Montreal is known for having
hot dogs that are just ever so slightly different from those you find in the rest of Canada or the USA. And so, to really put the dog to the test, I called on Tom Johansmeyers, a New York-based blogger for
Gadling and self-proclaimed hot dog expert.
Ok, let’s start with the similarities:
NY and both include grilled sausages. The difference lies in the way the bun is prepared. In Montreal, you have the choice between a steamed bun (locally called steamé) or a toasted bun (locally called toasté) for added crispiness. And then there are the toppings. In Montreal, an all-dressed dog comes with mustard, chopped onion and coleslaw, which is essentially the same as what you get in the big apple. And yet, Tom, the New Yorker, seemed pretty impressed with the
Montreal dog. The difference is clearly in the buns…
Another thing worth noting is that
Montreal dogs are traditionally eaten with poutine, instead of regular French fries. And don’t get too excited (or confused) if the waitress offers you a liqueur with that. She doesn’t mean a shot of Bailey’s. "Liqueur" is the French Canadian word for soda.
For a really traditional experience, you can go to
Mont-Royal Hot Dog (established in 1965) or the
Montreal Pool Room (established in 1912).
Montreal Pool Room 1200 St-Laurent Blvd., Montreal QC, (514) 396-0460
Mont-Royal Hot Dog 1001 Mont-Royal Ave. East, Montreal QC, H2J 1X7
Weekdays: 7 am to 1 am
Weekends: 8 am to 1 am
One toasted hot dog: $1.65
(left= steamed, right= toasted)
