What to eat in Montreal? Our selection of 10 Montreal specialties

Travelers tend to draw hasty conclusions about Quebec gastronomy. Let's clarify the situation: no, locals don't live on love, poutine and maple syrup alone. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that there's no smoke without fire. These two specialties hold a central place in local gastronomy. That's no reason to reduce it to just that. To be sure and not miss any of Montreal's best dishes, dive into our selection without delay!

1. Canadian brunch

Here's a great opportunity to taste Montreal's typical gastronomy. Canadian brunch is the Sunday gathering to reunite with loved ones around a table full of delicacies. Inspired by English brunch, Canadian brunch consists of sausages, bacon, baked beans, eggs and toasted bread. To soften the meat and salty condiments, you'll also find fresh fruits and a sweet treat or two. Among them, waffles, pancakes with maple syrup or a slice of cake will do nicely. You can imagine that with such a spread, you'll end the weekend in style.

2. Bagels

In Montreal, you can joke about everything, but not about a bagel! According to the city's institutional bakeries, recognized for their exceptional product quality and delicious varieties. Preparation-wise, bagels are hand-shaped for a proper realization of their central "hole". When the dough is shaped, the bagels are boiled in honey water before going into the oven. While they're absolutely delicious to eat plain, we recommend them as sandwiches for a more complete meal. Why not with cream cheese, salmon and fresh vegetables?

3. Poutine

Here's Canada's emblematic dish par excellence! Montreal is definitely the ideal destination to taste it. This Quebec specialty takes the form of a plate of fries covered with a thick layer of brown sauce. This is made from chicken and beef broth. As if that wasn't enough, everything is then sprinkled with cheese throughout. A good poutine at the end of the day will satisfy you properly to fall into a deep sleep.

4. Smoked meat

To satisfy a meat craving, the smoked meat sandwich is exactly what you need. Seeing the rye bread generously filled with meat slices will quickly make your mouth water! According to your tastes, you can choose between beef, pork, turkey or lamb. During the preparation process, the meat is dried in a salty brine, then rubbed with spices and aromatics. Garlic, coriander and pepper will do very well. The slow and fragrant cooking of smoking preserves the meat's intensity while giving it a firm and juicy texture. This sandwich will be the perfect grab-and-go lunch.

5. Hot dog

Your culinary exploration will lead you to the same conclusion: the New York influence is palpable in Montreal! At least, gustatorily speaking, there's no doubt about it. Now you know, locals are lovers of soft bread and charcuterie. So it's quite naturally that they made the hot dog one of their culinary specialties. As a result, street stands abound everywhere in Montreal. From street food to high-end versions, everyone offers their own version.

6. Beaver tail

No adorable rodent will be harmed in the preparation of this delicacy: cross our hearts! This takes the form of dough stretched into the shape of a beaver tail, hence its unusual name. The dough is fried then spread with different condiments. Depending on your current cravings, opt for fresh fruits, chocolate, cinnamon or simply sugar. In Montreal, some sweet spots are entirely dedicated to this confection... To test urgently, obviously.

7. Roti

Enriched by several waves of immigration – notably from France and the Caribbean – Montreal's culinary specialties are now a perfect reflection of world flavors. One of the favorite dishes of this cultural mix is roti. Don't be mistaken, it's a flatbread, prepared very simply and served to accompany various curries or stews. This galette comes to sauce hot dishes based on shrimp, chicken or goat. To taste it, go to most Caribbean restaurants.

8. Maple taffy

You won't taste a better lollipop in Montreal! This confection will comfort sweet tooths during a cold day. Its name refers to the preparation method of the lollipops. The still-warm maple syrup is spread on sticks directly on the snow. The lollipop is ready to be enjoyed when the syrup cools and becomes soft. You'll enjoy them in traditional sugar shacks around Montreal.

9. Unemployed pudding

Here's a gourmet, simple and effective dessert. Its name will let you guess its popular origins. It's an old cake soaked in maple syrup. For tasting, this soft cake will be served at room temperature, accompanied by ice cream and an additional drop of maple syrup!

10. Maple syrup

Visiting Montreal without tasting maple syrup is sacrilege! Maple syrup is Quebec's liquid gold, as well as a basic component of Montreal cuisine. Moreover, the region alone produces more than 80% of the world's maple syrup production. The divinely fragrant syrup is prepared from maple sap. The inimitable aroma is welcome in countless local specialties. In pastries, savory dishes or simply to sweeten coffee... You can't miss it.