Eating Local: Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Quebec

Quebec’s cuisine is a delicious blend of French, Indigenous, and British influences. Rich in flavors and traditions, it features comforting dishes that are an integral part of the province’s culinary heritage. Here are some must-try foods when visiting Quebec.

Poutine
You can’t talk about Quebec cuisine without mentioning poutine! This iconic dish consists of crispy fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and smothered in a rich brown gravy. Many restaurants offer gourmet variations with toppings like duck confit, foie gras, or wild mushrooms.

Tourtière
A holiday staple, tourtière is a meat pie with regional variations. In Quebec City, it’s typically made with ground pork, while in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, it’s a thicker pie featuring cubed meat and game. A true winter must-try!

Baked Beans (Fèves au lard)
Often served at breakfast or as a side dish, baked beans are slow-cooked with salted pork and maple syrup. This rustic dish, brought by French settlers, is a classic in sugar shacks and traditional meals.

Pouding Chômeur
This simple yet delicious dessert is a soft cake soaked in hot maple syrup or brown sugar syrup. Created during the Great Depression as an affordable sweet treat, it remains a beloved part of Quebec’s culinary tradition.

Cipâte
A specialty from Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, cipâte is a slow-cooked meat stew (often with game) covered in a thick pastry crust. It’s a hearty dish perfect for Quebec’s harsh winters.

Pâté Chinois
Despite its name, this dish has no Chinese origins! It consists of three layers: seasoned ground beef, creamed corn, and mashed potatoes. Often compared to shepherd’s pie, it’s a comforting and filling meal.

Maple Taffy (Tire d’érable)
A Winter and Spring delight, maple taffy is made by pouring hot maple syrup onto snow and rolling it onto a stick for a sweet and chewy treat. It’s a must-try at sugar shacks and winter festivals.

Pea Soup
Inspired by the early settlers’ meals, pea soup is a thick soup made with yellow peas, salted pork, and vegetables. It’s especially popular during winter celebrations.

Cretons
This spiced pork spread is typically enjoyed on toast for breakfast. Rich and flavorful, it’s a local alternative to French pâté.

Quebec’s traditional cuisine is full of hearty, flavorful dishes that reflect its rich history and cultural diversity. Be sure to try these specialties for an authentic taste of the province!