Montreal

🥐

Local Cuisine

An introduction to Montreal's signature foods and culinary traditions, including poutine, bagels, and smoked meat.

Sections

1. Traditional Foods and Popular Dishes in Montreal

a. Poutine

  • What it is: A quintessential Quebecois dish made of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich brown gravy.
  • Cultural significance: Poutine originated in rural Quebec in the 1950s and has since become a symbol of Quebecois identity and comfort food.
  • Variations: Many restaurants in Montreal offer creative takes on poutine, adding toppings like smoked meat, foie gras, pulled pork, or truffle oil.

b. Montreal-Style Bagels

  • What it is: Smaller, denser, and sweeter than New York bagels, Montreal bagels are boiled in honey water before being baked in wood-fired ovens. They are typically topped with sesame or poppy seeds.
  • Cultural significance: Introduced by Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century, Montreal bagels are a beloved staple of the city’s food culture.
  • Best enjoyed with: Cream cheese, smoked salmon, or simply plain.

c. Montreal Smoked Meat

  • What it is: A cured and smoked beef brisket, seasoned with a blend of spices, sliced thin, and served on rye bread with mustard.
  • Cultural significance: Another contribution from Montreal’s Jewish community, smoked meat sandwiches are a must-try for visitors.
  • Comparison: Similar to pastrami but with a unique spice blend and preparation method.

d. Tourtière

  • What it is: A traditional Quebecois meat pie made with minced pork, beef, or veal, and seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.
  • Cultural significance: Often served during the holiday season, tourtière is a comforting dish that reflects Quebec’s rural heritage.

e. Maple Syrup Treats

  • What it is: Quebec is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, and Montreal offers a variety of maple-based treats, including maple taffy (poured on snow), maple butter, and desserts like pouding chômeur (a maple syrup cake).
  • Cultural significance: Maple syrup is deeply tied to Quebec’s identity and history, dating back to Indigenous traditions.

f. Steamé and Michigan Hot Dogs

  • What it is: Steamé is a steamed hot dog served in a soft bun, often topped with mustard, onions, and coleslaw. The Michigan hot dog is topped with a meat-based chili sauce.
  • Cultural significance: These are popular street foods and late-night snacks in Montreal.

g. Quebec Cheeses

  • What it is: Quebec is known for its artisanal cheeses, including Oka, a semi-soft cheese with a nutty flavor, and Bleu Bénédictin, a creamy blue cheese.
  • Cultural significance: Cheese-making in Quebec has a long history, influenced by French traditions.

h. BeaverTails

  • What it is: A fried dough pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, topped with sweet options like cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or maple butter.
  • Cultural significance: While not exclusive to Montreal, BeaverTails are a popular Canadian treat enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

2. Best Places to Try Montreal’s Local Cuisine

a. Poutine

  • La Banquise: A 24/7 institution offering over 30 varieties of poutine. (Cost: $10–$20 CAD)
  • Chez Claudette: A cozy diner known for its classic and creative poutine options. (Cost: $8–$15 CAD)

b. Montreal-Style Bagels

  • St-Viateur Bagel: A legendary bagel shop open 24/7, known for its sesame bagels. (Cost: $1.50–$2 CAD per bagel)
  • Fairmount Bagel: Another iconic spot, offering a wide variety of bagels. (Cost: $1.50–$2 CAD per bagel)

c. Montreal Smoked Meat

  • Schwartz’s Deli: The most famous spot for smoked meat sandwiches, operating since 1928. (Cost: $15–$20 CAD for a sandwich and sides)
  • Lester’s Deli: A less touristy but equally delicious option. (Cost: $12–$18 CAD)

d. Tourtière

  • Aux Anciens Canadiens: A restaurant specializing in traditional Quebecois cuisine, including tourtière. (Cost: $20–$30 CAD)
  • Le Réservoir: A modern bistro offering a gourmet take on tourtière. (Cost: $15–$25 CAD)

e. Maple Syrup Treats

  • Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon: A seasonal sugar shack offering decadent maple-infused meals. (Cost: $60–$80 CAD per person)
  • Jean-Talon Market: A great place to find maple syrup products year-round. (Cost: Varies)

f. Steamé and Michigan Hot Dogs

  • Montreal Pool Room: A classic spot for steamé hot dogs. (Cost: $3–$5 CAD per hot dog)
  • La Belle Province: A popular chain for both steamé and Michigan hot dogs. (Cost: $4–$6 CAD)

g. Quebec Cheeses

  • Fromagerie Atwater: Located in the Atwater Market, this shop offers a wide selection of Quebec cheeses. (Cost: $10–$30 CAD per cheese)
  • Marché Jean-Talon: Another excellent market for sampling and purchasing local cheeses. (Cost: Varies)

h. BeaverTails

  • BeaverTails Old Montreal: A convenient location to try this iconic treat. (Cost: $5–$8 CAD)

3. Unique Aspects and Tips for Enjoying Montreal’s Food Scene

a. Embrace the Bilingual Culture

  • Montreal is a bilingual city, so menus are often in both French and English. However, learning a few French food terms (e.g., “fromage” for cheese, “poulet” for chicken) can enhance your experience.

b. Explore the Markets

  • Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market are fantastic places to sample local produce, cheeses, baked goods, and maple products. They also offer a glimpse into Montreal’s vibrant food culture.

c. Seasonal Specialties

  • Visit during sugar shack season (late winter to early spring) to experience traditional maple syrup meals.
  • In summer, enjoy outdoor food festivals like Bouffons Montréal and First Fridays, which feature food trucks and local vendors.

d. Late-Night Eats

  • Montreal’s food scene thrives late into the night. Many poutine spots, bagel shops, and diners are open 24/7, making it easy to grab a bite after exploring the city’s nightlife.

e. Affordable Options

  • While fine dining is available, Montreal is known for its affordable and high-quality casual eats, from poutine to bagels to hot dogs.

f. Tipping Culture

  • Tipping is customary in Montreal. Leave 15–20% of the total bill at restaurants and cafes.

4. Typical Costs for Dining in Montreal

  • Street food/snacks: $3–$10 CAD (e.g., hot dogs, bagels, BeaverTails)
  • Casual dining: $10–$25 CAD (e.g., poutine, smoked meat sandwiches)
  • Mid-range restaurants: $20–$50 CAD per person
  • Fine dining: $50–$100+ CAD per person

Montreal’s food scene is a delightful mix of tradition, innovation, and multicultural influences. Whether you’re indulging in a classic poutine, savoring a smoked meat sandwich, or exploring the city’s markets, you’re sure to find something memorable. Bon appétit!