change your mind..mind you now with modern gadgets making it is easier and it does look like glue but if made the old fashioned way and seasoned proprely and not from a can it looks and tastes way better…
Hi Linda-
Thanks for chiming in. I was told by my guide herself that it was a 'glue-like pie' as it really did describe the consistency somewhat. I could see it being a good food for a cold winter night. 🙂
I’m from Nova Scotia, a lot of people think it taste like glue – actually it’s more often referred to as wallpaper paste.
It really depends on who makes it, I’ve had some that are good (never great) and some that are disgusting.
it really does taste live glue
It's not for everyone! 🙂 But didn't taste bad actually.
I like Solomon Grundy too – at least the Nova Scotia version. I'll pass on the dulse – but where's the blueberry pie – probably not in season but that always says NS to me too.
Thanks Leigh! Oh…I was also told about Blueberry Grunt. Ever have that?
A great list of unique Nova Scotia dishes, Lisa. Another Nova Scotia delicacy to add to your list is Pork Pie. There's no pork and it's not actually a pie, but delicious date tarts with maple icing. The perfect dessert to end a meal in Nova Scotia. Doug at the Authentic Seacoast
Thanks Doug at A.S.! I can't believe they call it Pork Pie with no pork! Why?? Sounds pretty yummy though. 🙂
Note to self: If you go to Nova Scotia, bring a suitcase full of beef jerky.
Oh Kevin….you'd be fine. 🙂 Tons of different food there. These were just the unique ones! 🙂
I’m from Spain, never been to Canada before but I think Kevin is right. These Nova Scotian meals look horrible to me as European, I’m sorry but I won’t try any of them.
No, need to bring beef jerky Kevin. I assure you there is plenty of amazing cuisine here. You name it, you can get it. The Rappie pie is definitely an acquired taste. Some LOVE it, especially those with Acadian roots who grew up with it. But there are all sorts of culinary hot spots through out the province. Personally, I love the seafood. But I've always managed to satisfy my craving for a good steak as well if beef is your thing. Hopefully Lisa was able to order up some Nova Scotia dishes that were more to her liking. Kudos to your for trying some traditional dishes though Lisa. We know Rappie Pie isn't for everyone. But those who love it, love it a lot.
Cynthia from novascotia.com
Unlike our dear friend Lisa, Ms. Cynthia, I'm not one to experiment trying new things. I've got a latent allergy to most seafood. I think my tastes were established by my 5th birthday. Nova Scotia isn't weird; Kevin is. You could probably tell without this international admission. If I go, I'll be boring and get the steak. Beef and Cheese are always high on my list. The beautiful sights there are more than enough to satisfy my international experience. Everyone else in my family is a better traveler than I am. I'm content with my idiosyncrasies and try to put them to work for me. If I get there, I'll look you up so you can warn the cows!
Thanks for the comment Cynthia! I had great food in Nova Scotia. I do like nearly everything, but i really did enjoy the scallops, and Solomon Gundy! But yes, I ate steak in Halifax, delicious meal at Charolotte Lane cafe in Shelburne (post up soon!) and all kinds of wonderful and diverse foods throughout the province. We even made s'mores at White Point Beach resort. 🙂
So sorry you had disappointing Rappie Pie and Chicken Fricot,…….I make traditional ones but with a bit of spice,and they are really delicious! My Fricot is more like a savory chicken stew (with fluffy dumplings) and Rapure can be a bit gluey but again, should be flavorful! I also recommend a good Tourtiere from here and like someone said,Pork Pies! (these are sweet mini pies made with a date filling and maple butter topping….yummm!)
Okay, Astrea….next time I'm back there…you're on! I will have to taste your dishes. 🙂
My Cape Breton mother-in-law taught me how to make Pork Pies; they are a little shortbread cup, stuffed with cooked dates and a dollop of icing on top. They are a family favourite and remind all of us of her with every bite. As far as I know, they are a Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, dessert cookie.
Thanks Susanne! I wish I had tried these pork pies! Who will tell me the origins of this name? 🙂
My mother Loved Dulce! I like the smell, but thats about it!!
Dulse is definitely an acquired taste. I didn't hate it, but it had such a concentrated flavor, that I could only have a little. It's like the sea in every bag!
