Secret Life of Canada

Crash Course: The Persian

Falen and Leah are back on their snack beat.

How did this sweet pink treat become the definitive pastry of Thunder Bay?

A smiling man balances dozens of pastries on plates in his arms while restaurant patrons sit and watch.
Dozens of sweet persian pastries are brought out in preparation for the Canada Day persian eating contest at Red Lion Smokehouse in Thunder Bay, Ont. (Amy Hadley/CBC)

It's another baking episode! This time Leah and Falen look at why Thunder Bay, Ontario has their own sweet roll that you can't find anywhere else. We find out how these sweet buns with pink frosting came to be and who Persians are named after (spoiler — it strangely has nothing to do with Persian people).

Listen to more episodes here, and get transcripts of our series here.

Key References