Every true food lover in Montreal knows that the most difficult decision does not always involve the main course. When you are sitting in a vinyl booth at one of the best delis in Montreal, the real tension begins when the server looks at you and asks the golden question: What would you like on the side?
At Dunn’s Famous, this is not a simple choice between a salad and a starch. This is a choice between two cultural titans of the potato world. We are talking about the high-stakes showdown of French fries vs potato pancakes. Both are golden, both are fried, and both have a history as rich as the gravy served alongside them.
The Golden Standard: French fries at Dunn’s Famous
If you are looking for the best Montreal food experience, you have to start with the French fries at Dunn’s Famous. These are not your average, pale, fast-food sticks. Montreal is famous for its dark-cut fries, a specific style that relies on high-quality potatoes with a slightly higher sugar content. When these potatoes hit the hot oil, the sugars caramelize, resulting in a deep amber hue and a flavor that is naturally sweeter and more complex than a standard fry.
The texture is the stuff of legend. Because they are double-fried, you get a robust, crispy exterior that stands up to being dipped in spicy mustard or smothered in cheese curds and gravy for a poutine. These fries have been a staple of classic diner sides that Montreal locals have loved since 1927. They represent the fast-paced, high-energy side of deli culture.
The Heritage Choice: Potato pancakes in Montreal
On the other side of the ring, we have the underdog that often steals the show: the latke. Finding authentic potato pancakes in Montreal can be a challenge, but Dunn’s has perfected the art of the grated spud.
Unlike the uniform shape of a fry, the potato pancake is a handmade masterpiece of texture. These are crafted from shredded potatoes mixed with onions, eggs, and seasonings, then fried until the edges become lacy, brittle, and impossibly crunchy.
While fries are about the vertical snap, potato pancakes are about the horizontal layer. The middle remains soft and savory, while the perimeter offers a shatteringly crisp bite. In the world of side dishes and appetizers, the latke is the soul food of the deli. It brings a sense of nostalgia and tradition to the table that a standard fry simply cannot match.
What is the Difference: Texture and Flavor
When we analyze French fries vs potato pancakes from a culinary perspective, the differences are striking. The French fry is a pure expression of the potato and salt. It is clean, direct, and structurally sound.
The potato pancake, however, has a complex flavor profile. The addition of onion creates a savory aroma that permeates the entire dish, and the egg binder gives the interior a richness that feels more like a meal than a snack.
Then there is the matter of the dip. While fries are the soulmates of ketchup and vinegar, the latke demands something more sophisticated. At a legendary spot like Dunn’s, you have to choose between the cool, tangy silkiness of sour cream or the bright, fruity sweetness of applesauce.
Each accompaniment changes the character of the potato, making the latke a more versatile player on your plate.
Which One to Choose Based on Your Order?
Deciding on the best side dishes at Dunn’s often depends on what is sitting in the center of your table. If you have ordered a classic medium-fat smoked meat sandwich on rye, the French fries are the traditional choice. The salt and starch of the fries act as a palate cleanser for the rich, spiced beef.
However, if you are looking for a deeper, more comforting experience, the potato pancake is the way to go. The acidity of the applesauce served with latkes is a culinary secret; it cuts right through the richness of the smoked meat, balancing the heavy fats with a touch of sweetness. If you are feeling particularly indulgent, many regulars suggest ordering the latkes as a base for your meal, letting the juices from the meat soak into the shredded potato layers.
Can You Eat Latkes as an Appetizer?
One of the most common questions from deli newcomers is whether the latke belongs at the start of the meal or beside the main event. The answer is a resounding yes to both. In fact, ordering a plate of potato pancakes to share is one of the best ways to kick off a dinner. It allows everyone at the table to get that hit of crispy, onion-scented goodness without having to sacrifice their side of fries later on. As an appetizer, they are the perfect shareable finger food, especially when dipped in a bit of sour cream to wake up the taste buds.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether you lean toward the iconic French fries at Dunn’s Famous or the artisanal crunch of their potato pancakes, you are participating in a century-old Montreal tradition. There is no wrong answer when you are dining at one of the best delis in Montreal. The fries offer that high-octane crunch we all crave, while the latkes provide a savory, onion-laced hug for your stomach.
Next time you find yourself at Dunn’s, perhaps the best strategy is the one used by the pros: don’t choose. Order both, share with a friend, and enjoy the very best side dishes at Dunn’s in one glorious sitting.
FAQ
1. What makes the French fries at Dunn’s Famous different from standard fast food fries?
The fries here follow the traditional Montreal dark-cut style. Because we use potatoes with a higher natural sugar content and utilize a specialized double-frying process, the result is a deeper amber color and a richer, caramelized flavor profile that you simply will not find at a typical burger chain.
2. Are the potato pancakes in Montreal delis served with specific toppings?
At a legendary establishment like Dunn’s, the tradition is to serve these crispy delights with two classic options: sour cream or applesauce. The sour cream provides a cool, tangy contrast to the savory onion notes, while the applesauce offers a sweet acidity that balances the richness of the fried potato.
3. Which of the best side dishes at Dunn’s should I pair with a smoked meat sandwich?
While both are iconic, the choice depends on your texture preference. The French fries are the ultimate choice for those who want a salty, sturdy companion to dip in mustard. However, many locals prefer the potato pancake because its lacy, crispy edges provide a unique crunch that elevates the tender, steamed texture of the brisket.
4. Is the potato pancake recipe at Dunn’s Famous vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the classic latke is a vegetarian-friendly option. It consists primarily of shredded potatoes, onions, eggs, and seasoning. This makes it one of the most popular classic diner sides Montreal visitors choose when looking for a meat-free but incredibly satisfying snack or side dish.
5. Can I order both fries and latkes to share as a group?
Absolutely. In fact, seasoned regulars at one of the best delis in Montreal often order a platter of potato pancakes as an appetizer for the table to share before their individual sandwiches arrive with a side of fries. This ensures you get to experience the full spectrum of Montreal potato heritage in a single visit.
