Local Fast-Food Specialties

I don't know about you, but when I visit another city, I like to see what kind of unique comfort foods can be found there. This is not the healthy section of the book, but it is quite delicious.

Hot-Dogs Steamés (Steamies)

Montréal hot-dogs are steamed and typically ordered all-dressed: topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, and fresh coleslaw. A lot of places also serve toasted hot-dogs. I'm more of a steamés guy myself.

steamies.png Typical order would be "Deux steamés all-dressed avec une grande frite".

Montréal French Fries

The fries you get in Montréal fast food joints are usually hand-cut then double fried, giving them their signature golden-brown color and sweetness. They're the go-to side. You can enjoy them with ketchup, mayo, vinegar, or just salt. They're the prime ingredient for a Québecois specialty you might have heard of...

Poutine

French fries, gravy and fresh cheese curds. Deceptively simple, but oh so good! There's tons of variations and extra stuff you can get on top, depending on where you go.

The correct way to pronounce it is [poo-T'SIN], and not [POO-teen].

Galvaude: topped with shredded chicken and green peas
Italian: the gravy is replaced with a tomato-based meat sauce
Beef and Onions: with ground beef and fried onions. One of my favorites!

What makes a good poutine?

The fries are really the star of the show in a poutine. The best poutines feature Montréal-style fries. However, you can sub for other kinds of fries and it will still be considered a poutine. I've had an incredible poutine that replaced the standard fries by smashed, fried potatoes. Top notch.

The gravy should be a nice shade of dark brown and not too runny. Clings to the fries but still find its way down to the plate. As long as it's made in-house, it'll probably be ok. No subbing for turkey gravy or anything like that.

The cheese has to be fresh cheese curds. It shouldn't completely melt into a puddle and should "squeak" when you bite into it. It's ok to add a different cheese on top, or even order your poutine "au gratin". If you replace the cheese curds by another cheese then that's not really a poutine anymore. That's the main deal breaker.

Where can I eat a great poutine?

Here's a few of my favorite spots to grab one:

Special mentions

If you like trying out unique McDonald's menu items around the world, know that in Montréal they serve poutine. It exists. It's not great. Please, if you go for that one, don't let it be the only poutine you try while you're here. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Au Pied de Cochon has a foie gras poutine that's definitely worth trying!

Smoked Meat

The Montréal smoked meat is the local ode to brisket. It's a bit like the New York pastrami, but not quite. Smoked meat is cut thicker, is darker and has its own unique flavor. Served stacked high on rye bread with yellow mustard. You can order it lean, medium or fat. Medium is best. Get a pickle, french fries, coleslaw and a cherry cola on the side for the full experience. Smoked meat also shines when served in a bagel, on top of a poutine, or in a sub.

Where NYC has Katz's Delicatessen, MTL has Schwartz's Deli. There's often a queue outside. Once inside, you'll find it is somewhat cramped and very "lived-in", but charming in it's own way. It's one of the best places to get a smoked meat sandwich. The Montréal Steak Spice blend? Turns out its origins trace back to Schwartz's!

You're not limited to one spot if you want to get your fix: