Montreal doesn’t do brunch halfway. In a city known for its culinary pride and cultural mash-ups, weekend mornings are reserved for hearty, satisfying plates that bring people together. While the brunch scene continues to evolve, there’s something enduring about the classics: smoked meat, golden eggs, fresh bagels, and sandwiches stacked just right.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the standout brunch staples you’ll find in Montreal.
Smoked Meat Egg Rolls
Smoked meat egg rolls are a creative fusion dish that blends deli-style richness with the crisp bite of Asian street food.
Despite their name, smoked meat egg rolls don’t include eggs in the filling. Instead, the “egg” refers to the wrapper itself, made with flour and eggs for a rich, crisp texture once fried. Inside, you’ll find hand-shredded smoked beef brisket, deeply seasoned with spices like garlic, black pepper, and coriander. Each roll is golden and crunchy on the outside, savory and tender on the inside.
This fusion dish bridges the comforting flavor of Montreal-style deli meat with the satisfying crunch of Asian street food. Popular as a brunch appetizer or shared plate, they’re often served with dipping sauces to complement their bold profile.
At Dunn’s Famous, they are served with your choice of plum sauce for a sweet touch or honey mustard for a tangy contrast. This pairing enhances the richness of the smoked meat and adds just the right amount of zing with every bite.
Bagels Done Right
Montreal bagels are more than just bread, they’re a cultural icon and a brunch favorite. Baked in wood-fired ovens, these dense, slightly sweet rings come in varieties like sesame, poppy seed, or plain, each offering a chewy texture and golden crust that sets them apart from their New York cousins.
At brunch, bagels are incredibly versatile. You’ll find them toasted and topped with cream cheese and lox, often accompanied by red onions, tomatoes, and capers. For heartier appetites, smoked meat bagels are a local go-to, piled high with tender slices of spiced brisket, cheddar, or mustard for extra richness.
Club Sandwiches That Hit the Spot
Smoked meat club sandwiches lead the charge: triple-decker towers of toasted bread, stacked with hand-sliced smoked brisket, crisp lettuce, tomato, and a swipe of mayo. Each bite offers that perfect contrast of smoky richness and fresh crunch.
Grilled chicken clubs are another standout, offering a leaner but just-as-hearty alternative. Typically built with juicy grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and creamy mayo between thick slices of toasted bread, they strike a great balance between classic flavor and brunch indulgence.
Hearty Salads That Belong at Brunch
When you think of brunch, salads might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but in Montreal, hearty deli-style salads have earned their place at the table. These aren’t just side dishes; they’re full, flavorful meals that hit the balance between light and indulgent.
Take the Cobb salad, for example. It’s a brunch classic for a reason: stacked with grilled or smoked chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomato, and blue cheese, all laid over a bed of fresh greens. It delivers crunch, creaminess, and protein, everything you want from a mid-morning plate.
Conclusion
Montreal’s brunch scene is more than just mimosas and eggs, it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and creativity. From smoked meat bagels and triple-decker club sandwiches to loaded Cobb salads and crispy egg rolls, the city knows how to turn comfort food into something truly crave-worthy.
And if you’re looking for a place that delivers all that and more? Dunn’s Famous brings it all together under one roof. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty deli classics or creative brunch twists, there’s something on the menu that hits just right.
Visit Dunn’s Famous and treat yourself to a brunch that tastes like Montreal.
