10 Must-Try Foods in Victoria, B.C.

As the capital of British Columbia, Victoria is a truly captivating, lively, and exciting destination to explore during your cruise vacation. Brimming with historic charm, stunning gardens, and breathtaking sights, Victoria is undoubtedly a hotspot you won’t want to overlook. While there are plenty of things to do in Victoria, including excellent shopping, make sure to indulge in the following local delicacies.

1. Butter Chicken Pizza

Butter chicken is a delightful and hearty Indian dish, while pizza is a beloved Italian comfort food enjoyed around the globe. Who would have imagined combining these two? Surprisingly, numerous pizzerias, both chains and local favorites, are featuring this mouthwatering dish on their menus. However, it's the restaurants north of the border that have popularized butter chicken pizza as a must-try British Columbian specialty. With a sauce made of butter chicken, yogurt, garlic, and various spices, topped with chicken breast pieces, red onion, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, this pizza offers an extraordinary burst of flavor!

butter chicken pizza sliced into quarters as two people reach for a slice

2. Wild Pacific Salmon

When it comes to British Columbia cuisine, incredibly fresh seafood is a standout. Wild sockeye salmon, in particular, sourced from the pristine waters of the Northern Pacific and its rivers, is one of Victoria’s culinary highlights. Whether broiled, baked, smoked, or perhaps best enjoyed grilled on a cedar plank, you’ll definitely want to savor this intensely flavorful fish during your cruise to Victoria.

grilled wild Pacific salmon from Victoria, served with asparagus

3. Dungeness Crab

Dungeness Crab season kicks off in the winter on the West Coast, but you can relish this Pacific Ocean delight year-round while deciding what to eat in Victoria. These delectable crabs are packed with succulent meat and can be prepared in numerous ways. From simply steamed Dungeness Crab to flavorful crab salads and Dungeness Crab tacos, the possibilities for this versatile and delicious ingredient are endless.

Dungeness crab prepared and served with bell peppers, orange slices, and cherries

4. Fish Chowder

Featuring fresh salmon and delicious rockfish, this creamy chowder is warm and comforting, with alluring smoky notes and a hint of sweetness. Another of Victoria’s signature dishes, the fish chowder is loaded with nutritious vegetables like potatoes, kale, and carrots. While it’s a traditional favorite during the colder months, you'll find it available year-round in many British Columbian restaurants, so be sure to try it when it appears on the menu.

fish chowder served in a wooden bowl alongside crackers

5. Bannock Bread

Bannock is a traditional bread that features a variety of spices, dried fruits, or other ingredients, adding subtle flavors. Depending on the recipe, the kneaded dough can be baked, fried in fat or oil, or even cooked over an open flame on a stick. This light and airy bread is cherished, with many families in Victoria holding onto their own unique recipes.

Bannock bread from Victoria displayed on a wooden surface

6. JapaDog

If you’re looking for a quick snack while exploring Victoria, grab a JapaDog! These Japanese-style hot dogs are available at street food stalls and restaurants across the city, featuring a delightful blend of traditional Japanese flavors like tonkatsu, teriyaki, or yakisoba, all served in hot dog form. It’s a truly distinctive twist on the classic hot dog and a meal you won’t forget!

A JapaDog from Victoria served on a napkin, accompanied by French fries

7. Okanagan Fruit

At first glance, this small bowl of fruit might seem like just another ordinary fruit salad. However, once you take a spoonful of these fresh, cool summer fruits, you’ll realize this is a fruit salad elevated to extraordinary heights. It’s a true celebration of flavor, enhanced with honey, apple juice, tarragon, and Canadian bocconcini, which are delightful little balls of mozzarella cheese.

8. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup from British Columbia is rich and bursting with flavor, featuring the delicious essence of maple intertwined with subtle hints of vanilla. Harvested from bigleaf maple trees in the mountains and forests of the region, this syrup has a lower sugar content compared to that from sugar maples, and most brands are produced in small batches at family farms. If you have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast during your cruise to Victoria, don’t miss the chance to drizzle this syrup on your pancakes or waffles. Otherwise, make sure to pick up a bottle or two while shopping in Victoria.

Maple syrup poured over fluffy pancakes, topped with butter and fresh berries

9. British Columbia Wines

British Columbia is renowned for its diverse selection of wines. The Okanagan Valley, in particular, is home to most of the vineyards, crafting everything from crisp, refreshing whites to bold, vibrant reds and everything in between. Rich in body, flavor, and character, wines from British Columbia are often celebrated as some of the finest in the world. Make sure to savor a glass or two alongside your meals.

A glass of wine from Victoria rests on a wooden chair as the sun sets in the background

10. Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars are among the most delightful treats you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. They’re not quite a brownie, nor a slice of pie or a cookie; this dessert bar is a delicious fusion of all three. The original Nanaimo Bar recipe hails from the city of Nanaimo in Vancouver, and it should definitely be on your must-try list when visiting Victoria during your cruise. Picture sinking your teeth into a scrumptious square of sweet yellow custard, layered between a wafer-like crust made of coconut-infused graham crackers and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. Delicious!