Joz Wootton, a sandwich shop owner from Rotherham, England, has created quite a stir with his “Steak Canadian” sandwich. Despite its name, this dish has no real ties to Canada. When Wootton shares videos of the sandwich on social media, many Canadians express their puzzlement. They often comment that they’ve never encountered such a product in their country.
What is a Steak Canadian?
The “Steak Canadian” is a breakfast sandwich composed of thinly sliced beef, mushrooms, onions, and cheddar cheese. Wootton describes the meat as approximately 80% beef, with the remaining 20% being somewhat of a mystery. As a condiment, he recommends ketchup or maple syrup.
A Brief History
- The sandwich became popular in the 1980s and 1990s in northern England.
- It remains a top seller at Wootton’s Corner Kitchen.
- Derek Ingham, a butcher from Lancashire, is credited with inventing the sandwich in the 1970s.
- Ingham passed away in 2019, and an obituary recognized him as the original creator.
Wootton enjoys teasing his Canadian audience by claiming the sandwich originates from Ontario, playfully referencing hockey player Wayne Gretzky. However, he admits there is little factual basis for this claim. “That’s me just having a little bit of fun,” he said.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Name
The reason why the sandwich carries the “Canadian” label remains unclear. David Ingham, who owns Ingham Butchers in Foulridge, UK, has expressed his own curiosity about the name’s origin. He notes that the sandwich is popular in his shop, yet its Canadian connection is puzzling.
Wootton’s social media engagement around the “Steak Canadian” has significantly boosted his business. His recent YouTube video has attracted over 1.1 million views, drawing attention from influencers and customers alike. He credits the viral nature of the videos to the interest from Canadian viewers.
A Personal Connection to Canada
Wootton has a deep admiration for Canada. He enjoys Canadian music, cites comedian John Candy as a favorite, and even supports the Pacific FC soccer team. He expresses a genuine hope to visit Canada one day, stating, “I just love your country.”
Although the “Steak Canadian” has no actual Canadian roots, it tells an entertaining story about food, cultural misunderstandings, and the power of social media. Wootton’s playful engagement has turned this non-Canadian sandwich into a lucrative venture.