Not sure what to think of that first picture – Rappie Pie looks like a clump of brown sugar thrown on top of a glob of applesauce. Hey… that might actually be tastier 🙂
Poor Rappie pie…what have I done! 🙂 They did put some molasses on it…if that helps Don! 🙂
When I was a child, I thought that Rappie Pie was the most disgusting thing in the world and I refused to eat it. Now that I am older I think it is delicious (I actually had some for supper this evening.) It's an acquired taste, I guess.
However, I've never been able to convince myself that I like dulse.
Like Kevin above, I'm allergic to seafood. Yes somehow I've managed to live in N.S. most of my life and not starve to death. 🙂
Thanks Onlydebster! I imagine that Rappie pie is like a comfort food for many from your region…something you grow up eating.
I had always thought that the Pork Pie originated with mincemeat which is quite involved in making, my family in Shelburne always made mincemeat usually with the fall deer and pork mixed with raisons and apples , spices and brandy ! It made the mince pies and tarts for Christmas.
I enjoyed reading all the posts and got a few chuckles. The interesting thing about Acadian Food is not so much the ingredients but how it is prepared and cooked. Meat and potatoes are the staples in most acadian dishes. For example,. there are many versions of Rappie Pie, depending on where in Atlantic Canada you are from and even what family of Acadian heritage you were born in. When one looks at the history of Acadian cooking, it all depended on what your ancestors farmed;
HI Gary! Thanks for chiming in. I love learning about food and it's history. Glad some of these posts made you chuckle. 🙂
if your ancestors farmed poultry, you would find that most of the dishes cooked in your household would be chicken based and if your ancestors farmed beef, then that would most likely be the meat of choice in most of their acadian dishes. Depending on where you are in Nova Scotia, Rappie Pie can look and taste quite different. On Cape Breton Island, you'll find Rappie Pie is a cohesive thick dish that if not prepared and cooked to perfection, can have a gluey consistency. That just means it was not prepared by a seasoned cook of acadian cuisine. If you are in the Digby area of Nova Scotia, Rappie Pie looks more like a soup and contains dumplings. I must say that I don't believe that Rappie Pie has an acquired taste. There is nothing unusual about meat and potatoes but it's how the consistency of the dish feels in your mouth, particularly if it is not prepared and cooked to perfection. It's an art . I've had poorly made Rappie Pie and it's not a great experience.
You are right about the acquired taste…it had chicken flavor and potatoes. That's why it reminded me of some kind of chicken soup….but thicker.
Although I didn't even know that the Acadian dish called Fricot was made with any other meat other than chicken, other households in my family's community of Cheticamp on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia only used beef. So not only do acadian dishes vary from community to community, it varies from household to household. In saying all that, there is a little cafe in Truro Nova Scotia called Cafe l'Acadie that cooks up and serves traditional Acadian dishes and it is mmm mmm good! If you are ever passing through this rich Acadian Province, stop in. You won't be disappointed. Their Lobster Club Sancwiches are also mouth-watering. It's a little gem in the hub on Nova Scotia. – Sorry for the long post!!! –
Mmm…those lobster club sandwiches sound divine. Thanks for the tip! I'll have to check out your cafe during my next visit.
Yeah, I had a good laugh at the “glue pie” comment, too!! I grew up in New Brunswick, but my mother is Acadian…so we had rappie pie often. I am in Ontario now, and miss having these dishes more often. I have two pans in the oven right now! It is considered a delicacy in my family! It always gets made everytime I get the chance to make it down home! I think if most people stopped and thought about what an EGG actually is, they would honestly barf!! There is nothing better that fricot and rappie pie….but haters gonna hate!! :o)
Hi Don! Thanks so much for your comment. I’ve yet to visit New Brunswick but it’s on my list. Not sure I’d rush right back for rappie pie, but the seafood…ah….
Best Foods lists !! Thank you very much! It tastes like live glue. The most intriguing aspect of Acadian cuisine is how it is prepared and cooked, rather than the ingredients themselves.
This is an excellent article! Chowder is on one of my favorite food lists. I’m excited to put this food to the test over and over again.
Hey, that is a very amazing article. Chowder is a one of my best favorite food. I’m excited to put this food to the test over again and again. The perfect dessert to end a meal in Nova Scotia. Mostly when we are going on the long long trip on our Electric bike then we are taste like these foods. appreciate it.