Canadians’ love for poutine runs deep and is rooted in a blend of cultural, culinary, and regional factors.
Poutine is often regarded as a quintessential Canadian dish, embodying the country’s multicultural identity. Its origins can be traced back to Quebec in the late 1950s, where it originally emerged as a simple, comforting meal consisting of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
While poutine originated in Quebec, its popularity has spread across the country, leading to a variety of regional variations. From classic renditions to creative twists featuring toppings like pulled pork, bacon, or even lobster, each province and region puts its own spin on this beloved dish. This diversity allows Canadians to experience poutine in different ways, further contributing to the widespread appeal and cultural significance of this comfort food.
Below is our list of the top 7 poutineries in Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto and Vancouver.
La Banquise (Montreal)
La Banquise offers an extensive menu featuring a wide array of poutine variations, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From classic poutines with traditional toppings like smoked meat or bacon to more adventurous options such as “T-Rex” with ground beef, pepperoni, and hot dog slices, there’s something for everyone. This variety allows customers to explore different flavor combinations and find their perfect poutine.
Poutineville (Montreal, Quebec City)
One of the main draws of Poutineville is its emphasis on customization. Unlike traditional poutineries that offer a fixed menu, Poutineville allows customers to build their own poutine from a wide selection of bases, toppings, cheeses, sauces, and proteins. This level of customization empowers customers to tailor their poutine exactly to their liking, whether they prefer classic combinations or more adventurous flavor profiles.
Ashton (Quebec City)
Serving poutine in Quebec City since 1972, this poutine chain originated as a single food truck that grew to include 23 fast food restaurants all across town. Apart of being widely accessible, Ashton’s classic poutine still tastes the same as it did back in 1972, or at least that’s what oldtimers say, while new offerings like the “Roast Beef Bacon Chipotle” poutine keep things fresh and interesting.
NomNomNom Poutine (Toronto)
NomNomNom Poutine pushes the boundaries of traditional poutine by offering innovative and creative flavor combinations. From decadent options like “Truffle Mushroom” to bold choices such as “Korean BBQ Beef,” the menu is a testament to culinary creativity. These unique flavor profiles appeal to adventurous eaters seeking new taste experiences and elevate the poutine from a simple comfort food to a gourmet delight.
Smoke’s Poutinerie (Toronto and most of Ontario, all the way from Ottawa to Sudbury)
Smoke’s Poutinerie offers an extensive menu with a wide variety of poutine options. From classic poutines like traditional Canadian and vegetarian to more adventurous combinations such as bacon cheeseburger and perogy, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Smoke’s Poutinerie is also known for is its generous portions. Whether you order a regular size or go all-in with a massive “Wow Size,” you can expect to receive a hearty serving of fries, cheese curds, gravy, and toppings.
La Belle Patate (Vancouver)
While admittedly Vancouver was a bit late to start appreciating poutine when compared to Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto, still British Columbia does have something great to offer. La Belle Patate brings an authentic taste of Quebecois cuisine to Vancouver, offering traditional poutine that stays true to its roots. For Canadians who have lived in Quebec or visitors who have experienced Quebec’s culinary delights, La Belle Patate provides a nostalgic taste of home or a reminiscent travel experience. This authenticity resonates with customers who appreciate genuine and unadulterated poutine.
Granville Kebab & Poutine (Vancouver)
This unassuming place in downtown Vancouver is well known and liked by both locals and tourists for its exceptionally tasty huge-sized poutine that comes at a very decent price. While the choices are limited, the quality is definitely there. And you really can’t go wrong with a delicious Large Beef Poutine at $13.99, a steal of a bargain.