Poutine

Quebec · food · cheese · Canadian

Fries, cheese, gravy. Poutine is made by layering crispy French fries with squeaky cheese curds and then pouring hot gravy over everything. The heat from the gravy makes the cheese curds soft and gooey while the fries stay crunchy underneath.

Born in Quebec. Poutine first appeared in the Centre-du-Québec region around 1959, though nobody knows exactly who invented it. Different people claim they came up with the recipe first, but it's still a mystery.

Once considered uncool. At first, some people used poutine to make fun of Quebec society because it seemed like comfort food rather than fancy cuisine. But over time, people realized how delicious it was and started celebrating it instead.

Quebec's greatest hit. Poutine became such an important part of Quebec culture that it's now seen as a proud symbol of the province. It has spread across Canada and beyond, and people everywhere love eating it.

Cheese curds matter. The cheese curds in poutine are a key ingredient that makes the dish special. They're fresh cheese pieces that squeak between your teeth and have a mild, creamy flavor.