With a prominent French influence, it’s no surprise Montreal, the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec, has a vibrant food and beverage scene. From fresh markets serving smoked meats and artisan cheeses to the city’s iconic bagel and beyond, foodies will find themselves right at home when they visit this island metropolis. And while it would be impossible to sample all of Montreal’s delicious eats in one go, we’ve rounded up five foods travelers will want to be sure to add to their list when visiting the Paris of North America.
Montreal-Style Bagel
Perhaps the region’s most notable food item, Montreal is famous for its bagels, the likes of which are made from a mixture of malt and egg before being boiled in honey-sweetened water ahead of baking. Denser than their bread-y counterparts, Montreal-style bagels are made without salt and are typically topped with sesame or poppy seeds, giving them a unique flavor that pairs excellently with various cream cheese spreads and toppings. Ask any local and they’re likely to name either Fairmount Bagel or St. Viateur Bagel Shop as home of the city’s best bagel.
Poutine
A Canadian classic, no trip to The Great White North is complete without sampling poutine, an intriguing mashup of French fries, cheese curds and salty brown gravy. The dish is served hot and the cheese curds better be squeaky (if you know, you know). For locals, poutine is an after-bar treat, apparently eating it while buzzed is a transcendental experience, and travelers won’t want to miss their chance to try the divisive, yet beloved creation while visiting Montreal.
Charcuterie
A result of the city’s French roots, the simple combination of cured meat and gourmet cheese is more than just a snack for a Montrealer, it’s a perfectly acceptable meal. Places like Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market have a nice selection of fine cheeses and meats for visitors to peruse, while local shops and delis like Le Beau Marché (one of the highest-rated in the city), La Vieille Europe and Aliments Viens have no shortage of mouthwatering options to choose from.
Maple Syrup
As one of Quebec’s largest exports, accounting for 72% of the world’s maple syrup, according to Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, it’s no surprise maple syrup is a prominent ingredient found throughout Montreal. From acting as a can’t-miss topping on sweet dishes like crepes and pancakes to a delightful accompaniment to savory fare like glazed meats, slow-cooked baked beans and even egg dishes, Canadians are known to add a touch of maple syrup to seemingly everything. La Diperie in Montreal’s Old Town is a tasty stop for maple syrup ice cream (so good), while nearby Sucrerie de Courval, or the “Sugar Shack,” serves up maple syrup-flavored popcorn, cookies, spreads and more. Of course, those wanting to bring a taste of Montreal home, and keep the all-natural sugar rush going, can opt to purchase a bottle or two of pure Canadian maple syrup for themselves. Truly a souvenir that keeps on giving.
Greek Food
Did you know Montreal has one of the largest Greek populations in North America? As of 2021, the census reported the city was home to 262,000+ Greek Canadians, and the population has only continued to boom, resulting in no shortage of incredible Greek restaurants for epicureans to enjoy. While I unfortunately didn’t have time to try many Greek spots during my whirlwind 72-hour adventure in Montreal earlier this year, I did visit Taverne Grecque Máti as part of a food tour and was blown away by the flavor and vibrancy of the Greek salad and hummus we were offered.
Bonus ‘Food’: Coffee
Java lovers will feel right at home in the Paris of North America as coffee is not simply a drink to be enjoyed for a quick boost of energy, but rather a way of life. Known for its vibrant cafe culture, in Montreal, coffee shops seemingly dot every corner, making the beloved bean-based beverage easy to find wherever travelers might find themselves. A few standout spots for a memorable cup of Joe are Crew Collective and Cafe Olimpico where visitors can sip lattes from the comfort of a refurbished 100-year-old bank and enjoy authentic Italian pastries and caffeinated creations, respectively.
Those who find themselves with only a few hours to explore might consider joining a food tour to maximize their time spent eating. Local Food Tours’ “Old Montreal Food Tour” is a great option as it takes attendees through one of the most coveted parts of the city, doubling as a history and sightseeing tour, while simultaneously allowing travelers to indulge in some of Montreal’s best fare.
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