{"id":14619,"date":"2025-01-15T08:14:11","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T13:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/?p=14619"},"modified":"2025-01-15T08:14:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T13:14:27","slug":"what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago","title":{"rendered":"What Did People Eat in Ottawa Restaurants Over a Century Ago?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exploring the history of Ottawa&#8217;s culinary scene is like embarking on a historical gastronomic tour. What did Ottawa&#8217;s residents enjoy over a century ago? How developed was the city&#8217;s network of cafes and restaurants? <a href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/uk\/\">I Ottawa<\/a> will take you through the culinary highlights of the past\u2014prepare to be intrigued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3591e2b9073\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3591e2b9073\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#General_Overview\" >General Overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#The_First_Dining_Establishment_in_Ottawa\" >The First Dining Establishment in Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#Bulgers_Beanery\" >Bulger\u2019s Beanery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#High-Class_Restaurants\" >High-Class Restaurants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#24-Hour_Diners\" >24-Hour Diners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#Tea_Rooms\" >Tea Rooms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#Exotic_Flavors\" >Exotic Flavors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#Arcadia_Grill\" >Arcadia Grill<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#Szechuan_Cuisine\" >Szechuan Cuisine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#BeaverTails\" >BeaverTails<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-what-did-people-eat-in-ottawa-restaurants-over-a-century-ago\/#Traditional_Ottawa_Dishes_with_a_History\" >Traditional Ottawa Dishes with a History<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"General_Overview\"><\/span>General Overview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A century ago, Ottawa&#8217;s population was about 108,000. According to The Citizen, the city boasted 56 restaurants and cafes, 23 of which were Chinese eateries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The term &#8220;restaurant,&#8221; as we know it today, was relatively new at the time. Initially, dining establishments were often annexes to hotels, boarding houses, and salons. A prime example is the bar at the King George Hotel on Metcalfe Street, which opened in 1912\u20131913. It featured closely packed tables, simple meals, and beverages, including alcoholic drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An article titled &#8220;Evolution of Dining&#8221; published in The Citizen on January 8, 1921, highlighted the gradual expansion of Ottawa&#8217;s restaurant scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17101940\/ad_4nxeldwkl89mulux2bxdm-0zh0al3i1h1vb5eyfuhu_0ryj96i4oml5w8vw-s08bmn12qnyymdaol4e5ss36fdteqd0fg48zga1r53h4foduxdhgivzpe7r0xuuraubcw8qwgqgrvfakeylipgf4wu7obvcenby8dvzxtg.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_First_Dining_Establishment_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>The First Dining Establishment in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first known dining establishment in Ottawa was Firth\u2019s Tavern, a family-run tavern opened in 1819 in LeBreton Flats. Though it closed in the 1860s, another tavern, Andrew\u2019s Tavern, opened the same year along the St. Lawrence River near Brockville, Ontario. Both establishments became popular for their strong drinks and light snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ottawa\u2019s first dedicated dining house opened on Queen Street in 1880, founded by Mrs. Sutton. Around the same time, George Bulger, a stern chef known for his traditional uniform and linen toque, ran a competing establishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s challenging to pinpoint which of these was the true pioneer, but their success inspired a gradual increase in dining establishments across the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17101939\/ad_4nxdabvv-gejaaqfuc-ugpsdsnap9rosjxznu_5jhvu_njoyrkaly6vtpksfrl1tdjavkjiq2nrqr577uzajygddcgxtcsgjp913nez2k5kxgcahy79fmaamwmbeigqmdahtexewiwqkeylipgf4wu7obvcenby8dvzxtg.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bulgers_Beanery\"><\/span>Bulger\u2019s Beanery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1890, another dining spot opened on Metcalfe Street (between Queen and Albert). Similar to George Bulger\u2019s establishment, this venue quickly became popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The menu included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delicious baked beans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Juicy steaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bacon and eggs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Members of Parliament were frequent diners, especially after evening sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"High-Class_Restaurants\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17101937\/ad_4nxdpfzpmnkqzin-ok_lm6dmmz5nizy5a_rxmf4oxd3e8mdardsjplkniq5djsybzezq6p21qmosomcvit4keigjogv0h-jasqpx8tmm2zgz8etmj4bwzoqhoc2jipttxiiq0c-p_keylipgf4wu7obvcenby8dvzxtg.png\" width=\"602\" height=\"440\">High-Class Restaurants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Charles A. Bellier opened one of Ottawa&#8217;s first high-class restaurants in 1895 at the corner of Metcalfe and Albert Streets. He aimed to replicate the atmosphere of Parisian cafes in the Canadian capital. While locals were cautious in their reviews, many referred to Caf\u00e9 Bellier as \u201cParisian exoticism.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another notable restaurant, Sherbrooke, also opened in 1895 and attracted prominent ministers among its clientele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17101936\/ad_4nxf9tyz2ffprugrj-nsienl7kt6epmv3w8eomgsucizf4kv_xf1x1ek_odusqosw3deo89jemkknkdoyv-vl1dzrfxmcqkys_ehhfowzatuu52xrwp1kha2a2juv_5f-s3pfrrckxwkeylipgf4wu7obvcenby8dvzxtg.