Introduction: What Is Poutine?

Poutine is a beloved Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the late 1950s. It is a combination of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, and has become a staple in Canadian cuisine. Poutine is often referred to as a “heart attack on a plate,” and is served in many variations throughout Canada.

A Brief History of Poutine

The origin of poutine is disputed, but it is generally agreed that it originated in Quebec in the late 1950s. Some believe that it was created by a restaurant owner in Warwick, Quebec named Fernand Lachance, who served the dish to his customers as a way to use up excess cheese curds. Others believe that it was created by a truck driver named Eddy Lainesse, who ordered fries, cheese, and gravy from a restaurant and combined them in his truck. Regardless of its origins, poutine has since become a beloved Canadian dish and can now be found in many regions throughout the country.

Where to Find Poutine Bars in Canada

Poutine bars can be found in many cities throughout Canada, with some cities even hosting annual poutine festivals. Some of the most popular cities for poutine include Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Many poutine bars offer unique twists on the traditional dish, such as adding toppings like bacon, pulled pork, or even lobster.

Montreal’s Best Poutine Bars

Montreal is known for its incredible poutine scene, and some of the best poutine bars in the city include La Banquise, which serves over 30 different types of poutine, and Poutineville, which allows customers to create their own custom poutine creations.

Toronto’s Best Poutine Bars

Toronto also has a great poutine scene, with popular spots like Smoke’s Poutinerie, which offers a variety of unique poutine toppings, and Nom Nom Nom Poutine, which is known for its classic poutine.

Vancouver’s Best Poutine Bars

In Vancouver, some of the best poutine spots include Fritz European Fry House, which is known for its crispy fries and classic poutine, and Belgian Fries, which offers a variety of poutine toppings including curry and pulled pork.

Quebec City’s Best Poutine Bars

Quebec City is where poutine originated, and some of the best poutine spots in the city include Chez Ashton, which has been serving poutine for over 50 years, and Poutineville, which offers unique toppings like foie gras and smoked meat.

Ottawa’s Best Poutine Bars

In Ottawa, popular poutine spots include Elgin Street Diner, which offers a classic poutine and a variety of other diner-style dishes, and The Great Canadian Poutinerie, which offers unique twists on the traditional poutine like jerk chicken and butter chicken.

Unique Poutine Twists to Try

In addition to classic poutine, many poutine bars offer unique twists on the dish that are worth trying. Some popular toppings include bacon, pulled pork, lobster, and even butter chicken. Some poutine bars even offer vegan and gluten-free options.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Poutine Road Trip

A poutine road trip is a must for any foodie visiting Canada. With so many delicious poutine spots throughout the country, it’s easy to create an itinerary that includes some of the best poutine bars in cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Whether you prefer classic poutine or unique twists on the dish, there’s a poutine bar in Canada that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.