Most of our dietary intake is made up of common North American cuisine — vegetables, pasta, Hot Pockets — the list goes on and on. But some of the things on our menu are distinctly Canadian. Great Canadian Foods is a new weekly feature on SmartCanucks exploring the tastier side of Canadian living.
The other day I was at the market and saw something I hadn’t noticed there on any previous visit: a cheese vendor. What’s more, he had a big sign advertising “FRESH CHEESE CURDS.” As a good Canadian boy, what else was I to do? I bought a small bag of curds, picked up a can of sauce on the way home, and made myself a nice deep dish of poutine.
Like any good modern food, the origins of poutine are largely up for debate. A number of restaurant owners in la belle province lay claim to the title of poutine’s creator. Regardless of who was the first to combine cheese curds with gravy on fries, everyone can seem to agree that it originated somewhere in Quebec, and sometime between 1957 and 1964.
The term “poutine” seems to have an equally cloudy origin. The word itself is often viewed as a francicization of the English word “pudding.” Prior to the deliciousness we know today as poutine, the word was used to described any dish created using a hodgepodge of leftovers or a combination of ingredients that seemingly make no sense together. Considering what goes into a poutine, I couldn’t think of a more fitting description.
Since it’s birth into the world of Canadian cuisine half a century ago, poutine has become a staple of not only Quebec diners, but every fry truck and food court across the country. Even international fast food chains like Burger King and McDonald’s have gotten in on the action, offering poutine on their menus in select regions throughout the country.
It’s cheap, it’s fatty, it’s delicious — and it might just be the most popular Canadian food item we have going. So where can you get one?
Well, you can obviously order it just about anywhere — but if you want something truly delicious, I suggest checking out Smoke’s Poutinerie in Toronto. I know, I know — you’re bound to have better in Quebec — but as a Southern Ontario resident, I’m bound by what I know.
Smoke’s has a number of locations, and — in addition to the traditional poutine — they offer more than a dozen flavor combinations to tempt the taste buds of every type of eater. Curry Chicken Poutine? They’ve got it. Philly Cheese Steak Poutine? They’ve got that too. If you’re looking to host the world’s unhealthiest wedding, they even cater!
Make it at home, grab it at a diner, or treat yourself to Smoke’s — however you enjoy your poutine, just remember: gravy stains don’t always wash out. ;)
Interesting post! To buy cheese curds here is terribly expensive, so we don’t make this at home.
Once in a while, get it as takeout — surprizingly enough, our local BK makes the best around!
Great, now my stomach is rumbling for poutine. Seriously though, you can’t ask for a better combo then fries, gravy (must be real poutine gravy though!) and cheese (curds, not shredded!).
Great post! I too am hungry for this stuff. I’ll be in Quebec City in a few days anyone know of a good poutine place?
Golden Fish &Chips on upper Gage has the yummiest poutine! mmmmm.….
I went to Smoke’s when I was in T.O. in March and it was great. Can’t remembered what I ordered but I know it was exotic and I had a sie of guacamole. Here in Northeastern Ontario, we have a lot of poutine places to choose from and cheese curds here is called “Quebec-style”, ut you can opt for regular, which is just shredded mozzarella. I agree that it has to be the poutine gravy and nothing else! A local pizzerria here has pizza poutine and basically it’s pooutine with pizza toppings and it rules! Now I am hungry for it! Great post
Just an FYI, Smokes Poutineries has locations all over — not just Toronto.
It’s good…but not the best poutine I’ve ever had. I’ll still take a chip wagon’s poutine any day over Smoke’s.
Poutine has got to be one of the most revolting Canadian ideas. YUCK
Love poutine! Yum! Good thing I read this article while having lunch at work. Otherwise, would have gone out in search for poutine.
Mmmm poutine. I haven’t had one in so long. Harvey’s makes the best poutine!
Is this nothing more than a disguised Smoke’s ad?
why do I even still go on this site…
I named my puppy after this amazing dish!
My nutritionist would call this: “A heart attack on a plate”… (but I tell her, “It’s so yummy”!!!) LOL!
Great post! Ashton’s is the place to go for the best poutine in Quebec city (or maybe in the world
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It was about 25years ago the my younger sis discovered poutine on a military base in Manitoba. When she told the rest of the family what she had for lunch that day, we were all quite disgusted by what she described to us. Well, I didn’t try poutine until a few years later and boy did I regret not having it sooner. I LOVE this dish!!
If you haven’t previously tried it, don’t knock it. Heritage Fish and Chips in the Greater Toronto Area (Mostly Brampton and Mississauga border) has AWESOME Poutine!!!! Their fish and chips are authentic too.
“Le Roy Jucep”, a small restaurant in Drummondville claims to have invented the poutine. Whether that’s true or not, it’s one of the best, and they have a wide variety. If you’re driving to Quebec City it’s just off highway 20 halfway between Montreal and Quebec.
I love poutine but has anyone ever had Newfie fries? I live in southern ontario and I know there are a few places around that make them. My fave is the fry place on lancaster in kitchener. CAn’t recall the name. Dave’s maybe. Anyway, fries with gravy and newfie stuffing (the newfs apparently have different sage then they do in Ontario) and then if you want the works — canned peas (I think that’s a must that they be canned) and fried onions. Yummy!!!
I absolutely love poutine, especially with cheese curds, as shredded cheese… it just isn’t the same.
There are only a few places that serve it locally, and only one is really any good, but I love it so much I’ve found myself making it from scratch a few times. (I never cook. >.>;;)
In Miramichi it was ALWAYS Ed’s Subs’ poutine. Since living in Fredericton, I’ve tried poutine at every place I could find that offered it. Regrettably, KFC had the best. That is, until Jessy’s pizza opened up (a branch off of a Halifax Pizza Joint). I now no longer get poutine anywhere else.… unless I’m out.
The picture provided with this little article shows that the author really knows his poutine. Ashton’s is THE place to go for a TRADITIONAL poutine. In my opinion, the best! “Juste du vrai, juste du frais”!!!
Now if you’re into the more extravagant style poutines, there is “La Banquise” in Montreal. Open late and a wide variety of poutines.
Great … now I’m craving Aston’s poutine! And the closest one is about 900 km away … THANKS A MILLION!!!
To respond Eric’s comment … if you’re in Fredericton, have you ever tried the poutine in a bag from the street vendor on King Street? Not as good as some places mentioned in your post but definitely beats KFC. And at 2AM , it’s delicious!!!
@Zay If you’re in Quebec city this weekend(or the next few days like you said), Go to Ashton’s! Best poutine in Quebec city!
I’ going back to qc city this weekend also! Wooooo!
And Personally, I really don’t like ”La Banquise’s” Poutine in montreal even though it’s just a few street corners away from me. Maybe its because i’m from quebec city that Ashton is my Favorite.
But trust me, ASHTON has the best poutine!
Great, now my mouth is watering…
This is my favorite food ever. I like burger king’s poutine, I’ve tried Harvey’s and it was gross. The gravy was watery and bland.
Not one of my favorites.…but I was told it was NS that had the first poutine!! And in Yarmouth NS they have lobster poutine.…..different — still not my favorite!
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