Common Meals in British Columbia

British Columbia meals lean on the coast and the woods. Salmon shows up often. Berries and seafood do too. Most houses cook simple food on weeknights.

Cedar-plank salmon

• A fillet of salmon is cooked on a wet cedar board.
• The board adds a light wood taste.
• It is common in summer at a barbecue or a cabin.
• Lemon, dill, or maple glaze goes on top.
• It is served with potatoes or rice and a green vegetable.

Smoked salmon

• Salmon is cured and smoked until firm.
• It is sold in shops and made at home.
• People eat it on a bagel, on crackers, or with cream cheese.
• It keeps well and is taken on trips.
• A little goes a long way. It is salty and rich.

Spot prawns

• These are large local prawns caught in spring.
• They are often steamed or grilled with garlic and butter.
• The season is short. People buy them fresh from boats.
• They are eaten plain so the taste stays clear.
• Shells come off at the table.

Nanaimo bars

• A no-bake bar with a coconut base, custard middle, and chocolate top.
• It is named for the town of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
• People make them for bake sales, birthdays, and holidays.
• They are cut into squares and keep for days.
• One or two is enough. They are sweet.

Blackberry pie

• Wild blackberries grow thick in late summer.
• The berries are baked in a double crust pie.
• It is a common dessert when the bushes are full.
• Ice cream or whipped cream is often added.
• Leftovers are eaten cold the next day.

Clam chowder

• A thick soup made with clams, potatoes, cream, and bacon.
• It is served in bowls with bread on the side.
• Coastal towns and restaurants make it year-round.
• It is filling and warm on a wet day.
• A squeeze of lemon is common at the table.