More than a celebration of winter, you’ll also find a lot of famous food in Québec that you must try when you attend Québec’s Winter Carnaval. What better way to get into the spirit of the Québécois winter than by trying all of their traditional foods?

As someone who has explored culinary traditions worldwide since first moving to Germany at age six, I’m thrilled to share my insider’s guide to Québec’s remarkable food scene. After two memorable visits and countless meals in this charming Canadian province, I can confidently guide you through the best foods and drinks to try during Winter Carnaval.

To make sure you don’t miss any treats, we’ve put together this list of quintessential Québec food that you must try as well as a list of restaurants where you can find many of our recommendations.

Many thanks to the Québec City Tourism Office for sponsoring my recent trip. All opinions and recommendations are based on my personal experience.

Why Trust My Québec Food Recommendations?

I’ve personally dined at every restaurant mentioned in this guide and sampled each dish and drink recommended. My passion for food exploration started during my childhood in Germany and has taken me across the globe. When it comes to Québec’s cuisine, I’ve experienced everything from casual sugar shack breakfasts to upscale Indigenous fusion dining.

Understanding Québécois Cuisine

Before diving into specific dishes, it’s important to understand what makes Québécois food unique:

• Winter Traditions – Many iconic dishes are particularly associated with cold weather and Winter Carnaval
• French-Canadian Heritage – While clearly influenced by French cuisine, Québécois food has evolved into its own distinct culinary tradition
• Indigenous Influence– Many dishes incorporate First Nations ingredients like wild game, fish, berries, and maple syrup
• Seasonal Focus – Local restaurants emphasize seasonal ingredients and sustainability

Poutine

A Canadian classic, authentic poutine is a comfort food masterpiece, Québec cuisine at its finest. Imagine a hearty bowl of crispy french fries, topped with squeaky fresh cheese curds, and smothered in rich, savory brown gravy. 

What Is Poutine? The ultimate Québécois comfort food combining crispy french fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich brown gravy

Where to Get It: Poutine is available in most restaurants, but we had it at La Buche (49 rue Saint-Louis)

• Best Time to Order: Lunch or late-night snack
• Local Tip: Look for the squeak in the cheese curds – it’s the sign of ultimate freshness

Sugar Shack Breakfast (Cabane à Sucre)

The most iconic meal you can eat in Québec  City is a sugar shack meal, also known as “cabane à sucre” in French. This is a traditional Québécois dining experience centered around maple syrup. Inspired by the sugar shacks that are used to make maple syrup, this delicious meal is full of traditional dishes the entire family will love.

Key Components:

• Pea soup
• Baked beans (Fèves au Lard)
• Ham and bacon
• Traditional meat pies
• Fresh omelets
• Pure maple syrup

Where to Experience It: La Buche for an iconic experience

• Pro Tip: Come hungry – portions are generous!
• Timing: Available all day, not just during breakfast hours
• Reservation Required: Yes

Maple Taffy (Tire d’Érable)

No visit to the Winter Carnival is complete without indulging in maple taffy, (tire d’érable). It’s a beloved Canadian winter tradition, and the carnival offers the perfect opportunity to taste this delightful treat, freshly made before your eyes.

What It Is: A winter treat made by pouring hot maple syrup onto snow

Where to Find It: Street stands during Winter Carnaval

• Best Time: Afternoon, when crowds are smaller
• Personal Tip: Watch the demonstration first – I learned the hard way that improper rolling technique leads to sticky hair!

BeaverTails (Queue de Castor)

BeaverTails (Queue de Castor)

What It Is: A hand-stretched pastry named for its flat, tail-like shape

• Modern Variations: Nutella, Oreo, apple cinnamon
• Texture: Crispy outside, fluffy inside
• Traditional Toppings: Cinnamon sugar, maple butter

Local Tip: Try the maple butter version for an authentic Québécois experience

Traditional French Canadian Meat Pie (Tourtière)

Tourtière is a classic Québécois traditional meat pie, a dish that dates back to Québec’s earliest French settlers, adapted over generations.

