{"id":19628,"date":"2026-03-09T14:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T14:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog?p=19628"},"modified":"2026-03-09T14:00:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T14:00:33","slug":"best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal","title":{"rendered":"Best smoked meat sandwich in Montreal: the ultimate deli guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Montreal is a city that wears its culinary identity proudly, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a smoked meat sandwich. <strong>Piled high on rye, slathered with yellow mustard, and served with a dill pickle on the side<\/strong>, it is one of Canada&#8217;s most iconic foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, knowing where to find the best smoked meat sandwich in Montreal is nothing short of essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, <strong>where do you start your smoked meat journey in Montreal?<\/strong> Let&#8217;s dig in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">\u00cdndice<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f3847cb89da\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #182427;color:#182427\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #182427;color:#182427\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f3847cb89da\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#what_makes_montreal_smoked_meat_authentic\" >What makes Montreal smoked meat authentic?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#bring_local_flavors_to_your_kitchen\" >Bring local flavors to your kitchen<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#the_best_smoked_meat_sandwiches_in_montreal\" >The best smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#schwartzs_deli_the_legendary_original\" >Schwartz&#8217;s Deli: the legendary original<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#lesters_deli_the_neighbourhood_institution\" >Lester&#8217;s Deli: the neighbourhood institution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#snowdon_deli_a_full_jewish_deli_experience\" >Snowdon Deli: a full Jewish deli experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#dunns_famous_downtown_and_historic\" >Dunn&#8217;s Famous: downtown and historic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#reubens_deli_handcrafted_on_sainte-catherine\" >Reuben&#8217;s Deli: handcrafted on Sainte-Catherine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#le_roi_du_smoked_meat_a_plaza_saint-hubert_classic\" >Le Roi du Smoked Meat: a Plaza Saint-Hubert classic<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#tips_for_ordering_like_a_local\" >Tips for ordering like a local<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#bring_the_craft_of_montreals_delis_into_your_home\" >Bring the craft of Montreal&#8217;s delis into your home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\/#make_your_visit_to_montreal_count\" >Make your visit to Montreal count<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_makes_montreal_smoked_meat_authentic\"><\/span><a><\/a>What makes Montreal smoked meat authentic?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Montreal smoked meat is not the same as pastrami, though the two share a common Eastern European Jewish deli heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key difference lies in the spice blend. While New York pastrami leans on black pepper and coriander, <strong>Montreal smoked meat uses a heavier, more complex dry rub<\/strong> packed with cracked peppercorns, garlic, mustard seed, and savoury aromatics. The result is a <strong>bolder, more pungent flavour profile <\/strong>that has been winning over deli lovers for over a century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process begins with a whole beef brisket, dry-rubbed and left to cure for up to two weeks. It is then cold-smoked before being steamed for hours until it reaches that signature tender, rosy-pink interior. Sliced by hand, <strong>it is served medium-lean by default, <\/strong>though regulars know to ask for a mix of lean and fatty for the fullest flavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bread matters too. <strong>Rye bread<\/strong> is non-negotiable. Its slight sourness and dense crumb are the perfect counterpoint to the richly spiced meat. And while some modern delis experiment with bagels or baguettes, <strong>purists will tell you that any deviation from the rye-and-mustard formula is a bold choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n      <section class=\"tafc-cta\" aria-label=\"Local Cuisine CTA\">\n        <div class=\"tafc-cta__wrap\">\n          <div class=\"tafc-cta__content\">\n            <span class=\"tafc-cta__eyebrow\">Local Cuisine<\/span>\n            <h3 class=\"tafc-cta__title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bring_local_flavors_to_your_kitchen\"><\/span>Bring local flavors to your kitchen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n            <p class=\"tafc-cta__desc\">From market-fresh ingredients to traditional recipes, a private chef turns your home into a true local experience.<\/p>\n            <div class=\"tafc-cta__actions\">\n              <a class=\"tafc-cta__btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/en-us\/experience\">How it Works<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"tafc-cta__media\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-much-does-a-private-chef-cost.jpg);\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the_best_smoked_meat_sandwiches_in_montreal\"><\/span><a><\/a>The best smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"schwartzs_deli_the_legendary_original\"><\/span><a><\/a>Schwartz&#8217;s Deli: the legendary original<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No list would be complete without Schwartz&#8217;s. <strong>Open since 1928 on Boulevard Saint-Laurent<\/strong> (the historic &#8216;Main&#8217;), this cash-only deli is the gold standard. The line often stretches down the block, the seating is elbow-to-elbow, and the waiters have seen it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>None of that matters once the sandwich arrives. The meat is cured and smoked in-house using a closely <strong>guarded recipe that has barely changed in nearly a century, and the quality is simply astounding.