CA
When you think of Canadian foods, there’s a good chance poutine comes to mind. But while this delicious dish is found throughout the country, it specifically hails from the province of Quebec, where it was born in the 1950s. And if you’ve ever experienced the savoury, rich flavours of poutine, it should be no surprise that its birthplace also offers other culinary delights.
From fresh local ingredients to microbreweries, read on to learn why Quebec could be any foodie’s dream destination.
Why Quebec Should Be on Every Foodie’s Bucket List
1. Farm-to-Table Freshness
The farm-to-table movement is alive and well in Quebec — not only at its restaurants, but in the goods it offers, too. This province is known for its high-quality products that come from the local agriculture, including artisanal cheeses, fresh berries, and locally cured charcuterie.
There are plenty of places where travellers can get a taste of this fresh food culture, including Île d'Orléans. Located just east of downtown Quebec City, this island is celebrated for its agriculture, which shines through in its wines, jams, cheeses, and other foods.
2. Rich Culinary Heritage
Quebec’s cuisine isn’t just influenced by local ingredients; it’s also a reflection of the province’s diverse history and cultural heritage. French settlers brought their cuisine in the 1600s, a period of British rule left its mark on culinary traditions, and the Indigenous peoples who call this land home have been shaping the food culture for centuries. These and other influences have all played a role in developing the flavours and dishes of Quebec, like tourtière (a meat pie), pea soup, and crêpes, to name a few.
3. Poutine
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without that oh-so-delicious poutine: a dish so iconic, it deserves a feature of its own. At its core, poutine consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and plenty of gravy. It originated in Quebec in the 1950s and has since grown into a symbol of Québécois cuisine. Try the original version or go for a creative take with toppings like pulled pork, shredded lobster meat, or other additions.
4. Innovative Fine Dining
For those with a taste for the gourmet, Quebec’s food doesn’t disappoint. Quebec City and Montreal boast a sophisticated fine dining scene with renowned chefs creating avant-garde dishes using local ingredients. Quebec City’s many gems include Légende, which serves up creations inspired by the area’s culinary heritage. In Montreal, savour wine with a constantly changing menu at Mon Lapin, indulge in seafood at Chez Delmo, or try some modern eclectic plates at Bouillon Bilk.
5. Maple Products
Quebec is the world’s biggest exporter of maple syrup — so you can bet that maple is one of its culinary stars. The origins of maple syrup sit with the area’s Indigenous peoples, who were tapping trees long before European settlers arrived. Today, this heritage shines through in the province’s high-quality maple syrup, butter, taffy, and liqueurs.
One of the best places for visitors to get a taste? A traditional sugar shack, where maple is part of every course and a range of activities sweeten the experience. Don’t forget to try the maple taffy, which is made by pouring syrup over fresh snow!
6. Diverse Craft Breweries
Quebec’s food isn’t the only highlight. The province also boasts a thriving, innovative craft beer scene that features a wide array of breweries, including spots like Dieu du Ciel (located in Montreal) and Brasserie Dunham (located in Dunham). If you’re someone who likes sampling a variety of local brews, just head to downtown Quebec City or Montreal, where there are plenty of microbreweries on tap.
Explore with Collette’s Small Group Tour of Quebec
So, is your mouth watering yet? If your answer is yes, it might be time to put Quebec on your travel list – or go ahead and explore with us.
On our small group Charms of Quebec tour, journey through Montreal, Charlevoix, and Quebec City, tasting some of the local flavours as you go. Learn more about the tour or contact us today to book your guided journey.
