Poutine is a versatile and popular dish originating from Montreal
You can't leave Montreal without trying Bagels
Schwart'z smoked meat has a cult following
This weird-yet-wonderful concoction is a must-try
Exploring the heart of Montreal's famous food culture
Montreal's diverse culture and French influences have given birth to unique dishes that will captivate your imagination and make you drool. These recipes have been passed down over the years, yet they haven't lost their true essence. Fresh local produce, an expanding network of food trucks and pioneering restaurants are the major contributors to Montreal's food culture.
Poutine
Poutine can definitely be considered Montreal's signature food, evident through its popularity amongst locals and tourists.
The traditional version of Poutine - hand cut fries, gravy and cheese curds - is available at numerous food trucks and restaurants across Montreal. For a more gourmet experience - try the several re - imagined takes on Poutine, which use toppings like smoked meat and Foie Gras. Visit Au Pied de Cochon to try a vast variety of Poutine.
Bagels
Montreal prides itself on having the world's best bagels, which are apparently more delicious than their New York counterparts. The Montreal-style bagel is hand-rolled, blanched in honey water and then wood-fired in front of the patrons.
When visiting Montreal, make sure you visit St. Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel, the two most renowned and authentic Bagel shops in the city. Both these sacrosanct eateries run 24-hour operations.
Smoked Meat
Smoked Meat is synonymous with Montreal's food scene; they put it in their sandwiches, on their Poutine and even on pizzas and spaghetti. Any local citizen will say that a smoked meat sandwich is not just a sandwich - it's a work of art between two slices of rye with a smear of yellow mustard, perfected over 80 years.
There is a plethora of delis in the city offering smoked meat sandwich. But, the one that has gone down in history through books, documentaries and musicals is Schwartz's smoked meat. The restaurant's widespread fame is evident by the long line of customers waiting to dig into this local delicacy.
Gibeau Orange Julep
Although this is a drink and not a food item, Orange Julep features high up in Montreal's food culture. Lore has it that a man with a vision opened this orange colored Hermas Gibeau, an eatery featuring waitresses on roller-skates and the most famous beverage in Montreal - Orange Julep.
Although the recipe is a family secret, it is believed that one of the few ingredients is freshly squeezed Sunkist oranges. Packed with Vitamin C, this sugary milkshake-like beverage is the perfect companion on a warm sunny day in Montreal.
Arabic Cuisine
You might wonder, "Why should I try Arabic food in a Canadian city?" The answer is - Shish Tawouk and Couscous. These items are staple fast - food fare and are ubiquitous in the city. Being the world's second largest Francophone city, there are many French-speaking immigrants of Arab origin, who have brought their delectable delicacies along with them.
Shish Tawouk is available at small roadside shops all over the city, however, make sure you specify that you want Shish Tawouk and not Shawarma as both have similar ingredients yet are completely different in taste. "Couscouseries" have also sprung up in the Plateau Mont-Royal area, offering Moroccan, Tunisian and Algerian specialties.
Travelling Safely
Travelling to a distant foreign country poses many risks to you and your family. Although Montreal is a beautiful city with scrumptious food, there is always the risk of falling ill. Therefore, make sure you carry any medicines that you might require. Carry warm clothing to prevent catching a cold and avoid a visit to the doctor. In addition, unpredictable accidents and losing your stuff are also a common danger of travelling.
Therefore, it is advisable to purchase comprehensive travel insurance as it covers you for cashless hospitalization, trip delays and cancellations, lost possessions and many other common travel mishaps. Click here in order to get details on travel insurance plans for you and your family.