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lesters_deli_the_neighbourhood_institution\"><\/span><a><\/a>Lester&#8217;s Deli: the neighbourhood institution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tucked into the vibrant <strong>Mile End neighbourhood since 1951<\/strong>, Lester&#8217;s Deli is where generations of Montreal families have eaten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious<\/strong>, the smoked meat is hand-sliced, and the legendary smoked meat poutine (crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, rich gravy, and generous shavings of brisket) is reason enough to visit on its own. <strong>A second location in Dorval<\/strong> means more of the city can enjoy this much-loved deli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"snowdon_deli_a_full_jewish_deli_experience\"><\/span><a><\/a>Snowdon Deli: a full Jewish deli experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Open since 1946, Snowdon Deli is widely regarded as the most complete traditional Jewish deli in Montreal. Beyond its excellent, juicy smoked meat sandwich<strong>, the menu stretches to matzo ball soup, latkes, lox, and house-made cakes<\/strong> a true window into the Eastern European immigrant community that shaped Montreal&#8217;s deli culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"dunns_famous_downtown_and_historic\"><\/span><a><\/a>Dunn&#8217;s Famous: downtown and historic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 1927, Dunn&#8217;s Famous has been feeding hungry Montrealers in the heart of the city. It carries on the tradition with dedication:<strong> slow-smoked brisket, classic rye bread, house-made coleslaw, and a dill pickle<\/strong> that deserves its own recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dunn&#8217;s is also one of the <strong>more accessible spots for visitors staying downtown<\/strong>, with later hours than many of its competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"reubens_deli_handcrafted_on_sainte-catherine\"><\/span><a><\/a>Reuben&#8217;s Deli: handcrafted on Sainte-Catherine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many locals swear that Reuben&#8217;s serves the finest smoked meat in the city. All meats are hand-carved, and you can customise your order by fat level: lean, medium, or fatty. <strong>Located on Sainte-Catherine Street West<\/strong>, it is ideal for a midday deli stop in the heart of downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"le_roi_du_smoked_meat_a_plaza_saint-hubert_classic\"><\/span><a><\/a>Le Roi du Smoked Meat: a Plaza Saint-Hubert classic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Operating on Plaza Saint-Hubert since 1954, Le Roi du Smoked Meat, which translates as &#8216;the King of Smoked Meat&#8217;, <strong>is a neighbourhood favourite with a loyal local following<\/strong>, keeping the focus squarely on traditional quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"825\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal-1.jpg\" alt=\"best smoked meat sandwich in Montreal\" class=\"wp-image-19632\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal-1.jpg 825w, https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tips_for_ordering_like_a_local\"><\/span><a><\/a>Tips for ordering like a local<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stepping into a Montreal deli for the first time can be a little overwhelming. A few insider tips will help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Always specify your fat preference.<\/strong> Medium is the default and the most popular choice, but &#8216;fatty&#8217; gives you more flavour and tenderness. &#8216;Lean&#8217; is drier and better suited to those watching their diet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pair your sandwich with a can of Cott black cherry soda<\/strong> for the full Montreal experience. This classic combination has been a deli staple for decades.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Order a side of half-sour pickles<\/strong>, not just a dill. The bright, garlicky tang cuts through the richness of the meat perfectly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0<strong>Go early on weekends<\/strong>. The best delis, particularly Schwartz&#8217;s, can have significant wait times by midday on Saturdays and Sundays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not add condiments beyond yellow mustard<\/strong>. Ketchup and mayonnaise have no place on an authentic smoked meat sandwich, and any Montrealer will tell you so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bring_the_craft_of_montreals_delis_into_your_home\"><\/span><a><\/a>Bring the craft of Montreal&#8217;s delis into your home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Recreating authentic Montreal smoked meat at home is genuinely difficult. The extended cure, smoking technique, and hand-slicing are skills that take years to develop. But <strong>what if you could bring that same level of craftsmanship to your own kitchen, without any of the effort?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/en-ca\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/en-ca\/\">Take a Chef<\/a>, <strong>you can book a professional chef in Montreal who knows this city&#8217;s culinary traditions inside out.<\/strong> Whether you are planning a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or an intimate celebration, a private chef can design a bespoke menu that honours Montreal&#8217;s rich food culture, including dishes that go far beyond the standard restaurant experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each chef <strong>handles everything from groceries to preparation, cooking, and clean-up<\/strong>, so you can focus entirely on your guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"make_your_visit_to_montreal_count\"><\/span><a><\/a>Make your visit to Montreal count<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are planning a first trip to the city or returning for the hundredth time, <strong>build your itinerary around at least one legendary smoked meat sandwich<\/strong>. Go to Schwartz&#8217;s for the heritage, Snowdon Deli for the full spread, Lester&#8217;s for the neighbourhood warmth, and Reuben&#8217;s for the downtown convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And when you want that same culinary artistry at home for a dinner party, a birthday, or a special weeknight, explore what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/en-ca\/private-chef\/montreal\">Montreal&#8217;s private chefs<\/a> can create for you through Take a Chef. <strong>The best food experiences are the ones shared with the people you love most.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Montreal is a city that wears its culinary identity proudly, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a smoked meat sandwich. Piled high on rye, slathered with yellow mustard, and served with a dill pickle on the side, it is one of Canada&#8217;s most iconic foods. Whether you are a lifelong local or a first-time &#8230; <a title=\"Best smoked meat sandwich in Montreal: the ultimate deli guide\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/best-smoked-meat-sandwich-in-montreal\" aria-label=\"Read more about Best smoked meat sandwich in Montreal: the ultimate deli guide\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":19630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[274],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-cuisine"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19628"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19634,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19628\/revisions\/19634"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeachef.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}