Montreal doesn’t whisper when it comes to food. It sizzles, steams, and stacks flavor sky-high, especially when it comes to its most iconic dish: smoked meat. If this is your first time dipping into the city’s smoky, spice-rubbed tradition, you’re in for more than just lunch. You’re about to bite into a story that’s been curing, steaming, and carving its way into Canadian culture for over a century.
But with so many choices and add-ons, how do you order smoked meat the right way? What’s the best cut for first-timers? Should you go classic or try something creative?
This is your essential beginner’s guide to smoked meat: what to get, how to get it, and why it’s one of the most unforgettable meals you’ll ever have.
What Makes Montreal Smoked Meat So Special?
Let’s start with what you’re eating. Montreal-style smoked meat isn’t just beef, it’s brisket that’s been dry-cured with spices like cracked pepper, coriander, garlic, and mustard seed, aged for 10 to 14 days, then smoked and steamed until it’s fall-apart tender. It’s the cousin of pastrami but bolder, less sweet, and far more assertive in flavor.
The process is slow, intentional, and deeply rooted in the Jewish delis brought to life by Eastern European immigrants in the late 1800s. Over the years, this flavorful tradition evolved into something uniquely Montreal, a dish that’s as much about culture as it is about comfort.
Make your first smoked meat experience count. Step into Dunn’s Famous and discover why generations of locals call it the best in the city.
The Essential First Order
You’ll see dozens of smoked meat variations on a menu, but for your first time, skip the extra toppings and trust the original.
Order the classic smoked meat sandwich: hand-sliced brisket (ask for “medium” for that ideal mix of lean and juicy), served warm on light rye bread with just a smear of yellow mustard. No sauces, no lettuce, and no distractions.
The meat is the main event here. It’s sliced to order, so you get that perfect bite of peppery crust and buttery interior. Every mouthful tells you exactly why this dish became a legend.
At places like Dunn’s Famous, where the brisket is cured for 14 days and sliced by hand, you’re not just getting a sandwich. You’re tasting a recipe that hasn’t needed changing since 1927.
Must-Try Pairings for First-Timers
You’re not just ordering a sandwich, you’re building an experience. Here’s how to do it right with the perfect pairings:
- Fresh-Cut Fries: Golden, crisp, and built to soak up juices without turning soggy.
- Kosher Dill Pickle: Sharp, cold, and sour, cutting through the richness of the meat like a palate reset.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A mild crunch that balances the spice and saltiness of the brisket.
- Drink Pairing: Go old-school with a root beer or black cherry soda, or grab a local craft beer if you’re feeling it.
These aren’t afterthoughts, they’re part of the ritual. Together, they bring out the smoked meat’s full character.
Smoked Meat Poutine
Want to go a little deeper into Montreal indulgence? Smoked meat poutine is where comfort food meets carnivore heaven.
Start with crispy fries, layer them with fresh cheese curds, drown them all in savory brown gravy, then crown the dish with chopped smoked meat. It’s rich, messy, and completely addictive.
Pro tip: Share it on your first go if you’re not used to heavy dishes. Or order it as a side to your sandwich, you won’t regret it.
Smoked Meat Brunch Options
If you’re venturing in around brunch time (and you should), smoked meat makes a beautiful transition to breakfast classics.
Try the Smoked Meat and Eggs Combo, two eggs cooked your way, a generous portion of hot smoked meat, toast, and home fries. It’s warm, filling, and delivers the same signature flavor without the bread-heavy feel of the sandwich.
Looking for something more indulgent? The Smoked Meat Benedict swaps out Canadian bacon for brisket and pairs it with poached eggs and hollandaise over an English muffin. It’s the kind of dish that turns a lazy Sunday into a full-on occasion.
These options show how smoked meat isn’t limited to lunch, it’s woven into Montreal’s food culture from breakfast to late-night snacks.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Start with Medium: You’ll get the right balance of fat and flavor without going too heavy.
- Let the Meat Lead: Don’t overcomplicate your first experience. Skip extra toppings that might mask the taste.
- Ask the Staff: If you’re not sure what to order or how fatty you want your cut, just ask. These places know their meat.
- Avoid Peak Times: Weekends around lunch can get busy. Go early or on weekdays for a more relaxed intro.
Conclusion
Trying smoked meat for the first time isn’t just about tasting something new—it’s about joining a legacy. A Montreal tradition built on time, technique, and flavor. And the best way to begin that journey is by keeping it simple, keeping it classic, and keeping your plate full of the good stuff.
From that first sandwich to your first poutine or brunch plate, each bite pulls you deeper into the city’s culinary heart. And trust us, once you start, there’s no going back.
Ready to try it the right way? Visit Dunn’s Famous, Montreal’s home of smoked meat since 1927, and order your first classic sandwich, your first poutine, or your first brunch combo with confidence.
