Top 5: Foods to Try in Montreal

Montreal is a foodie mecca in Canada, but some delicious delicacies are better than others. You’ll want to try these five before you leave the city.

Poutine

Obviously poutine is a must-have anytime you visit Canada. The cheesy, gooey, gravy-laden concoction is the perfect remedy after a night on the town, but that doesn’t mean you need an extra reason to try this greasy, rib-sticking dish. Everyone has an opinion on where to get it, but you can easily find one of two Montreal locations of Poutineville, where you can try more than a dozen varieties, all with a little extra added touch, like red wine gravy, filet mignon or blue cheese.

Bagels

You may not believe anything is better than a New York bagel, but you will after you’ve had one in Montreal. Smaller with a better texture, get them fresh at one of the two better known bakeries, St-Viateur or Fairmount.

Smoked Meat

It’s not pastrami, but that’s probably the closest thing to it. The flavor and spices are a bit different, though it’s also served on rye. You can get a traditional sandwich just about anywhere, but many prefer Schwartz’s.

Beaver Tails

So what exactly is a beaver tail? Think of a stretched piece of pastry dough, fried and then topped with your choice of amazing spreads and candy. Some of the most popular toppings include Nutella, cinnamon sugar and whipped cream. BeaverTails Pastry says it uses 33.5 tons of the chocolate hazelnut spread each year, or the equivalent of 67 moose and 11 beavers.

Montreal Hot Dog

Every city has its own version of the hot dog and every city thinks theirs is the best. In Montreal, they come steamed with mustard, chopped onion and coleslaw or cabbage. Ketchup and relish are not acceptable. One famous spot to find a traditional dog is the Montreal Pool Room, a local hole in the wall.