The Best Poutines in Montreal: Where to go?
Are Montreal poutines really gastronomic dishes? When it comes to Quebec gastronomy, gastronomy being also a term associated with “what we eat”, we can’t overlook poutine. Increasingly famous abroad, poutine is still snubbed by many of our compatriots. Yet it can be so comforting. How many restaurants do you know that are overflowing at 4 a.m. with such a unique little specialty?
The book Maudite Poutine, published by Héliotrope, states that “Quebec gastronomy is a real lumberjack cuisine, not recommended for dieters”. Indeed, perhaps that’s one of the reasons why Quebecers are so jovial; we’re bon vivants, and it shows in our cooking. And to get through the torpor and rigours of our winters, we do need these delights for the body and soul, not for the diet.
The origins of poutine are controversial. What is certain is that the traditional Quebec dish first appeared in the late 1950s in central Quebec (where many Quebec cheesemakers specialized in cheddar curds).
Poutine essentials:
- Cheese curds
- Gravy
- French fries
- Any other ingredient you like (some get creative and add meat, vegetables and other ingredients, like Martin Picard’s foie gras at Pied de Cochon).
SPECIAL MENTION
Chez Ma Tante Patates Frites: to satisfy your craving for a classic poutine!
Here are Montreal’s best poutines:
