Montreal is a fabulous destination for travelers wanting to explore a unique culture within North America. Less than 400 miles north of New York City, the Quebecois island city is notable for its stylish architecture, funky street art and friendly populace. However, its food may be the city’s greatest asset.
Discover ten must-eat Montreal food favorites not to miss during your trip to Canada’s foodiest city.
1. Poutine
Invented in Quebec and popular throughout Canada, poutine is the number one food to eat in Montreal. This unique comfort food is difficult to resist with its mish-mash of french fries, cheese curds and brown gravy.
2. Bagels
Popularized by Jewish immigrants from Eastern European countries like the aforementioned Poland, Montreal bagels are unique for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture. The sweetness comes from honey added to the water and the crunchiness from wood ovens used to baked the bagels. They’re different from New York City bagels. Not better or worse. Just different.
Discover the best bagels in NYC.
3. Smoked Meat
Montreal’s smoked meat tradition originated with Eastern European Jews who brought the recipe when they immigrated from countries like Lithuania. This cured and smoked beef brisket is similar to New York’s pastrami, but the Montreal version has a more peppery flavor.
Discover more great global sandwiches.
4. Rotisserie Chicken
Eating chicken in Montreal is the opposite of boring. Local restaurants elevate the humble bird by channeling flavors from diverse countries like Portugal, Jamaica and Pakistan. Some serve whole roasted chickens, while others shred the meat and serve it atop poutine.
5. Burgers
Like most cities, Montreal has great burgers. You cna find them at bars, restaurants and lunch counters. You’ll want to eat several to find your favorite.
Discover more great burgers around the world.
6. Wilensky’s Specials
The Wilensky’s Special is far from a hidden gem. The family-run luncheonette has been grilling ‘all beef salami with all-beef baloney” sandwiches for decades. While the popular sandwich automatically comes with yellow mustard, you can add either Swiss or American cheese if that’s how you roll.
7. Brunch
Montreal has no lack of brunch options that include dim sum and vegan food. However, more than a few Montreal restaurants serve traditional brunch comfort foods like pancakes and omelets when it comes to the best meal of the day.
8. Bistros
The French language isn’t the only thing that’s similar between Montreal and Paris. The other is the bistro concept that thrives in both cities. Expect to eat dishes like Cassoulet, Salade Nicoise and French Onion Soup when you dine at a bistro in either city.
Explore more bistros and other Paris restaurants.
9. Pouding Chomeur
With a name that translates to unemployed man’s pudding, Pouding Chomeur is a decadent dessert made with familiar ingredients (i.e. flour, butter, eggs, sugar, cream and maple syrup) found in a typical Quebec kitchen. You’ll want to savor every bite.
Discover more global desserts.
10. Chocolate
With access to a myriad of purveyors selling chocolate in every form both liquid and solid, Montrealers are never far away from their next chocolate treat. Options include bars to cocoa and everything.
Read Next: The Best Montreal Restauants
Montreal has an exciting restaurant scene where you can eat all of the city’s top foods. Be sure to make reservations before your trip.
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About the Authors
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.