Discover Montreal through its flavors: an unforgettable trip with the best Food Tours!

Maybe you didn’t know it, but Montreal is the second largest city in Canada, so there is a lot to discover… In addition, what better way to do it than through its food? This beautiful city presents a unique combination of cultures, a perfect mix between European and North American; an aspect that is reflected in its architecture, its art and in its cuisine.

If you enjoy good food, in this article, we will guide you through a delicious food tour in Montreal, and we will tell you why it is the best way to explore this fascinating city.

Montreal: Where culture and food meet

Montreal is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in Canada, in fact, there are more than 120 ethnic communities living there. Each of these communities has its own culture and brings with it its own customs and culinary traditions that have enriched the local cuisine over time. This is why the food in Montreal is as diverse as it is delicious, from the classic Montreal bagels, to the iconic poutine, to Italian, Greek, Chinese and Middle Eastern influences, the choice is truly vast.

Engaging in a food tour Montreal will allow you to taste all these delicacies while strolling through the historic streets of the city. You will visit the best local spots, those that you probably would not find on your own, and you will discover the flavors that make Montreal a must-visit destination for any food lover. Still not convinced? Read on!

The irresistible Old Montreal Food Tour

If you love history as much as you love food, the Old Montreal Food Tour is for you. This is the example of a food tour that takes you through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, one of the most picturesque and oldest areas of the city, so you can tour and learn about the origins and historical secrets of Montreal while tasting some of its most delicious and emblematic dishes. What more could you ask for?

One of the highlights of this tour is the Pâté chinois, a kind of traditional meat pie that mixes beef, corn and mashed potatoes, the Canadian equivalent of “shepherd’s pie”! In addition, you can try the classic Montreal bagel at one of the area’s famous bakeries; a must-try if you take into account that Montreal bagels are considered the best in the world. 

Poutine: The king of street food

The time has come to mention poutine, the dish that arguably defines Montreal. It is a mix of fries, cheese curds and gravy, a simple dish that explodes with flavor; practically a must-try experience for any visitor. That is why most of the food tours in Montreal include a stop to taste this dish in one of the most popular poutineeries.

Some tours even offer creative variations of poutine, with ingredients such as smoked meat, mushrooms, or even foe grass. The best part is that, by doing it as part of a food tour, you can be sure you will be sampling some of the best versions of poutine the city has to offer.

Montreal Bagels: The best breakfast in the world?

As we mentioned before, you can’t visit Montreal without tasting its famous bagels. Montreal bagels are different from New York bagels: they are smaller, denser and have a slightly sweet touch due to the cooking in honey water. A favorite stop on food tours is the legendary Fairmount Bagel or St-Viateur Bagel, where you can not only taste these delicacies, but also watch the bakers at work, producing these delicacies.

The aroma of the freshly baked bagels is irresistible, you will want to try them all, and we recommend you try one spread with cream cheese, you can thank us later. However, keep in mind that after trying a Montreal bagel, you may never look at bagels the same way again.

The local market scene

Another must stop on Montreal food tours are the local markets, and one of the classics to visit is the Marché Jean-Talon. This is one of the largest markets in North America, and is a feast for the senses; you can stroll among the open-air stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, sausages and other local products. The aromas alone will make your mouth water. If you really want to get to know the authenticity of Montreal, you should do it through its markets.

Here, guides often offer you the opportunity to sample a selection of local products: artisanal cheeses, fresh fruits and sausages. The flavors are so fresh that you will feel as if you are eating straight from the farm. 

Another market often visited on food tours is the Atwater Market, which specializes in gourmet products and delicious desserts.

Sweets and desserts: A sweet stop to close the tour

It’s not all savoury dishes in Montreal; if you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck! Some of the food tours include stops at local confectioneries and pastry shops, so you can sample sugar tarts, crunchy croissants and other French desserts that have been adapted to the local culture.

For example, a typical stop is at a creperie, where you can enjoy a delicious crêpe filled with fresh fruit or chocolate. It is also common to try the famous beigne de Montréal, a local version of doughnuts, which often comes with innovative fillings.

Smoked Meat: The best kept secret

If you are a carnivore, you can’t leave Montreal without trying its famous smoked meat. Many food tours offer a stop at the traditional delicatessens, where smoked meat is prepared with a secret recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation.

In addition, Montreal has a typical smoked meat sandwich, which is simple, but sublime: thick layers of tender, juicy meat, spread with a little mustard, served inside a delicious rye bread. One of the most iconic places to try this delicacy is Schwartz’s Deli, which has been serving this classic since 1928.

Why take a food tour in Montreal?

There are many reasons why taking a food tour in Montreal is an experience you should not miss:

• Access to the best places: Local guides know the most authentic corners of the city, those that you might not find in the guidebooks.
• Cultural learning: Food tours are not only an opportunity to eat, but also to learn about Montreal’s history and culture. Every bite comes with a story.
• Connecting with locals: Many of the tours allow you to meet the chefs and owners of the establishments, who are happy to share their culinary secrets with you.
• Variety of experiences: From walking tours of Old Montreal to bike tours of local markets, there’s an option for every type of traveler.

Ready to discover Montreal through its flavors?

If you want to explore Montreal in a unique and delicious way, a food tour is the perfect option. Whatever your preferences and tastes, there’s sure to be a tour that fits your needs; there’s nothing like food tourism to get to know the best of a city. So, next time you visit Montreal, don’t settle for the usual sightseeing: follow the trail of flavors and get ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure!