On your lunch break? Here’s what to eat in Montreal
If you’re working in a Montreal coworking space, you’re in for some treats. We found the top spots for you to try the three best-known Montreal eats on your lunch break. Eat like the locals on your next trip, these pair perfectly with our Montreal coworking spaces.
Not only are Montreal coworking spaces some of the best, but this city has a culinary scene that is historically famed – and for good reason.Quebec’s European roots have long inspired its food culture; throughout the city you’ll find traditional Quebecois and French food a-plenty. But you don’t have to stick to the fancy stuff to get a good taste because Montreal is home to some of the most iconic casual Canadian fare too. We’re talking bagels, poutine, and smoked meat sandwiches – the holy trinity of Montreal eating.
Bagels
We know what you’re thinking. Bagels? Trust us.
Montreal bagels are one of Canada’s best-known foods, thanks to the Jewish immigrants who brought them over from Eastern Europe in the early 1900s. These bagels have a uniquely chewy texture and golden crust. It’s all in the cooking process: each bagel is made by hand, poached in honey water, and baked in a wood-fire burning oven. Fairmount Bagel and St. Viateur Bagel are are widely regarded as the two best Montreal bagel bakeries, so you can’t go wrong picking up one of these freshly-baked rings of goodness from either spot.
Poutine
This famous Canadian dish originated in Quebec, so it’s no surprise that the most authentic poutine can be found in Montreal. The name “poutine” is thought to have come from the Quebecois slang for “mess” — and what a beautiful mess it is. French fries topped with fresh Quebec cheese curds and warm gravy. It might not sound like much, but there’s a reason that this is the most well-known Canadian dish worldwide. Great poutine can be found virtually anywhere in Montreal, so you can easily try this dish no matter where in the city you’re working.
Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches
The only thing that beats bagels and poutine when it comes to famed food in Montreal is smoked meat. Along with bagels, this staple was originally introduced to Montreal by Jewish immigrants (by who exactly is still up for debate). A traditional Montreal smoked meat sandwich boasts purposefully uneven proportions of mustard-slathered light rye bread and hand-sliced smoked meat from variable-fat brisket. Our recommendation is to grab one of these sandwiches from Schwartz’s. It’s the oldest deli in Canada serving up world famous Montreal smoked meat since 1928.
Bon appetit!
