10 tastes of: Winnipeg

What Winnipeg lacks in size compared to some other Canadian cities, it makes up for in matters of the appetite. Boasting the highest number of restaurants per capita, Winnipeggers have worldly taste and a passionate loyalty to their favourite family-owned institutions, opting daily for independent restaurants over chains. Here is a sampling of some of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ food experiences of the little big city of the prairies.

1 – The Forks Market: The forks of the river, where the Assiniboine meets the Red has been a meeting place for centuries. In a spot where fur-trading was once all the rage, now locals and visitors alike flock to the market to tempt and treat their tastebuds. From Sri Lankan curries to hashbrown poutine, fine cognacs to bottled water and homemade fudge to mini doughnuts, the Forks Market has it all… and then some. The variety of foods available is astonishing and highlights the truly multicultural aspect of this fair city. Open daily throughout the year. www.theforks.com

2 – Nucci’s Gelati: Located on Corydon Avenue in the heart of Little Italy, Nucci’s is a classic family-owned Winnipeg institution. Claiming they were the first to introduce gelato to the city, Mamma and Papa (or another family member) Nucci are still there to scoop your gelato and guide you through the myriad of flavours made fresh in the back. Classics, like pistachio and hazelnut are right at home alongside new offerings like mango and passionfruit as well as dairy- or sugar-free options. A gelato to go while you stroll the streets of Little Italy is a summertime must.

3 – Mordens’ of Winnipeg: The Morden family is celebrating 50 years as Winnipeg’s revered chocolate maker. Famous for their signature chocolate, the Russian Mint, (of which they produce 1 ton every three days from October to December) Mordens’ is like the Willy Wonka of Winnipeg. The chocolate plant is located behind and above their temptingly delicious storefront on Sargent Avenue. And while chocolate doesn’t run through the pipes, the end results are still melt-in-your-mouth magic.



4 – East India Company’s Buffet: Over 30 years ago the Mehra family began what would become Winnipeg’s first upscale East Indian Restaurant, and Winnipeg is a better place for it! Using traditional family recipes from the Northern Indian regions, the East India Company has something for everyone, and a buffet to delight all the senses. Offerings change with the seasons, no small task when a buffet has over 30 choices, not including the pickle bar, the chutney bar, naan baked right before your eyes in a tandoor oven and about a dozen traditional sweets, including a rich rice pudding with pistachios to die for. www.eastindiaco.com

5 – Cinnamon Buns at Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company: This sticky-sweet cinnamon bun is a sinful treat with humble and virtuous beginnings. Made with 60 per cent whole wheat sourced from farmers across Manitoba, the grains are purchased whole and shipped to the bakery where they are stone-milled daily on site. A fresher, tastier, more cinnamony cinnamon bun is hard to find. Tray upon tray are baked daily to satisfy the line-up of customers at both bakery locations. www.tallgrassbakery.ca


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