This winter season, give the gift of flavour with BLACK FOODIE’s ultimate Ontario holiday gift guide. There is something delicious for everyone, from the chocolate lovers to the adventurous foodies in your life, these delicious gifts by Ontario makers can win over any gourmand’s heart!
Lignum Honey
Specialty Jamaican honey
Lignum Honey offers premium honey from Jamaica, capturing both sweet and spicy flavours. There are a number of delicious infused honeys from the spicy Scotch Bonnet honey to the ginger as well as classics like logwood honey. This gift is perfect for anyone who loves to entertain, Lignum’s distinct honey sets will jazz up any afternoon tea or charcuterie board.
Mary’s Brigadeiro
Handcrafted Brazilian chocolates & desserts
Mary’s Brigaderio brings the ultimate Brazilian, fudgey, handcrafted chocolate experience to the Danforth. The vibrant storefront offers their own twist on a classic Brazilian chocolate treat known as brigadeiro as well as freshly baked cookies, Brazilian coffee, brigadeiro spreads and more. The classic brigadeiro stuffed panettone is a great gift for chocolate lovers and the perfect dessert to bring to your next holiday celebration.
Baccanalle Sorrel
Hibiscus Holiday drink & sauces
Move over eggnog and bring on the Sorrel! Baccanale, a specialty Caribbean food brand located in Ottawa, ON offers this bottled spiced holiday Caribbean drink made from hibiscus. Perfect on its own and even better when spiked with rum, these bottles of sorrel are a great gift for foodies with a love of Caribbean flavours. You can find these delicious bottles in the Afrotechture shop in Ottawa’s Byward market.
The Abibiman Project
Handcrafted specialty African chocolates, teas, sauces and spice blends.
Rachel Adjei, the 25 year old founder of Abibiman has made the world a better place with her handcrafted African chocolates, teas, spice blends and sauces. Inspired by the African continent, you can treat your foodie friends to a flavour adventure with anything from Abibiman’s Ghanian kelewele spice mix to her Kenyan chai tea blend; all while having your purchases support the African Food Basket. You can purchase Abibiman’s special spices and more at their pop-ups across Toronto or head over to their website to grab a gift online.
Eight50 Coffee
Eight50 Coffee is an Ottawa based, responsibly sourced coffee business that brings the barista experience into your home kitchen. With coffee hailing from Ethiopia, Brazil and more, there’s something for every coffee lover in your life. Pick up a bag at the Black Owned TO shop, Ottawa’s Afrotechture or online. You can also give the gift of a subscription to enhance the at home coffee experience of your friends.
Buna: The Soul of Coffee/ Nunu’s Restaurant
Ethiopian coffee, spices and more
If you love the bold flavours of Ethiopian cuisine, or the comforting experience of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, Buna is for you! Step into the Buna coffee shop or it’s sister restaurant, Nunu’s to grab some incense, spices and Ethiopian coffee beans to bring the Ethiopian flavourful experience home this year. Buna is packed with the perfect stocking stuffers for coffee & Ethiopian food lovers.
Yawdi’s pepper jellies & condiments
Flavourful Jamaican marinades & jams
Calling all charcuterie enthusiasts, Yawdi’s pepper jellies will take any spread to the next level. Saucy and delicious, the jerk marinades, smoky mustards and specialty jellies are perfect for your friends who love to grill or entertain. These delicious jars can be found at major retailers, online and at the Black owned TO pop up shop this holiday season.
Black Owned TO
From skincare, to homegoods, spices and more, Black Owned TO curates a special selection of local businesses, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs of African, Caribbean and Black descent. The online shop and storefront is a lifesaver for those looking to support locally this holiday season. Discover new Black food brands, diverse holiday cards and more!
Afrotechture
Located in Ottawa’s bustling Byward Market, Afrotechture brings together the best of Ottawa’s Black artisan goods. You can find everything from beautiful West African prints, to fun tote bags, Black children’s books & more! They also carry Baccanalle’s line of Caribbean sauces & condiments as well as Eight50 Coffee.
