In this post, we list some of the most legendary dishes and foods in three big tourist destinations in Canada – Quebec, Montreal, and Toronto. Those interested in culinary tourism should start their journey from these places and then slowly explore more local and provincially specific foods. This post will be useful for any traveler in Canada looking for some new interesting culinary experiences.
The Best Dishes in Quebec
Although rooted initially in French cuisine, Quebec’s culinary background has been influenced by the diverse groups of immigrants who have settled in the province. Many dishes are a reminder of the difficult early settlement years, while others are firmly embedded in cultural customs. Consequently, Quebec with its rich cultural and historical background is becoming known as a destination for food enthusiasts with numerous must-try dishes.
Poutine
Quebec’s iconic dish is poutine, made with French fries, cheese curds, and a flavorful brown gravy. Legend has it that in 1957 in the town of Warwick, poutine was created after a customer asked for French fries and cheese curds cooked and served together. When he examined the dish, he labeled it as “poutine”, which is Quebecois slang for “mess”.
Today, poutine can be found at food trucks on city streets and highways, as well as in restaurants. Sometimes, you may come across variable toppings, some rather creative. For a true immersion in the taste of poutine, plan your visit to coincide with Poutine Week in February, held throughout Quebec.
Crêpes
Crêpes, thin pancakes resembling paper, have been popular in France and Belgium for a long time. They came to Quebec with French immigrants, but in Canada, they are usually a bit thicker than in Europe. Traditional Quebecois crêpes are made with milk, flour, and eggs, and can be used for sweet and savory dishes alike.
Tire Sur la Neige
Tire sur la neige is a confection made by drizzling hot maple sap over fresh snow to create a soft candy that should be immediately eaten. Many shacks across Montérégie and Laurentians offer this candy and all tourists interested in culinary adventures should try it out. We also recommend visiting sugar houses to learn more about the process of maple syrup making, moreover, many sugar houses feature eateries not only with candy but also with some classic Quebecois cuisine.
Tourtière
Tourtière, a classic meat pie, is a well-known dish in Quebec City and people usually cook it around Christmas and New Year. Typically, these pies contain minced pork, veal, or beef and potatoes, but occasionally wild game is also added. In the coastal areas, tourtière can be served with salmon. It is believed that this type of pie was invented when Quebec was a French settlement.
Signature Montreal Foods
Montreal is famous for its culinary scene featuring some iconic dishes such as smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, and poutine. The area was heavily impacted by Haitian and Portuguese cultures and you can notice this influence in the food that is popular in Montreal.
Babka
There are many shops with Jewish desserts in Montreal. Tourists can check out black and white cookies, creese crowns, and various cakes. However, the babka is one of the best one can get. This is a signature item in many popular kosher bakeries. The babka is a dessert made of layers of sweet dough and chocolate.
Bagel
Bagels are insanely popular in Montreal and even despite the fact that each bakery faces fierce competition, it seems that the demand for bagels only grows.
Bagels in Montreal are thinner, thinner, and less bready than some may expect, compared to other bagels in general. And yet this is the most popular food in the city, served with different add-ons. You can eat them in a cafe, conveniently on the go, when working or having fun like playing at the best online casinos.
Poutine
Poutine is typical for Canada so why not try it in every city? Poutine with gravy, fries, and cheese curds can be found all over the city and most people have their own, declared, version of it. Poutine is a true symbol of Montreal, competing with Quebec, and has been “officially” served in some of the best snack bars in Montreal since the 1980s.
Must-Try in Toronto
Toronto is known for its rich cultural diversity and therefore provides a food scene that mirrors its residents’ tastes. There is a wide range of options to choose from, from more affordable fast foods to fine eats, from Caribbean dishes to traditional Canadian favorites, and so on.
Jerk Chicken
This is one of those dishes brought to Toronto by the Caribbean population. Jerk chicken is marinated in a mix of spices and then slowly cooked. It is served with rice and peas and it is one of the true favorites for both locals and the guests of the city.
Bagels
Toronto’s bagel industry is highly competitive, which is justified. Bagels made in Toronto are famous for being soft and light and this makes a nice difference compared to the usual recipe of a heavier bagel. You can choose to eat the plain or with different spreads but the undeniable quality and taste offer an obvious reason why bagels remain a popular choice in the city for many years.
