Must-try Dishes
Breakfast Poutine - Poutine Déjeuner (hearty breakfast) - Crispy fries topped with gravy, cheese curds, and a sunny-side-up egg. Locals love to enjoy this at brunch spots after a late night out.
Fried Pork Meat Pie - Tourtière (savory meat pie) - A flaky pastry filled with seasoned ground pork, typically enjoyed during holidays and celebrations. Family gatherings often have a homemade version, and it's a delightful staple during winter.
Crepe - Crêpe (thin pancake) - Thin, delicate pancakes filled with savory or sweet fillings; the classic is ham and cheese. Going to a crêperie for lunch with friends is a common way to savor the local flavor.
Montreal-Style Bagel - Bagel de Montréal (chewy bagel) - These small, boiled bagels baked in a wood-fired oven are denser and sweeter than New York bagels. They're often enjoyed plain or with cream cheese as a quick street snack.
Beef and Veal Ragoût - Ragoût de Boeuf et Veau (hearty stew) - A rich stew made with tender beef and veal, slow-cooked with potatoes and spices. It's commonly served at family dinners, particularly on chilly nights, for its comforting qualities.
Maple-Glazed Salmon - Saumon Glacé à l'Érable (flavored fish) - Salmon fillet brushed with a sweet maple syrup glaze and grilled until perfectly caramelized. This seasonal dish is typically sought after in the spring when the maple syrup is fresh.
Pork and Beans - Porc et Haricots (savory casserole) - Heartwarming dish of beans cooked in a savory sauce with pork, often served on weekends. Many families enjoy this as a comforting dinner, especially on cold days, sharing stories around the table.
Desserts & Drinks
Hot Chocolate - Chocolat chaud (rich cocoa drink) - A thick, indulgent drink made with high-quality dark chocolate melted into warm milk, often topped with whipped cream. Locals love to sip this cozy treat during chilly winter strolls, especially around the festive holiday markets.
Ice Cider - Cidre de glace (sweet dessert wine) - A delectable dessert wine crafted from apples that are frozen on the tree, resulting in a rich, syrupy flavor. Commonly enjoyed in the fall and winter, this sweet delight often pairs perfectly with cheese during gatherings (and it’s best savored in small sips).
Tarte au Sucre - Sugar Pie (sweet pastry) - A delightful pie filled with a smooth blend of brown sugar, cream, and maple syrup, resulting in a gooey, sweet filling. Traditionally served during family gatherings, particularly in the spring during Maple Season when the sap is flowing, it's comfort food at its finest!
Pouding Chômeur - Poor Man's Pudding (cake dessert) - A warm cake made with basic ingredients, baked under a rich caramel sauce that creates a gooey base. Often enjoyed at family dinners or community potlucks (and if you’re lucky, you might snag a recipe passed down through generations).
Maple Taffy - Tire d’érable (soft candy) - Maple syrup heated and poured over snow, creating a sweet, chewy treat as it cools. This nostalgic favorite is usually made at sugar shacks during the spring maple sugaring season (locals gather to watch it being prepared and enjoy it immediately).
By the way, if you're venturing out for these delights, try to grab them in the colder months for the most authentic experience!
