By: Nathan Bailey

One of the first things I noticed when I arrived in Ottawa was how similar the cost of food is compared to back home in New Zealand. Although there aren’t many familiar Kiwi brands on the shelves, it’s easy to find alternatives that taste just as good. The supermarket I use most often is Metro, which is super convenient for students — all UOttawa students get 10% off their groceries just by showing their student ID. That small discount really adds up over time.

One of the more unusual things I’ve come across here is milk sold in sealed plastic bags. You buy a set of bags, place one inside a reusable plastic jug, and snip off a corner to pour it — something I’d never seen before! Apart from that quirky difference, most grocery shopping feels pretty normal once you settle in.

A new addition to my daily diet since moving here has been bagels. They’re incredibly cheap, fresh, and genuinely better than any bagels I’ve had in New Zealand. Whether it’s breakfast or a quick snack before class, bagels have definitely become a staple part of my Canadian routine.

When I’m not cooking at home, Ottawa has a great variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars to explore. The ByWard Market area downtown is one of the city’s main food and nightlife hubs, always busy with locals and students. There are endless places to grab a meal, hang out with friends, or try something new. Elgin Street is another popular spot lined with bars and restaurants — it’s especially fun to wander down in the evening for dinner and a couple of beers.

Of course, trying local Canadian food has been a must. A few classics worth mentioning are poutine (shown below), which is basically hot chips topped with gravy and cheese curds (trust me, it tastes way better than it sounds), and Beavertails, a fried pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail that’s often covered with cinnamon sugar or chocolate. And, of course, you can’t forget maple syrup — it’s everywhere, and Canadians are very proud of it.

On campus, food options are also pretty solid. There’s a large dining hall where students can grab meals using a meal pass or just pay as they go. You’ll also find plenty of smaller cafés scattered around campus for quick snacks or coffee between classes. And then there’s Tim Hortons — affectionately called Timmy’s — a Canadian institution. With three or four of them on campus alone, you’re never more than a five-minute walk from one.

Overall, Ottawa’s food scene has been one of my favourite parts of the exchange. From classic Canadian treats to cozy local cafés (and way too many bagels), there’s always something new to try — and it’s all part of the adventure of studying abroad.