Summary of Montreal’s Culinary Treasures
1. Montreal’s Food Scene: Overview of culinary vibrance.
2. Signature Dishes: Iconic flavors you must try.
3. Late-Night Eats: Best places to satisfy midnight cravings.
4. Specialty Markets: Where to find local ingredients.
In case you haven’t heard, Montreal is gaga over food. The city oozes restaurants, unique culinary traditions, and foodies spoiled by an enviable selection of local produce.
In recent years, TV chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver both chose Montreal to anchor their first Canadian restaurant ventures.
However, they’re not the only ones who’ve caught onto Montreal’s food obsession. Certain dishes have grabbed the international spotlight throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia… even the likes of Paris and New York are trying to replicate flavors and textures hard to come by outside of Canada’s foodie capital.
1. Poutine
For the record, it’s poo-tzin – think Vladimir Putin – NOT poo-teen, a common and entirely forgivable error in pronunciation. Quebec’s preeminent fast food staple is not only taking the international food community by storm; it was recently promoted to the official rank of Canada’s National Dish.
2. Smoked Meat
It’s not pastrami. It’s not corned beef. It’s Montreal smoked meat. Although some claim the local fast food delicacy is an overrated, underspiced pastrami wannabe, others salivate at the mention of a smoky, sweet-meets-salty sandwich stacked with a dozen slices, crafted in that distinctly Montreal way.
3. Bagels
Montreal bagels are glorious, so remarkable that they outshine New York’s. You can easily find two fantastic places just over a block from each other: either choose Fairmount Bagel or head to St. Viateur. Therefore, trying both would be wise!
4. Montreal’s Markets
Montreal boasts exceptional public markets. One of them is even the largest in North America, featuring up to 300 vendors, producers, and farmers gathered in one location during peak season.
5. Maple Syrup
According to the Quebec Federation of Maple Syrup Producers, over two-thirds of the world’s maple syrup is produced right here in Quebec. Consequently, a massive chunk of Quebec’s maple products are enjoyed right here in Montreal.
6. Late-Night Foods
If you’re craving a midnight snack, check out the late night joints. Some establishments remain open past the witching hour, while others operate 24 hours a day.
7. Dragon Beard Candy
Apart from Hong Kong, very few places in the world offer dragon beard candy, a rare and ancient confection. Montreal’s own Johnny Chin introduced this art form to North America back in November 1991, opening his shop in Montreal Chinatown.
8. Late-Night Menus
Think upscale dining in Montreal is out of reach? Think again. Food lovers of all budgets can indulge in high-end dishes—steaks, lobster pasta, and salmon tartare—at a variety of the city’s top establishments offering special late-night menus starting around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.
9. Brunch
If you seek greasy perfection or haute cuisine, Montreal has a plethora of spots where you can enjoy an exquisite brunch experience.
10. Romantic Restaurants
Everyone deserves a bit of romance in their lives, and Montreal offers a wide array of wonderful dining options perfect for date night.
11. Izakayas
The rise of izakayas in Montreal is a relatively new phenomenon. These Japanese-style pubs started opening in the city around 2010. As a result, you will easily find a Montreal locale branding itself as an izakaya.
12. Street Food
With Montreal’s 66-year-old street food ban finally lifted as of June 20, 2013, both locals and visitors can now enjoy superb food trucks around the city. Since then, new regulations have ensured food trucks gather in authorized locations rather than individual spots.
