We started Hand Luggage Only to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts, so I’m always thrilled to learn about new food or travel spots. Even after living in London for years, discovering a new restaurant, bar, or attraction excites me. Here’s a look at some delicious foods to try in Quebec, Canada, beyond the famous poutine.
A Montreal classic is our bagels, and no visit is complete without trying them. Two top bakeries, St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmont Bagel, are in a friendly rivalry over who has the best. I won’t pick sides; you should try them and decide for yourself!
Another staple is the meat pie, which is both a dish and a cherished tradition. It can be simple with ground pork and beef, or packed with various meats and potatoes. It’s essential during Christmas and New Year celebrations with recipes passed down through generations, each family adding their own secret touches.
Then there’s a classic called “pâté chinois,” which is a favorite weekday meal in most Quebecois families. Traditionally made with layers of ground beef, corn, and mashed potatoes, some modern versions include extra veggies or cheese. It’s not actually Chinese; the name nods to the Chinese workers who helped build the railways in Canada as it was a budget-friendly meal.
“Pouding chômeur” is a delightful treat, a vanilla cake baked in maple syrup or brown sugar syrup. The mixture forms a soft, comforting cake, just right for a cold January day or after visiting a sugar shack. Quebec’s maple syrup, considered the best in the world, is the star ingredient. The name means “unemployment pudding,” as it was created during the Great Depression for its affordability.
In the Saguenay Lac St-Jean area, the blueberries are so renowned that locals are nicknamed after them. The best time to enjoy these berries is from mid-July to the end of August. You can pick them yourself if you visit, allowing plenty for snacking and taking home. Blueberries are used in everything from jam to pies—especially the pie!
Maple syrup in Quebec is incredibly versatile, used on salads, with smoked salmon, on pancakes, and even in ice cream. You can put it on just about anything if you have a sweet tooth like me!
