A good part of my love for travel is fueled by food. I love eating my way through a city. I enjoy devouring the local dishes be they made by the side of a dirt road or in an upscale restaurant. I love food.
Did I mention that already? Food to me is one of the reflections of a people. Is the food spicy? Is it mainly steamed? How people prepare food and what is considered a staple are telltale signs of who the people are, and of their history.
From enjoying grilled maize by the side of a Nairobi highway to macarons in Paris, my food journey is both reflective of the distance that I will travel for a hearty meal or snack and of my love for travel and connecting with people. This past week I got to absorb the history and diversity that Ottawa had to offer through the food that I ate during my trip!
Desserts:
Quelque Chose Patisserie
Yes, desserts first because – why not?! I love dessert – I did not get this thickums by eating my greens! No, this Africancocktail loves her some macarons with a side of ice cream topped off with a sprinkled glazed donut. And so, our food journey begins with my newly discovered dessert spot: Quelque Chose Patisserie! This dessert spot features some of the most flavorful macarons in the city! I tried their lavender macarons and almost lost my mind! The taste is so close to reality – try their bubblegum flavored macaron then come find me. This place is a must visit!
Suzy Q
Suzy Q has a special place in my heart because no one makes donuts like they do in this city! The sheer variety in donuts made is mind blowing. I tried capturing a couple below. Trust me … they taste as good as, if not better than they look! Flavorful, delicious and downright instagrammable!
Sweet Jesus
Lawd have mercy! Sweet Jesus is probably one of my most loved ice cream places in Ottawa. The decor, the references, the flavors! All make this ice cream parlor have one of the most unique eating experiences in Ottawa.
Brunch:
Brunch is life. I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t enjoy brunch. Having breakfast food after 11am is bliss. And so allow me to introduce you to legit my fave brunch place in Ottawa. Ok – full disclosure it’s also a top spot for me when in Montreal – but I digress.
Allo Mon Coco
Allo mon coco is thee brunch spot in Ottawa. They serve generous portions, fresh fruit and their staff is so friendly! If you want some waffles drizzled in Nutella or some good ol’ chicken and waffles, this is the place for you! It’s one of those spots where you are guaranteed to unbuckle your belt because your food baby is coming through! Promise.
Oh! and this drink that is pure heaven is Allo mon coco unicorn milkshake. It’s both tasty and completely instagrammable!
Lunch:
Now I’m not saying that I eat my way around Ottawa in this order. But I’m also not saying that I don’t! This is what being on vacation is about! I refuse to order my meals in any other way. Treat yo’ self I say. So, lunch – I usually like something light for lunch and Kiko Sushi Bar has some of the best Japanese food I’ve had in Ottawa.
Kiko Sushi Bar
I had some miso soup because Ottawa was slighly above freezing and well, I needed to get warmed up. Nothing warms me up faster than a good miso soup. Kiko’s miso is flavorful, light and just had the right punch to get me ready for my meal. Instead of sharing images of the food, I figured I have you watch and hear just how delicious this meal was. My sister had the Udon and I had the Yakisoba, which I highly recommend!
Dinner:
Dinner comes along and honestly there are so many options. I usually look for a place that is authentically Canadian and my younger sister recommended this place.
Flapjacks
Flapjacks has their very own maple syrup … Canadian maple syrup is gold. When drizzled over pancakes or waffles, they elevate the dish. Yes, this is a tad dramatic but when you’ve had Canadian maple syrup – you know exactly what I mean! As I’m on vacation, you already know that brunch for dinner is also acceptable. And so, chicken and waffles were on the menu for dinner!
So there you have it folks! My eaters guide to Ottawa! Have you been to any of these places? Let me know what you ordered. Tag me if you try food from one of these locations using #AfricancocktailMadeMeDoIt. Were there places I missed? Comment below or tag me on Instagram and I will add it to my list when I’m back this summer!
