Spicy Jan
Owner, Tasty Road Trips
Discover Brantford’s culinary scene from a local perspective with Spicy Jan – food writer, award-winning host and owner of Tasty Road Trips Tours.
This locally-inspired business curates self-guided and guided food and drink daytrip experiences through Brantford and the surrounding region.
Tasty Road Trips offer visitors the unique opportunity to explore local farms, restaurants and culinary destinations and meet the amazing farmers, chefs, food creators and bakers behind them.
What are some of your favourite restaurants to dine at in Brantford?
- Nine North in downtown Brantford has the best Pad Thai and Pho.
- My-Thai Restaurant on St. Paul Ave. – I love the Cashew Chicken, and fresh Spring Rolls.
- Mercasa Little Italy Eatery on Wayne Gretzky Pkwy. – I love the CR7, Eggplant Parm Lasagna and all of the Roman Pizzas – love the casual vibe and professional culinary team.
- Healthy Rabbit on Brant Ave. – I love the décor, funky features and amazing Buddha Bowls.
- Fume RestoBar on Morrell St. – In my opinion, Fume has the BEST burger in town, hands down.
- Speekezzies Café and Wine Bar on Fairview Dr. – This authentic dine-in Italian restaurant offers locally- inspired wood oven pizza and is so incredibly delicious.
Tell us more about Tasty Road Trips Tours:
Both the Home of #99: A Brantford & Paris Tasting Adventure and the To Market to Market to Market, We Go are self-guided tours that start in Brantford and feature a number of unique tasting destinations the area.
We enjoy bringing people to the places that locals know and love. At Tasty Road Trips, we want every guest to feel like a local through a curated food adventure that fills their belly and leaves them falling in love with local, all over again.
All tours are self-guided and all the beverages, tastings and surprises along the way (plus gratuity) are included.
You will never be hungry on a Tasty Road Trips Tour, we are food-focused first! Visit tastyroadtrips.com to book a tasting adventure with us.
What are some of the hidden-gems in Brantford for a foodie?
- Brant Food Centre – you must try a “build your own’ deli sandwich, piled high and under $5.
- Farm Boy – I frequent this location often and love to build my own Stir Fry Bowl (under $8 and so filling). It’s perfect because if you can’t wait, they have small eat-in area on the other side of the cashier lane.
- Our Kitchen Brantford – everything you might want, created under one commercial kitchen! Totally unique to Brantford and delicious in every way imaginable. Meals and treats are offered to go, or to take home and cook with. Both options are available. And both options are delicious.
- Canadian Tire (Sausage Cart) – A local couple have been sharing the best sausage (under $5) in Branford outside of the Canadian Tire on Wayne Gretzky Pkwy. for years and they do it right. A local hidden gem.
- Sweet Bakery – if you love peanut butter and chocolate together, you MUST try one of Stacey’s Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cakes. It’s my favourite cake for every occasion!
- Goodness Me (Smoothie Bar) – sometimes I want a healthy smoothie and take a visit to the Goodness Me Smoothie Bar. These smoothie experts are easy going and always make it my way!
- Brantford Farmers’ Market – You must visit Florcita’s Classic Latin Foods and try their guacamole – it’s my ultimate ever! So fresh, and incredibly authentic.
What are some of your favourite take-out spots in Brantford?
- Spool Gourmet Poutine & Mac 'N Cheese – Gotta try the Pulled Pork Poutine! Outstanding yum.
- Lettuce Live – Healthy, good for you, whole foods to go.
- Strodes BBQ & Deli – The take-out bar is hot and ready every day with Schnitzel on a Bun, Fresh Soups, Macaroni and Cheese and so much more.
- Johny Greeko’s – I am in LOVE with the Chicken Souvlaki Pita with extra hot pepper, olives and Tzatziki, and of course Feta Cheese - so savoury!
- Maria's Original – A Canadian Classic with extra cheese! Gina and Bobbi Sue do it right!
Maria's Original