What Food To Try in Montreal and Food Prices

Montreal-style Bagel - Bagel de Montréal (chewy and dense) - These boiled and baked bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than their New York counterpart, often topped with sesame or poppy seeds. Locals typically enjoy them fresh from the wood-fired oven, ideally around brunch time on a weekend.

Poutine - Poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds) - A heaping plate of fries topped with rich brown gravy and squeaky cheese curds, sometimes with extras like pulled pork or mushrooms. This hearty dish is best savored late at night after a night out, often from a local diner or a food stall.

Boeuf Bourguignon - Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stew) - This slow-cooked beef stew features tender chunks of meat in a red wine sauce with carrots and onions. Typically enjoyed for dinner, it’s a warm and comforting dish that reflects the city’s French culinary roots.

Tourtière - Tourtière (meat pie) - A spiced meat pie traditionally made with minced pork, often seasoned with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, encased in a flaky crust. During the holidays, families gather to enjoy this dish, and it often sparks debates over family recipes.

Smoked Meat Sandwich - Sandwich de viande fumée (smoked brisket) - Thick slices of seasoned, smoked brisket served on rye bread with a smear of mustard, often paired with pickles. It's a lunchtime classic, and I learned the hard way that asking for "just a little" mustard means you’ll still get a generous serving.

Cretons - Cretons (meat spread) - A spread made from pork, spices, and onions, typically enjoyed on toast for breakfast. You’ll find it served in homes and cafés, particularly during the colder months, as it’s a great way to start the day with a hearty meal.

Fèves au lard - Boston Baked Beans (baked beans) - These sweet and savory baked beans, often featuring a smoky flavor from the addition of pork, are a comforting side dish or main attraction. They’re commonly served at family gatherings, especially in winter, warming everyone up during chilly nights.

Gâteau aux Carottes - Carrot Cake (moist cake) - Though a dessert by definition, this moist carrot cake made with warming spices often appears at celebrations, delighting both locals and visitors with its tender texture and cream cheese frosting. Just don’t be surprised if someone tries to convince you it’s healthy because it has vegetables in it!

Hot Chocolate - Chocolat Chaud (rich hot beverage) - A thick, creamy blend of dark chocolate and milk, often served with whipped cream on top. It’s a favorite during the colder months, particularly after a long walk in the snow with friends.

Cider - Cidre (fermented apple drink) - A sweet or dry fermented beverage made from local apples, often sparkling. Many locals enjoy it during fall harvest festivals, where it's commonly paired with charcuterie boards – it's a real taste of Quebec!

Ice Cream - Créme Glacée (frozen dessert) - This artisanal ice cream is made with locally-sourced dairy and unique flavors like maple walnut and blueberry lavender. Perfect on a hot summer day at the park, it often draws lines at local stands but is worth the wait, especially when you can enjoy it under the sun.

Pouding Chômeur - Pouding Chômeur (dessert with custard and cake) - A decadent combination of yellow cake smothered in rich maple syrup custard and baked until golden. Traditionally enjoyed on special occasions or rainy Sundays, this dish embodies comfort and is often made during gatherings.

BeaverTails - Queues de Castor (fried dough pastry) - These are deep-fried pastries shaped like a beaver's tail, typically topped with cinnamon and sugar or Nutella. Popular during festivals, they're a must-have while strolling down bustling streets, and the best ones are always served fresh and warm.

By the way, don’t forget to ask for a maple syrup drizzle on your BeaverTail if you really want to embrace the local flavor!