Welcome to our article discussing the classic Montreal food must-try’s. When visiting or living in Montreal, the sheer number of dining options can be overwhelming—especially with nearly 5,000 restaurants to choose from. To put it in perspective, if you tried three different restaurants every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it would take over four years to sample them all. You’d end up very full—and very broke! With such a vast array of cuisines, we could write pages about where to eat. Instead, let’s focus on the dishes Montreal is famous for and the best spots to find them.

1. Poutine

• When visiting Montreal, you can’t avoid poutine. This iconic Quebec dish consists of crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. What more could you want! Lots of poutine places even offer variations which can include toppings like smoked meat, pulled pork, or foie gras if you want to spice things up.
  
• Where to Try: La Banquise is highly rated on Google Maps, with over 17k reviews and a 4.4 average rating. It’s open 24 hours and serves beer, making it a popular spot. Chez Claudette is another classic option. For something with a twist, try Ma Poule Mouillée, known for its long lines and Portuguese take on poutine.

2. Montreal-Style Bagels

• Smaller, denser, and sweeter than New York bagels, Montreal-style bagels are boiled in honey-sweetened water and baked in wood-fired ovens. These bagels are a symbol of the city’s Jewish culinary heritage and are a must when in Montreal!
  
• Where to Try: The original St-Viateur Bagel is located in the Jewish quarter and is open 24 hours, and also has multiple locations in and around Montreal where you can turn your visit into a sit-down lunch. Fairmount Bagel is another iconic bakery. Both are essential stops for any bagel lover.

3. Montreal Smoked Meat

• This deli staple serves smoked brisket, typically served on rye bread with mustard. The meat is cured and smoked, creating a unique flavour that’s been a Montreal tradition since the 1920s.
  
• Where to Try: Schwartz’s Deli is the most famous spot, known for its long lines. Located in Le Plateau, it’s worth the wait, but if you’re in a rush, the takeout line is quicker. If you don’t fancy the long wait, Reuben’s Deli is also a great choice.

4. Tourtière

• Tourtière is a traditional Quebecois meat pie usually filled with minced pork, beef, or game, and seasoned with spices. It is a hearty dish often served at holidays to be shared amongst family and friends.
  
• Where to Try: La Binerie Mont-Royal, a restaurant specialising in Quebecois cuisine, offers a classic version of this home comfort dish.

5. Maple Syrup

• Again, when thinking of Montreal – maple syrup always comes to mind. This makes sense as Quebec is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup. It’s a staple in many local dishes, from pancakes and desserts, to even several savoury dishes. Maple syrup makes everything better!
  
• Where to Try: Visit a Cabane à Sucre (sugar shack) for a traditional experience of tasting frozen maple syrup, or try maple-infused treats at Délices Érable & Cie.

6. Tarte au Sucre (Sugar Pie)

• Tarte au sucre is a rich dessert pie made with a filling of brown sugar, butter, and cream. This is a classic Montreal food must-try for those with a sweet-tooth.
  
• Where to Try: Pâtisserie Rhubarbe and La Binerie Mont-Royal.

7. Crisp-Fried Chicken Schnitzel on Challah

• A modern Montreal twist on a classic, this dish features crisp-fried chicken schnitzel served with mayo, pickles, and lettuce on challah bread.
  
• Where to Try: Arthur’s Montreal, a Jewish diner located in the South-West, is renowned for its delicious take on this dish.

8. Pouding Chômeur

• Pouding Chômeur is a traditional Quebecois dessert created at the beginning of the Great Depression in Quebec. This “unemployed man’s pudding” is a cake with a top layer of caramel or maple syrup. It’s a simple yet undeniably delicious treat, and is a classic Montreal food must-try.
  
• Where to Try: Restaurants specializing in Quebecois cuisine, such as La Binerie Mont-Royal, often feature this dessert.

9. Pâté Chinois

• Often described as Quebec’s version of shepherd’s pie, it’s made with layers of seasoned ground beef, corn, and mashed potatoes. This is the perfect dish to try on a rainy autumn day to remind you of home.
  
• Where to Try: Café Cherrier and Le Valois serve excellent versions.

10. Montreal-Style Hot Dogs (Steamies)

• A steamed hot dog typically topped with mustard, onion, and coleslaw, sometimes with a toasted bun.
  
• Where to Try: Lafleur or La Belle Province are local favourites.

There we have it! Now you know the classic Montreal food must-try’s, you’re ready to truly experience the city’s rich culinary scene and taste the best of the best in the traditional Quebecois cuisine. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to tick these dishes off your list! Don’t forget to read more about life in Montreal on our blog!