Classic poutine — we know it and love it. But did you know it's just the starting point of a whole family? In Québec, types of poutine number in the dozens, and each has its devoted fans. Whether you have a small craving or a late-night hunger, there's a variation for you. Let's tour the great classics worth trying at least once — and at Casse-croûte Pierrot in Limoilou, we know the territory well.
The Classic: The Starting Point
Before venturing off, let's pay tribute to the base. Classic poutine is the sacred trio: golden homemade fries, fresh squeaky cheese curds, hot and generous brown gravy. It's the benchmark against which all others are measured, and for many, it's still the best.
If you're discovering poutine, start here. Once you've mastered the classic, the rest of the family opens up to you.
The Great Variations to Know
Here are some of the most beloved types of poutine in Québec. Each transforms the experience while keeping the spirit of the dish.
- Italian poutine: the brown gravy gives way to an Italian-style meat sauce, like spaghetti poured over fries.
- Galvaude poutine: pulled chicken and green peas are added. Generous and filling.
- All-dressed poutine: the works, often topped with meat, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms.
- Smoked meat poutine: smoked meat crowns the whole thing, a nod to Montréal.
- Ground beef or sausage poutine: for big appetites that want protein.
And the list goes on: every snack bar has its own house creations. That's the beauty of poutine — a solid base and an infinite number of ways to make it your own.
There's no single right poutine. There's the poutine that does you good, tonight, in that plate.
How to Choose Based on Your Appetite
With so many options, how do you decide? It's all a matter of hunger and mood.
- Small appetite: a regular classic does the job perfectly.
- Big appetite: go for the galvaude or all-dressed, well loaded.
- Want a change: the Italian version offers a comforting, different taste.
- After a night out: any of them, as long as it's hot and generous.
You'll find plenty to complement your choice in our snack bar menu, from hot dogs to guédilles.
Hungry? We've got you covered.
Poutine, snack bar classics and prepared meals — dine-in, takeout or delivered in Limoilou and Québec City.
Trying the Types of Poutine in Limoilou
The best way to discover the types of poutine is to try them, one evening at a time. At Casse-croûte Pierrot, on 1st Avenue, we serve our poutines late into the night, dine-in, takeout or delivered across Limoilou and Québec City. Plenty of room to explore the poutine family at your own pace.
What's the difference between Italian poutine and classic?
Italian poutine replaces the brown gravy with an Italian-style meat sauce, like spaghetti. The classic keeps the traditional brown gravy. The cheese and fries remain the common base.
What is a galvaude poutine?
It's a classic poutine with chicken and green peas added. It's one of the most filling variations, ideal for big appetites.
What type of poutine to choose as a beginner?
Start with the classic. It gives you the true taste of the fries-cheese-gravy trio, and from there you'll know which variations to explore.