The Most Popular Food in Quebec, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:37
In the bustling neighborhoods of Quebec, food stands as a vibrant testament to the region's rich cultural tapestry. For both locals and travelers, navigating through the culinary landscape can often be as daunting as it is exciting. A ranked list of favorite foods not only assists in making informed dining choices but also highlights the collective preferences of the community. Every vote cast on this list plays a crucial role in shaping a transparent and dynamic culinary guide. This enables newcomers to easily identify must-try dishes and allows locals to see how their everyday favorites stack up against the rest. Through your participation, this list becomes a continuously updated reflection of Quebec's current culinary trends and tastes.

What Is the Most Popular Food in Quebec?

  1. 1
    58
    votes
    Poutine is the iconic dish of Quebec, made with french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It can be found in every corner of the province and is a must-try for visitors.
    Poutine is a popular Canadian dish made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It is known for its savory and indulgent flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The dish originated in the province of Quebec, Canada.
    • French Fries: Made from fresh potatoes, cut into sticks, and deep-fried until crispy.
    • Cheese Curds: Chunks of fresh cheese, typically made from curdled milk, with a mild and slightly salty flavor.
    • Gravy: A hot sauce made from meat drippings or stock, thickened with flour or cornstarch, and seasoned with spices.
    • Cheese Melting: The cheese curds are placed on top of the hot fries, allowing them to partially melt and form gooey, stringy cheese.
    • Gravy Pouring: Hot gravy is poured over the fries and cheese curds, creating a rich and savory combination.
  2. 2
    43
    votes
    Tourtière is a savory meat pie that originated in Quebec, typically made with minced pork, beef, or veal, and spices. It is a staple during the holiday season.
    Tourtière is a traditional Canadian meat pie, typically associated with the province of Quebec. It is a hearty dish that is commonly enjoyed during the winter months and on special occasions. The pie is filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, such as pork, beef, or veal, along with onions, garlic, spices, and sometimes potatoes. The filling is encased in a flaky pastry crust and baked until golden brown. Tourtière is known for its rich and comforting flavors, making it a beloved dish in Canadian cuisine.
    • Origin: Quebec, Canada
    • Main Ingredients: Ground meat (pork, beef, veal), onions, garlic, spices, pastry crust
    • Common Variations: Some variations include adding potatoes, game meat, or using different spices.
    • Serving Method: Tourtière is typically served hot as a main dish, often with ketchup, pickles, or cranberry sauce on the side.
    • Traditional Occasions: It is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve.
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    Sugar pie
    Jiel Beaumadier · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Sugar pie is a traditional dessert made with brown sugar, cream, and flour, baked in a crust. It is a classic Quebecois treat that has been enjoyed for generations.
    Sugar pie, also known as tarte au sucre in French, is a traditional sweet dessert that is highly popular in Quebec, Canada. It is a rich and indulgent pie made primarily of brown sugar, butter, and sometimes cream, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. The filling is gooey and has a caramel-like consistency, while the top is usually golden and slightly crispy.
    • Primary Ingredients: Brown sugar, butter, cream, and pastry crust
    • Texture: Gooey and caramel-like filling, crispy top
    • Sweetness: Highly sweet
    • Flavor Profile: Rich, buttery, and caramel-like
    • Size: Typically served as individual slices or small pies
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    Montreal bagels is a type of bagel that originated in Montreal and is known for its sweeter taste, denser texture, and smaller size compared to New York-style bagels.
    Montreal bagels are a beloved food item that originated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are a type of bagel that is distinct from traditional American bagels, known for their unique taste and texture.
    • Shape: Montreal bagels are smaller and thinner than American bagels, with a larger hole in the center.
    • Texture: They have a denser and slightly chewier texture compared to American bagels.
    • Sweetness: Montreal bagels are sweeter, often coated with honey water before being baked.
    • Wood-fired Oven: They are traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a distinct smoky flavor and crisp exterior.
    • Boiling: Prior to baking, Montreal bagels are boiled in water with honey, resulting in a shiny and slightly sweet crust.
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    Smoked meat sandwich
    chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Smoked meat sandwich is a classic sandwich made with smoked meat, mustard, and rye bread. It is a staple of Montreal's Jewish delis.
    The smoked meat sandwich is a classic creation from Quebec, Canada. It consists of tender, flavorful slices of smoked beef piled high on rye bread. The meat is typically seasoned with a mix of spices and then slow-cooked and smoked to perfection.
    • Meat: Smoked beef
    • Bread: Rye bread
    • Seasoning: A blend of spices
    • Preparation: Slow-cooked and smoked
    • Serving Style: Piled high
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Cretons is a spread made with ground pork, spices, and milk. It is typically served on toast for breakfast and is a traditional Quebecois dish.
    Cretons is a traditional Québécois meat spread that is highly popular in Quebec City. It is a flavorful and rich pork-based spread that is usually enjoyed on toast or bread, making it a favorite for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Cretons has a smooth and creamy texture, with a savory and slightly sweet taste.
    • Main Ingredient: Pork
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy
    • Taste: Savory and slightly sweet
    • Usage: Spread on toast or bread
    • Popular Meal: Breakfast or snack
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Tarte au sucre
    Benoît Prieur · CC0
    Tarte au sucre is a simple yet delicious dessert made with maple syrup, butter, and cream, baked in a crust. It is a popular dessert during the maple syrup season.
    Tarte au sucre, also known as sugar pie, is a traditional Quebecois dessert that is loved for its rich and sweet flavors. It consists of a buttery and flaky pie crust filled with a creamy mixture made with sugar, eggs, and cream. The pie is then baked until the filling becomes golden brown and caramelized.
    • Flavor: Rich, sweet, and caramelized
    • Texture: Creamy and smooth
    • Sweetness: Highly sweet
    • Ingredients: Sugar, eggs, cream, butter, flour
    • Pie crust: Buttery and flaky
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Ragoût de boulettes et pattes de cochon is a hearty stew made with meatballs, pork hocks, and vegetables. It is a traditional Quebecois dish that is often served at family gatherings.
    Ragoût de boulettes et pattes de cochon is a traditional stew dish from Quebec, Canada. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that features meatballs and pig's feet simmered in a savory broth with vegetables and herbs. The dish is known for its rich and comforting taste.
    • Meat: Includes meatballs and pig's feet
    • Broth: Savory broth made with vegetables and herbs
    • Flavor: Rich and comforting
    • Origin: Quebec, Canada
    • Popularity: Popular traditional dish in Quebec
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    The Montreal-style hot dog
    Mindme · Public domain

