Oh, I’m so excited to talk about this topic! As a foodie and a lover of all things Montreal, let me tell you the top 10 must-try dishes in Montreal’s culinary scene that will make your taste buds sing with joy:
- Poutine: This iconic Quebec dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Montreal. Made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
- Bagels: Montreal-style bagels are world-renowned for their distinctive sweet and chewy texture. They’re typically smaller and denser than their New York-style counterparts and are often boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked.
- Smoked meat sandwich: Another iconic Montreal dish, the smoked meat sandwich is a carnivore’s dream come true. Made with tender, juicy brisket that’s been brined and smoked for hours, it’s typically served on rye bread with mustard.
- Tourtière: This classic French-Canadian meat pie is a must-try for anyone looking to sample traditional Quebec cuisine. It’s typically made with ground pork or beef, potatoes, and spices, and is often served with ketchup or chutney.
- Montreal-style pizza: This unique style of pizza features a thin, crispy crust and is typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers.
- Lobster roll: While not traditionally associated with Montreal cuisine, the lobster roll has become a popular dish in many of the city’s seafood restaurants. Made with succulent chunks of fresh lobster, it’s typically served on a buttered and toasted bun.
- Maple taffy: If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss this quintessential Quebec treat. Made by pouring hot maple syrup onto fresh snow, it’s then rolled onto a stick to create a sweet, chewy candy.
- Bagel breakfast sandwich: This hearty breakfast dish features a Montreal-style bagel filled with eggs, cheese, and a variety of toppings, such as bacon, sausage, or avocado.
- Raclette: This indulgent dish features melted cheese that’s scraped onto a plate and served with a variety of accompaniments, such as potatoes, charcuterie, and pickles.
- Sugar pie: Another classic Quebec dessert, sugar pie is a rich and decadent treat made with brown sugar, butter, and cream, all baked in a flaky pie crust. It’s the perfect way to end any meal in Montreal!