The essence of a city can be discovered through it’s food and there can be no better proponent of the same other than the city of Montreal in Canada. With a strong Jewish, French and other European cultures influencing the culinary history of Montreal, the Gastronomy scene has plenty to thrill your taste buds with flavours from all around the world.
Being a dominant immigrant city, Montreal has seen the influx of a large group of people resulting in a bustling metropolis teeming with flavors from different regions and periods from all over the world. Today the two strongest influence on the cuisine of Montreal comes from the immigrant ethnic groups of France and Ireland along with Canadian aboriginals. After looking at flights to Montreal, we decided to take a culinary trip down to this iconic city to discover some food, drink, and history along the way.
Poutine
Poutine is arguably the most iconic dish that Canada has offered to the world. It’s considered a sin to not have eaten Poutine on your visit to Canada, especially Montreal. Well, again it would be a cardinal sin to call Poutine as just ‘French Fries’. As the Montrealers put it “If your fries are not dunked in greasy cheese curds and brown gravy you are not eating it right mate!”
Although the locals will never unravel the spots to find the best Poutine in town but somehow it’s an open secret to find it in La Banquise and Chez Claudette. It’s completely upon you to either labour your way to La Banquise and stand in a long queue or simply go for a fine dine at Chez Claudette.
Smoked Meat
Schwartz Deli has been serving their smoked meat sandwiches since 1920’s. Considered to be a true Montreal landmark, Schwartz’s smoked meat has welcomed visitors and celebrities from all around the world. Not just their smoked meat but the history of this iconic place makes it all the more special. Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania who moved to Montreal in the early 19th century established this deli at the Hebrew street for his fellow laborers and refugees. Till date, this deli has been standing on the very same landmark serving the original smoked meat recipe using his secret spices marinated for 10 days.
Montreal Bagels
What makes Montreal Bagels distinctive in taste and texture? Unlike American Bagels, these are handmade and wood-fired baked and are sweeter in taste. Montreal Bagels are smaller, thinner, and much more denser in comparison to NY bagels. Available in two predominant variety with black poppy seed and sesame seed and are made using honey, malt and eggs. Pair it with pulled pork or smokey meat, Montreal Bagels are must-haves. Do not miss visiting the Original Fairmont Bagel Factory running 24/7 churning out around 10000 bagels every single day since 1949.
Sandwich
Montrealers love their beef. Beef salami, Beef Bologna, or bolognese. The one place which every Canadian will swear by is Lunch at Wilensky. Originally opened as a barbershop to cigar shop, and eventually ending up as a lunch counter at a book store. This place has been selling ‘the Special’, world’s best sandwich featuring 100% beef salami, bologna spread pressed in a sweet egg English muffin roll with a generous amount of cheese and mustard. Since 1932, this little foodie counter has been serving quick lunch bites to people from all around the world.
Montreal Pastry and Maple Syrup
A visit to Montreal or rather anywhere in Canada is not complete without experiencing the magic of maple syrup. It was quite interesting to know that maple syrup is found in three different types Golden, Amber, and Dark. And when you get to taste the golden maple syrup on a buttery, flaky and crispy pastry, it makes your visit to NA worthwhile. Simple and yet so delicious. Countless places in Montreal where you’ll find mille-feuilles, croissants, pies, or any other flaky pastries dunked in gooey maple syrup served as desserts. A predominant french influence, this home-style dessert is a hit any time of the day.
So, there you go the list of all our favourite dishes from Montreal. Hope you like them and let us know about your favourite ones in the comments below.
