Smoked meat lovers know the struggle when the craving hits and you pull up to your favorite deli, only to be faced with the same dilemma. Do you stick with the classic smoked meat sandwich you always order? Or is today the day you finally try the smoked meat platter?
Both options promise bold flavor and that unmistakable Montreal-style bite, but they offer totally different experiences.
In this blog, we’re breaking it down for you. Sandwich or platter? Let’s help you choose based on your mood, hunger level, and how you want to enjoy your smoked meat today.
What Is a Smoked Meat Sandwich?
A traditional Montreal-style smoked meat sandwich features sliced, seasoned brisket served between two slices of warm rye bread, usually with yellow mustard. The meat is hand-cut, often a mix of lean and medium-fat, offering both tenderness and bold flavor.
This classic sandwich is typically paired with a kosher dill pickle and coleslaw on the side. Some also enjoy it with fries or a soft drink, depending on how light or filling they want the meal to be.
Compact and easy to enjoy, it’s a practical choice for solo diners, visitors trying smoked meat for the first time, or anyone in the mood for a quick, satisfying deli bite.
What Is a Smoked Meat Platter?
A smoked meat platter is a more generous and deconstructed way to enjoy smoked meat de style montréalais. Instead of being assembled into a sandwich, the meat is served in thick, hand-sliced portions alongside classic deli sides, typically fries, coleslaw, pickles, and one or two slices of rye bread on the side.
This format gives diners the freedom to build their own bites. You can stack your own sandwich, eat the meat on its own, or mix and match with sides however you like. It’s a slower, more flexible way to enjoy the full deli experience.
The platter is ideal for those with larger appetites, people who want a heartier meal, or anyone who enjoys customizing their plate rather than sticking to a fixed sandwich format.
How to Choose Your Favorite
Both the smoked meat sandwich and the platter offer the same signature flavor, but your ideal pick depends on how you want to enjoy it.
- Choose the Sandwich if you’re looking for something quick, compact, and satisfying. It’s perfect for solo lunches, first-timers, or anyone who just wants to dive straight into the classic smoked meat experience without extras.
- Go for the Platter if you’re feeling hungry, want more variety, or enjoy creating your own bites. It’s also a great option to share or when dining with friends and family.
Think about your appetite, your pace, and whether you’re in the mood to keep it simple or build your own deli moment; either way, you’ll be digging into the same iconic Montreal-style smoked meat.
How to Order at Dunn’s Famous
Dunn’s Famous makes it easy to enjoy your smoked meat just the way you like it, whether you’re a sandwich purist or platter enthusiast. Both options are served with the same premium Montreal-style smoked meat, available in your choice of lean, medium, or fatty cuts.
Popular Smoked Meat Sandwich Orders
- Classic Smoked Meat Sandwich – rye bread, yellow mustard, and a pickle
- Club Smoked Meat Sandwich – with lettuce, tomato, and mayo
- Smoked Meat Grilled Cheese – a gooey twist with Swiss cheese on grilled bread
- Smoked Meat Cheeseburger – a burger patty topped with Dunn’s signature meat
- Double or Triple Meat – stack it high if you’re extra hungry
Customize your sandwich by adding cheese, extra mustard, or pairing it with fries, coleslaw, or a bowl of matzo ball soup.
Popular Smoked Meat Platter Orders
- Regular Smoked Meat Platter – thick hand-sliced meat, rye bread, fries, coleslaw, and pickle
- The Famous Dunn’s Special – extra meat, plus your choice of soup or dessert
- Combo Platters – pair smoked meat with a half sandwich, soup, or salad
- Low-Carb Option – skip the bread and load up on protein and sides
Whether you’re dining in, ordering for pickup, or craving delivery, Dunn’s has all the smoked meat options you need, just the way you want them.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the handheld classic or prefer to take your time with a full platter, smoked meat is a win either way. The sandwich brings all the bold, briny flavor in every bite: fast, familiar, and satisfying. The platter, on the other hand, offers freedom: build your own bites, sample sides, and enjoy the full deli spread.
Craving smoked meat? Rendez-vous chez Dunn’s Famous and try it your way, sandwich, platter, or both. Your perfect deli moment is waiting.