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24-Hour_Diners\"><\/span>24-Hour Diners<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A significant milestone for Ottawa&#8217;s dining scene was the introduction of Boston Lunch on Sparks Street, which inspired the creation of 24-hour diners. This period also saw a rise in Chinese restaurants, primarily located along O\u2019Connor, Queen, Albert, and Metcalfe Streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17101936\/ad_4nxcvfrnlcksl_0s43eqqw1vukbcvooyyli6xymmlaousrydihe0v7gkzgzd8clk86nqcfajjub6dancyfbhdpueejopc6hbaqumlscxjzkcozyg87mkewy2nvvjuc-cj7zss6mj5fwkeylipgf4wu7obvcenby8dvzxtg.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tea_Rooms\"><\/span>Tea Rooms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Kettledrum was Ottawa\u2019s first tea room, established by Miss Lindsay on Sparks Street. Known for its relaxed and exclusive atmosphere, this venue offered traditional dishes with a Hong Kong influence, such as sweet fried bread, creamy milk tea, fluffy Chiu Chow dumplings, and steamed rice rolls. Customers were willing to pay a premium for this unique dining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exotic_Flavors\"><\/span>Exotic Flavors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ontario Caf\u00e9 on Rideau Street, as advertised on October 27, 1945, offered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breaded halibut steak for 40 cents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grilled veal chops with milk sauce for 45 cents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chicken with mushrooms for 75 cents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The caf\u00e9 collaborated with local farmers from ByWard Market, ensuring fresh ingredients for its dishes. The menu included traditional Chinese dishes such as Yunnan soup (Crossing the Bridge), street-style pancakes, and Lanzhou noodles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arcadia_Grill\"><\/span>Arcadia Grill<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located at 249 Bank Street, Arcadia Grill was another Chinese restaurant, founded in the early 1940s by the Ham family. It became popular for its attractive storefront and air-conditioned interior\u2014an unusual feature for the era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular dishes included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Garlic spare ribs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hot turkey sandwiches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chicken fried rice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grilled beef liver<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Szechuan_Cuisine\"><\/span>Szechuan Cuisine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Szechuan restaurants first appeared in Ottawa in the 1980s, introducing spicy dishes featuring dried chili peppers and Szechuan peppercorns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BeaverTails\"><\/span>BeaverTails<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Concluding this historical tour, we revisit the iconic BeaverTails stand. This Canadian delicacy, resembling a beaver&#8217;s tail, is made of deep-fried dough covered in toppings like Nutella, marshmallows, and other confections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first stand opened in the 1970s on ByWard Market. By 1987, the franchise expanded beyond Ottawa, with its first outpost in Montreal. Even former U.S. President Barack Obama tried this Canadian treat during his visit to Ottawa in 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17101935\/ad_4nxclbesqkgjdmbjmg4hbkd8vdk-sqystwyyacebpyqbgi_themsurifrfojio7rg12qczbjbdd__8ik6n0xic-q3ouonvzzy2inyaom9ncd6gg1g2wprrk981mz_kepdjmbdwdvilgkeylipgf4wu7obvcenby8dvzxtg.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Ottawa_Dishes_with_a_History\"><\/span>Traditional Ottawa Dishes with a History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Butter Tarts: Small pastries made with butter, sugar, eggs, and syrup, dating back to the 1600s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourti\u00e8re: A meat pie traditionally served during Christmas and New Year\u2019s, featuring seasoned ground meat in flaky pastry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pea Soup: A classic winter dish made with whole yellow peas, herbs, and salted pork, served in its authentic form over a century ago.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ottawa\u2019s dining scene has evolved significantly over the past century. While tastes and preferences have changed, the city\u2019s culinary heritage remains a fascinating testament to its history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Exploring the history of Ottawa&#8217;s culinary scene is like embarking on a historical gastronomic tour. What did Ottawa&#8217;s residents enjoy over a century ago? How developed was the city&#8217;s network of cafes and restaurants? I Ottawa will take you through the culinary highlights of the past\u2014prepare to be intrigued. General Overview A century ago, Ottawa&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":526,"featured_media":12430,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4818],"tags":[7842,7844,7845,7851,7843,7849,7837,7840,7850,7839,7847,7841,7846,7838,7848],"moimportance":[501,1042,656,31,32,35],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[85],"class_list":["post-14619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cultural","tag-beaver-tail","tag-evolution-of-the-dining-room","tag-bar-at-the-king-george-hotel","tag-boston-lunch-on-sparks-street","tag-bulgers-beanery","tag-chain-of-cafes-and-restaurants","tag-citizen-magazine","tag-family-taverns","tag-fine-dining-restaurants","tag-first-beavertails-with-canadian-doughnuts","tag-first-food-establishment-in-ottawa","tag-historical-gastro-tour","tag-ottawa-over-a-century-ago","tag-tastes-of-the-city-a-century-ago","tag-traditional-ottawa-dishes","moimportance-recommended","moimportance-stories","moimportance-trending","moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","moimportance-golovna-novyna","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","motype-eternal","moformat-list-short"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/526"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14619"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14638,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14619\/revisions\/14638"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14619"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=14619"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=14619"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=14619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}