    The Montreal-style hot dog

    Montreal's Greek community
    The Montreal-style hot dog is a hot dog that is topped with coleslaw, mustard, and relish. It is a beloved street food in Montreal.
    The Montreal-style hot dog is a unique and flavorful variation of the classic American hot dog. It is typically found in Montreal, Quebec, and has become a popular food item in the region. The hot dog is known for its distinct toppings and preparation method.
    • Bun: Steamed, soft, and fluffy poppy seed bun
    • Hot Dog: Beef or pork hot dog, often grilled for a slightly smoky flavor
    • Toppings: Yellow mustard, chopped raw onions, and a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce
    • Seasonings: Celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper
    • Cheese: Optional, but commonly topped with melted processed cheese or Cheez Whiz
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Quebec is known for its delicious cheeses, such as the famous Oka cheese, which is a semi-soft cheese with a nutty flavor.
    Quebec cheese, also known as Fromage de Québec, is a type of cheese that originated in the province of Quebec in Canada. It is renowned for its high quality and distinctive flavors, which are a result of the unique terroir and traditional cheesemaking methods used in the region.
    • Milk Source: Cow's milk
    • Cheese Type: Semi-soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy to firm and crumbly
    • Flavor Profile: Ranges from mild and buttery to bold and tangy
    • Aging: Ranging from fresh to aged, some varieties are aged for up to several years

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular food

  1. Cultural significance
    Consider the importance of the dish in Quebec's history and cultural identity. Food that has been a part of the region's tradition for generations and has a story behind it should be taken into account.
  2. Local ingredients
    Popular food in Quebec often includes ingredients that are native to the region or are grown locally. The availability and use of these ingredients can be a key factor in the popularity of a dish.
  3. Taste
    The overall taste and flavor of the dish should be considered. Foods that are widely enjoyed by the local population are likely to rank higher in popularity.
  4. Demand and availability
    The popularity of a dish can also be determined by its demand and availability in local restaurants, food trucks, and other eateries. Food items that are frequently sought after and can be found on many menus are likely more popular.
  5. Media and social media attention
    Often, the popularity of a dish can be influenced by its presence in local media, social media, and food blogs. Dishes that have received a lot of attention and positive reviews from food critics and influencers are likely to be more popular.
  6. Adaptability and innovation
    Dishes that are easily adapted to different tastes and preferences or have interesting variations can also be considered more popular. Foods that have spawned creative interpretations and fusion dishes may also be particularly well-loved.
  7. Seasonality and festivals
    The popularity of certain dishes can vary depending on the season or any annual festivals. Some foods may be especially popular during specific times of the year or during certain events.
  8. Affordability and accessibility
    The cost of the dish and its accessibility can also impact its popularity. Foods that are widely affordable and available to all income levels are likely to be more popular.
  9. Influence from other cultures
    Food items that have been influenced by or have their roots in other cultures can also be popular in Quebec. The connection between the dish and other cultures can add to its appeal.
  10. Health and nutritional aspects
    In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the health benefits of different foods. Dishes that offer a balance of taste and nutritional value may also be popular among Quebec's population.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Quebec. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2147 views
  • 201 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular food in quebec

Quebec is a province in Canada that boasts a rich cultural heritage and a unique cuisine. The cuisine of Quebec is a blend of French, British, and Native American influences, making it distinct from the rest of Canada. One of the most popular foods in Quebec is poutine, a dish made of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Other popular foods in Quebec include tourtière, a meat pie, and maple syrup, which is used as a sweetener in many dishes. Despite these popular dishes, the most popular food in Quebec can vary depending on the region and personal preferences. Through our polls and rankings, we aim to provide insight into the most popular foods in Quebec and beyond.

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