You can keep your croissants, forget the avocado toast, because in Montreal, real brunch starts with smoked meat and eggs.
This isn’t just a trendy pairing, it’s a morning ritual for locals and a revelation for food tourists. While other cities obsess over smoothie bowls, Montreal does mornings with thick-cut, spice-rubbed brisket and perfectly cooked eggs. It’s messy, rich, bold, and unapologetically satisfying.
And if you’re on the hunt for the best brunch in Montreal, don’t scroll past the delis. This is where tradition meets indulgence, and where eggs and smoked meat pairings speak louder than any trend ever could.
Why This Pairing Works So Well
There’s a reason smoked meat and eggs feel like they were made for each other; it’s a pairing that hits every note your taste buds crave before noon.
The smoked meat brings depth: slow-cured, spice-rubbed, and full of umami-rich character. The eggs bring contrast: soft, creamy, and mild, acting as the perfect canvas for the boldness of the meat. When you cut into a poached egg and the yolk runs into a pile of crisp-edged brisket, that’s not just breakfast, it’s balance on a plate.
Texturally, it’s unbeatable. You’ve got the rich fattiness of the meat, the silk of scrambled eggs, or the crunch from a seared edge meeting a runny yolk. It’s that push and pull of textures that turns a simple dish into something worth craving.
And it’s not just delicious, it fuels you. This combo delivers real nutritional heft: protein-packed, satisfying, and built to carry you through the day without the sugar crash that comes with trendier breakfast plates.
Start your day the Montreal way, visit Dunn’s Famous for a brunch you won’t forget.
A Montreal Brunch Staple
Walk into any serious brunch spot in Montreal, and chances are you’ll find some version of smoked meat and eggs on the menu, if not front and center, then quietly holding its place as a local favorite.
This dish is pure Montreal at its core: the unapologetic boldness of Jewish deli tradition fused with the elegance of French-style breakfast. Think poached eggs instead of fried, hollandaise instead of ketchup, but always with that unmistakable smoked meat richness holding it all together. It’s a city’s culinary identity on one plate.
And the locals know where to get it right. At Dunn’s Famous, the smoked meat is done the way it’s been since 1927: brined, spiced, steamed, and stacked. Paired with eggs, it becomes more than a sandwich or side. It becomes brunch with soul.
Must-Try Dishes for Food Lovers
Smoked meat has earned its place at the breakfast table, transforming morning classics into rich, satisfying meals that blend comfort with bold flavor. These dishes highlight just how seamlessly eggs and smoked meat pair, offering something for every kind of brunch lover.
Smoked Meat and Eggs
A true breakfast staple. Two eggs cooked your way, scrambled, fried, or poached, served alongside a generous portion of tender smoked meat, crisp toast, and golden home fries. It’s a no-fuss, flavor-packed start to the day that delivers both comfort and substance.
Smoked Meat Benedict
This reimagined version of Eggs Benedict swaps out the usual Canadian bacon for thick-cut smoked meat. Add poached eggs, rich hollandaise, and a toasted English muffin, and you’ve got a brunch dish that’s indulgent, savory, and undeniably satisfying.
Smoked Meat Omelette
Three eggs, fluffy and folded around chopped smoked meat, make for a breakfast that’s both hearty and customizable. Add cheese, veggies, or herbs, and this dish becomes a flavorful canvas for anyone craving a warm, protein-rich meal.
Breakfast Sandwich with Smoked Meat
Smoked meat, egg, and melted cheese tucked into a toasted bagel or bread of your choice. It’s portable, comforting, and full of bold flavor, perfect for mornings when you want something fast but memorable.
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How to Enjoy the Perfect Brunch Plate
Smoked meat and eggs might sound effortless, but getting the pairing just right is an art. Whether you’re building your dream brunch plate at home or fine-tuning your go-to order, a few simple choices can take the experience from good to unforgettable.
Start with the right cut
Not all smoked meat is created equal. For breakfast, go for brisket-style cuts that strike a balance between lean and fatty. The fat melts slightly when warmed, adding richness without overwhelming the eggs.
Pick your egg style wisely
Each egg style brings a different dimension. Soft scrambled eggs wrap around the meat with a silky texture. Poached eggs add drama with that perfect yolk spill. Fried eggs with crispy edges stand up to bold meat slices. There’s no wrong choice, just different moods on the plate.
Add thoughtful sides
This combo shines with the right supporting sides. Seasoned home fries offer a crispy, golden base that soaks up yolk like a dream. Buttered toast adds warmth and texture, whether white, rye, or multigrain. And no Montreal-style meal feels complete without a side of crisp kosher dill pickles, delivering that sharp, vinegary snap that cuts through all the richness.
Lean into the Sauce
To bring it all together, a spoonful of creamy hollandaise takes the edge off the salt and smoke with its smooth, lemony touch. Prefer something heartier? Thick beef gravy is sometimes added to breakfast plates for those craving a deeper, more savory layer. Either way, the sauce isn’t just an extra; it’s a bridge between the bold flavors on your plate.
Conclusion: A Montreal Morning Done Right
Smoked meat and eggs aren’t just a clever brunch pairing, they’re a celebration of flavor, heritage, and everything that makes Montreal’s food culture stand out. Whether you love your eggs poached, scrambled, or nestled under hollandaise, adding smoked meat brings a richness that turns breakfast into something memorable.
So if you’re in town and craving a brunch that goes beyond the ordinary, make your way to Dunn’s Famous. With time-tested recipes, iconic flavors, and hearty plates built to satisfy, it’s no surprise that Dunn’s is home to the best brunch in Montreal.
