Top 10 culinary specialities in Montreal

Travelling to Montreal is a great way to experience North American gastronomy. While the French heritage is clearly identifiable on both sides of the province, Quebec has now forged its own identity.

Montreal is the perfect opportunity to take a bite out of this culinary heritage. The discoveries will be rich, surprising and from every continent. Over the centuries, immigration has admirably shaped Quebec’s eating habits. That’s why, today, some of the best things to eat in Montreal will make you want to travel again!

Don’t forget that Montreal is also synonymous with street food. You’ll be devouring sandwiches that are tastier than ever and meats cooked in many different ways. Even though Montrealers are big meat lovers, more and more vegan and vegetarian canteens are opening their doors. So here’s to gourmets looking for plant-based alternatives.

What to eat in Montreal Our selection of 10 Montreal specialities

Travellers tend to jump to conclusions about Quebec’s gastronomy. So let’s clarify the situation: no, the locals don’t live on love, poutine and maple syrup. Nevertheless, we have to admit that there’s no smoke without fire. These two specialities hold a central place in local gastronomy. But that’s no reason to reduce it to just that. To find out for yourself and make sure you don’t miss out on any of Montreal’s best dishes, attack our selection without delay!

1. Canadian brunch

Here’s a great opportunity to sample some typical Montreal gastronomy. The Canadian brunch is a Sunday get-together where friends and family gather around a table full of delicacies. Inspired by the English brunch, Canadian brunch consists of sausages, bacon, baked beans, eggs and toast. To sweeten the meat and savoury condiments, you’ll also find fresh fruit and a sweet or two. These include waffles, pancakes with maple syrup or a slice of cake. You can be sure that with a table like this, you’ll end the weekend on a high note.

2. Bagels

In Montreal, you can laugh at anything, but not at a bagel! The city’s institutional bagel factories are renowned for their exceptional product quality and delicious varieties. When it comes to preparation, the bagels are shaped by hand to ensure that the central ‘hole’ is perfectly formed. Once the dough has been shaped, the bagels are scalded in honey water before being placed in the oven. While they’re absolutely delicious eaten on their own, we’d recommend them as a sandwich for a more complete meal. Why not with fromage frais, salmon or raw vegetables?

3. Poutine

This is the quintessential Canadian dish! Montreal is definitely the place to try it. This Quebec speciality takes the form of a plate of chips covered in a thick layer of brown sauce. The sauce is made from chicken and beef stock. As if that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is then sprinkled with cheese on either side. A good poutine at the end of the day will fill you right up and send you into a deep sleep.

4. Smoked meat

If you’re craving meat, a smoked meat sandwich is just what you need. Seeing the rye bread generously topped with slices of meat will quickly make your mouth water! Depending on your tastes, you can choose from beef, pork, turkey or lamb. During the preparation process, the meat is dried in a salted brine, then rubbed with spices and aromatics. Garlic, coriander and pepper work very well. The slow, fragrant smoking process preserves the intensity of the meat while giving it a firm, juicy texture. This sandwich is the perfect lunch on the go.

5. The hot dog

Your culinary exploration will lead you to the same conclusion: the New York influence is palpable in Montreal! At least, in terms of taste, there’s no doubt about it. As you know, the locals love their soft bread and charcuterie. So it’s only natural that they’ve made the hot dog one of their culinary specialities. As a result, street stands abound all over Montreal. From street food to top-of-the-range versions, there’s something for everyone.

6. Beaver tail

No adorable rodents will be harmed in the preparation of this delicacy: we promise! It takes the form of a pastry stretched out in the shape of a beaver’s tail, hence its unusual name. The pastry is fried and then spread with various condiments. Depending on what you fancy at the time, you can opt for fresh fruit, chocolate, cinnamon or simply sugar. In Montreal, there are a number of delicatessens devoted entirely to this sweet treat… A must-try, of course.

7. Roti

Enriched by several waves of immigration – from France and the Caribbean in particular – Montreal’s culinary specialities are now a perfect reflection of the flavours of the world. One of the favourite dishes of this cultural mix is roti. Make no mistake, this is a flatbread, prepared very simply and served as an accompaniment to various curries or stews. This patty is used to season hot dishes based on prawns, chicken or goat’s cheese. You can try it in most West Indian restaurants.

8. Maple taffy

You won’t find a better lollipop in Montreal! This sweet treat will cheer up any sweet tooth on a cold day. Its name refers to the way the lollies are made. Warm maple syrup is spread on sticks in the snow. The lollipop is ready to eat when the syrup has cooled and become soft. You can enjoy them in the traditional sugar shacks around Montreal.

9. Unemployed pudding

Here’s a gourmet dessert that’s simple and effective. Its name will give you an idea of its popular origins. It’s an old-fashioned cake soaked in maple syrup. Serve this soft cake at room temperature with ice cream and a dash of maple syrup!

10. Maple syrup

Visiting Montreal without tasting maple syrup is sacrilege! Maple syrup is Quebec’s liquid gold, and a staple of the Montreal diet. In fact, the region alone produces more than 80% of the world’s maple syrup. The divinely flavoured syrup is made from maple sap. The inimitable aroma is a welcome addition to countless local specialities. In pastries, savoury dishes or simply to sweeten a cup of coffee… You won’t want to miss out.