Landing in Montreal for the first time usually leads to a single, inevitable destination: a deli counter.
But if you are coming from out of town, you might expect a standard sandwich shop. You will quickly find that Montreal deli food is its own distinct category with its own set of rules and traditions. It is a world of hand-carved briskets, specific terminology, and sides that have not changed in nearly a century.
To ensure you have the best experience, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect and what to order at a Montreal deli.
What Defines Deli Food in Montreal?
When people talk about the best deli food in Montreal, they are almost always talking about one specific star: Montreal smoked meat.
While it looks similar to the pastrami you might find in New York or the corned beef of London, it is a different beast entirely.
La viande fumée de Montréal is made from beef brisket that is dry-cured with a heavy blend of spices, including peppercorns, coriander, garlic, and mustard seed. Unlike pastrami, which is usually brined in liquid, Montreal meat is marinated in these dry spices for over a week, then smoked to infuse it with flavor, and finally steamed to a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
The culture of the Montreal deli is also defined by the carving station. An authentic deli will always have a master slicer working at the front, hand-carving the meat against the grain. This preserves the juices and ensures the texture is perfect, something a machine simply cannot do.
First Time Trying Deli Food: What to Order
For your first visit, you need to know how to navigate the menu so you do not end up with a sandwich that is too dry or too overwhelming. Here is the breakdown of what to order at a Montreal deli to get the full experience.
1. The Smoked Meat Sandwich
The most important choice you will make is the fat content.
- Lean: For those who want zero visible fat, though it can be a bit dry.
- Medium: The gold standard. It has enough rendered fat to carry the spice and keep the meat moist.
- Medium-Fat: Extra juicy and tender.
- Fatty: For the true connoisseur who wants maximum flavor. The sandwich is traditionally served on plain rye bread with a swipe of yellow mustard. Do not ask for lettuce or tomato; the meat is meant to be the focus.
2. The Essential Sides
A first-time trying deli food in Montreal, the experience is incomplete without the trio of sides. You must order a large garlic dill pickle, which is usually served in halves or quarters. The acidity of the pickle is functional; it cleans your palate between bites of the rich meat. You should also add a vinegar-based coleslaw and a plate of thick-cut les frites de pommes.
3. The Smoked Meat Poutine
If you want to combine two Montreal icons, order a la poutine au smoked meat. This takes the classic Quebec dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy and tops it with the spiced shavings of smoked meat. It is a heavy dish, but it is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the deli’s trimmings.
4. Traditional Beverages
To drink like a local, skip the standard sodas. The historical pairing for this meal is black cherry soda. The sweetness balances the heavy salt of the brisket. Alternatively, try spruce beer, a uniquely Quebecois carbonated drink that tastes like a forest.
5. The Deli Soup You Cannot Miss
Before the main course arrives, most regulars start with a bowl of Matzoh Ball soup. This is a clear, golden chicken broth that features a single, large, fluffy dumpling made from matzah meal. It is light, comforting, and acts as the perfect starter to prep your stomach for a heavy sandwich. The broth is usually seasoned simply with salt and a bit of dill or parsley, letting the quality of the chicken stock shine through. It is an essential part of the old-world tradition that defines these establishments.
6. The Must-Try Dessert: Dunn’s Famous Cheesecake
Even if you are full from the brisket, you cannot leave without trying the iconic dessert of the Montreal deli scene. Specifically, you must try the strawberry cheesecake at Dunn’s Famous.
We make it incredibly dense and creamy, resting on a thick, buttery graham cracker crust that provides the perfect crunch. What truly makes it famous is our bright strawberry topping. The fresh, tart fruit provides a necessary contrast to the rich cream cheese, creating a balance that our guests crave. Many people visit us just for a slice of this cake and a cup of coffee, and we consider it the only proper way to finish a traditional deli meal at our house.
Conclusion
Your first visit to a Montreal deli should be an experience, not just a meal. By sticking to the tradition of hand-sliced meat, garlic pickles, and a slice of legendary cheesecake, you are participating in a century-old Montreal ritual.
When you are ready to taste the best smoked meat in Montreal, head to a Dunn’s Famous and order a medium sandwich on rye. You will quickly see why this simple combination has remained the city’s favorite food for generations.
FAQ
1. How should I order my smoked meat if I am a first-timer?
Try a Medium sandwich. It provides the perfect balance of lean meat and savory fat for the most authentic and juicy Montreal experience.
2. Is your cheesecake made in-house?
Yes. We bake our New York-style cheesecake fresh using a family recipe to ensure a signature creamy texture and rich flavor.
3. Why is the meat hand-cut instead of machine-sliced?
Hand-slicing against the grain preserves the tenderness and texture of the brisket, which a machine would otherwise compress and ruin.
4. Do you offer anything for those not in the mood for smoked meat?
Certainly. We serve a full range of comfort food, including Matzah Ball soup, burgers, and salads to satisfy every guest.
5. Can I visit you late at night?
Yes. Our Metcalfe Street location remains open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to serve you whenever a craving strikes.
