6 strange and delicious Victoria dishes and drinks

It works and it isn’t supposed to—that’s basically the premise of this list.

Author

Ryan Hook
March 02, 2023

Years ago I was in a restaurant and I saw a peanut butter burger. It was a diner-type joint so I thought it was a burger challenge. But it was the real deal, and like salt on a brownie, it had the best of both worlds: sweet and savoury.

Thinking about the other things I’ve eaten—crickets, BBQ chicken ice cream, and foie gras—I wanted to know what weird and wonderful things Victoria had to offer.

Here’s what I found.

Peanut Butter Burger at Surly Mermaid in Sidney

Well, I didn’t have to go far for this puppy, because the Surly Mermaid in Sidney features its own peanut butter burger, and bonus: it comes with bacon and is sandwiched between a pretzel bun.

The Volcano Bowl at ToraTiki

Editor’s note: I work here Saturday nights.

Part of ToraTiki’s charm—other than me—is that when you order this shared Tiki cocktail bowl, we light it on fire and ring the gong. It’s full of fun, rum, and pineapple, and I can’t say I’ve ordered a drink like it in Victoria since moving here two years ago. Mahalo!

Nutella Banana Bao from Bao on Fisgard

Nutella, banana, and bao seem like a match made in heaven. The sweet hazelnut spread has been a fan favourite since its invention in 1946, and bao buns are the delicious, warm, fluffy treat from China. This deep fried bao is rolled in sesame seeds and filled with Nutella, banana, condensed milk, and sweet peanut powder.

French’s Mustard Ice Cream from 49 Below

49 Below is known for its interesting adventures in ice cream (the Hawkins Cheezies flavour has made headlines). Recently I went and tried the French’s Mustard ice cream, and it was shocking, to say the least.

Made with French’s mustard and a touch of honey, 49 Below says it’s gotten mixed reactions, and you get bonus points if you pair it with a pretzel.

Thai Nachos at Baan Thai

A recommendation from my colleague, Jill: the Thai Nachos at Baan Thai. According to her, it’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and a very addictive happy hour item. With fried dumpling chips, ground garlic sakura pork, cilantro, and served with spicy coconut dipping sauce, Jill says it’s “bursting with flavour—the perfect afternoon snack or late lunch!”

Rocky Mountain Oysters

I know what it sounds like, but that’s not what it is: Rocky Mountain oysters is actually a dish made of bull testicles. In Oklahoma, they call them cattle fries. Surprisingly, it’s a Canadian delicacy where the organs are skinned, coated in flour, pepper, and salt, deep fried, then served in a half-glaze.

And while I haven’t been able to spot it at any restaurant (despite hearing a rumour that it’s been served at the Courtney Room), I’ve heard you can ask a butcher shop, or if you’re bold, ask a cattle rancher.

Is there a dish or drink I missed? Email me and I’ll include it in another list!