The so-called "Nanaimo bars" are - as the name says - Nanaimo's famous dessert. They are so popular that you can even sit on one in the Nanaimo museum. It consists of a wafer crumb-based layer, topped by a layer of light vanilla or custard flavoured butter icing, which is covered in chocolate. There are many rumours about the origin of the famous bars and many people claim to have invented them. The original recipe is said to date back until the 1930s. If you want to bake them read the following recipe: Ingredients: Bottom Layer * 1/2 cup unsalted butter (European style cultured) * 1/4 cup sugar * 5 tablespoons cocoa * 1 egg beaten * 1 1/4 cup graham wafer crumbs * 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds * 1 cup coconut Second Layer * 1/2 cup unsalted butter * 2 tablespoons cream PLUS * 2 teaspoons cream * 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder * 2 cups icing sugar Third Layer * 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each) * 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Directions: Bottom Layer Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan. Second Layer Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer. Third Layer Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator. (This recipe for Nanaimo Bar (Official) serves/makes 24 bars) Find this recipe under http://www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/visitors/NanaimoBars.html If you are too busy or simply hate baking you might want to consider buying Nanaimo bars. You can get them basically at any grocery store (especially in Nanaimo). But the best ones are served in small, local cafes. Of course, there is more than one lovely café in downtown Nanaimo. You will find a bunch of them on Commercial Street. Moreover, there is a very nice one in the Old City Quarter just a little more uphill. So wherever and whenever you decide to eat a Nanaimo Bar you have to know: one is never enough...