Key Features:

• Flaky pastry crust
• Seasoned ground pork and beef
• Traditional spices (cloves, cinnamon, savory)
• Often served with ketchup aux fruits (fruit ketchup)

Best Places:

• La Buche for traditional version
• La Buchette for modern interpretation

Personal Insight: Québécois say – Don’t skip the fruit ketchup! It might sound strange, but this traditional condiment perfectly balances the rich meat filling.

Maple Sugar Pie (Tarte au Sucre)

An iconic French Canadian pie that celebrates the region’s maple syrup heritage, this Québec traditional pie is beloved dessert with:

• Buttery pastry base
• Rich maple syrup filling
• Cream and butter
• Crystallized top layer

Where to Try It:

• La Maison Smith for traditional version
• La Buche for modern twist

Wild Game Specialties

Embrace Québec’s love for wild game meats like venison, boar, and duck. These dishes reflect Québec’s hunting traditions and Indigenous influence.

Popular Options:

• Venison medallions with wild berry sauce
• Duck confit
• Rabbit prepared multiple ways
• Wild boar stews

Where to Try:

• La Traite for Indigenous preparations
• La Buchette for modern interpretations

Personal Tip: The venison at La Traite was the best I’ve ever had – perfectly cooked and served with local ingredients.

French Onion Soup

Is there a better soup for winter comfort than a bowl of French onion soup? Another famous food in Quebec is their to-die-for French Onion Soup that’s the perfect ratio of:

• Rich beef broth
• Slow-caramelized onions
• Crusty baguette
• Melted Gruyère cheese

Best Places: La Buchette, La Buche

Insider Tip: Order this as your first course – it’s the perfect way to warm up after outdoor carnival activities.

Pea Soup (Soupe aux Pois)

Another way to warm up from a cold day of having outdoor fun is to try Pea Soup. Québécois pea soup is a hearty and flavorful dish, a staple of Québec winters for generations.

Components:

• Yellow split peas
• Diced ham
• Root vegetables
• Fresh herbs

Where to Find: Traditional restaurants throughout Old Québec

Pro Tip: Look for versions made with local ham – the difference in flavor is noticeable.

Quebec-Style Baked Beans (Fèves au Lard)

Traditional Preparation: Slow-cooked with maple syrup and local pork.

Serving Style:

• Part of traditional breakfasts
• Side dish at lunch
• Carnival food stands

Where to Find: Most traditional restaurants and sugar shack meals

Crepes

Indulge in delicate crepes filled with sweet or savory fillings, a popular treat found at the Winter Carnival. Whether you prefer Nutella and bananas or ham and cheese, these thin pancakes are a favorite.

Quebec Style: Both sweet and savory options, often with local twists.

Popular Variations: Sweet:

• Maple butter
• Wild berry
• Apple cinnamon

Savory:

• Ham and cheese
• Wild mushroom
• Smoked salmon

Where to Try: Le Manoir d’Auteuil, La Maison Smith

Fresh-Baked Pastries

If you love fresh baked pastries, you’re in for a treat. They’re easy to find and an essential way to start the day.

Must-Try Items:

• Maple-glazed croissants
• Pain au chocolat
• Local fruit danishes
• Traditional tourtières

Favorite Bakeries:

• La Maison Smith
• Boulangerie Paillard

Where to Find Québec‘s Famous Foods

During Carnaval, you’ll find these famous foods all over Quebec, in the lower city and in Old Québec (Vieux-Québec). You can buy them at street vendors, food trucks, maple taffy stations, restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops.

For some of our favorite restaurants in Quebec, read this related article: Must Visit Restaurants in Québec City.

Final Tips for Your Food Adventure in Québec

1. Make reservations for sit-down meals
2. Bring cash for street vendors
3. Try foods at different times of day
4. Don’t miss Carnaval-specific treats

Once again, maybe thanks to Québec City Tourism Office for sponsoring my trip. Head to their website for the most update travel information.

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