New to Canada

Many Canadians look forward to the opening of the Canadian National Exhibit (CNE or the Ex) near the end of August. Many families visit the CNE every year as a tradition, marking the end of summer and the upcoming new school year. If you are new to Toronto, the CNE is the place to visit! This year, the CNE starts today and runs until September 7^th.

Every year, the CNE showcases Canadian favourites and Toronto’s diversity. Some highlights include performers from around the world, yummy cultural foods as well as best-loved Canadian classics, celebrity chef demonstrations, and the popular air-show during the Labour Day weekend. CNE is for families big or small.

With everyone’s love of good food, it is only natural that food is what attracts many visitors to the CNE. Multicultural cuisines and good old-fashioned Canadian ones bring everyone together for a good time. 

Adventurous foodies (those who have special interest in food) enjoy tasting all the creative dishes at the Ex. In 2014, butter coffee, cocoa infused fried chicken and s’more bao were in demand! I am sure many foodies are just finding out what is in store this year.

For three days, the Food Truck Frenzy takes place at the CNE. Over 20 food trucks will present well-known classics with local ingredients or cultural favourites with a twist (like the pad thai fries I tried last year). Instead of chasing the food trucks across the city, you will find them all in one place!

Food Truck Frenzy at CNE

Pad Thai Fries

You also get to travel around the world in one afternoon at the Food Building. It features international flavours as well as Canadian gems. There will be something for everyone to try.

After your first visit, you might make a visit to the CNE an annual tradition with your family and friends. Every year, the CNE will offer something new and exciting!  

Once you have tried all the different foods at the CNE and you can explore more, check out Toronto Public Library for the numerous cookbooks (including your favourite celebrity chefs’ books) in our branches or download ebooks via OverDrive and emagazines via Zinio.

More blog posts about food: 

Around the World in 80 Recipes

LSP Week Celebration - Food from Around the World