National Poutine Day

Cheerful person with a fork in hand, enjoying a plate of poutine, cozy winter fashion, snowy Canadian scenery.. — National poutine day illustration

Ah, National Poutine Day! Get ready to indulge in a glorious celebration of cheesy, gravy-drenched deliciousness. Whether you're a proud Canadian or just a lover of all things comfort food, this day is sure to leave you craving for more. So, grab a fork and get ready for a saucy adventure!

When is Poutine Day?

It's national poutine day on the 11th April.

The Birth of a Canadian Classic: The Internet History of National Poutine Day

It all began in the land of maple syrup, hockey, and polite apologies. Poutine, a delectable dish made of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, has been a beloved staple in Canadian cuisine for decades. But how did this heavenly concoction earn its own national day?

Cue the internet, the birthplace of all glorious and quirky celebrations. National Poutine Day first made waves online, with food lovers and culinary enthusiasts sharing their obsession for this cheesy delight. The hashtag #NationalPoutineDay started popping up on social media platforms, garnering immense popularity and sparking a hunger-fueled movement.

As the online buzz grew, droves of poutine aficionados joined forces, organizing events, sharing recipes, and spreading the word about this delectable dish. It didn't take long for the French fry frenzy to catch the attention of food bloggers, restaurants, and even mainstream media outlets, solidifying National Poutine Day's place on the culinary calendar.

History behind the term 'Poutine'

1951

Origins of poutine

Poutine originated in 1951 in rural Quebec, Canada. A restaurant owner named Fernand Lachance is said to have created the dish in the small town of Warwick. Lachance served a delicious combination of fries and cheese curds covered in hot gravy, and it quickly became a local favorite.

1957

The Birth of Poutine

Poutine, the iconic Canadian dish, was born in the year 1957. It is said to have originated in the province of Quebec, specifically in the small rural town of Warwick. The story goes that a trucker named Fernand Lachance stopped by a local restaurant late at night and requested a plate of French fries be topped with cheese curds. The restaurant owner, named Fernand Lachance, obliged and added hot gravy on top. Thus, poutine was created, a comfort food sensation that would soon spread throughout Canada and beyond.

1957

The Invention of Poutine

Poutine, a beloved Canadian dish, is said to have been invented in 1957 in the small town of Warwick, Quebec. According to popular lore, a restaurant owner named Fernand Lachance was asked by a customer to mix cheese curds with french fries. Lachance combined the two and dubbed the dish 'poutine,' derived from the French word 'pouding,' meaning 'pudding' or 'mixture.' The combination of crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, and savory gravy quickly became a local sensation.

1964

Growing Popularity

By the mid-1960s, poutine's popularity began to grow beyond its birthplace. It became a staple at casse-croutes, a type of small roadside snack bars found across Quebec. The combination of crispy fries, cheese curds, and hot gravy proved to be irresistible to locals and travelers alike. Poutine started gaining attention as a hearty and indulgent treat, perfect for satisfying cravings and providing a delicious pick-me-up.

1960s

Poutine Gains Popularity in Quebec

Throughout the 1960s, poutine continued to gain popularity in Quebec, especially in diners and fast-food establishments. Its reputation as a delicious and indulgent dish spread throughout the province, with variations emerging featuring different types of gravy, cheeses, and additional toppings. Despite its humble origins, poutine started to earn recognition as an iconic Canadian comfort food.

1960s

Spread across Quebec

Throughout the 1960s, poutine gained popularity across Quebec, mainly in small-town diners and drive-ins. Its comforting simplicity and indulgent flavors made it a hit with locals and visitors alike. Poutine's reputation as a satisfying and inexpensive dish began to grow, establishing it as a Quebecois classic.

1980s

Expansion of Poutine's Fame

By the 1980s, poutine had expanded beyond Quebec and started making its way into the rest of Canada. The dish was introduced to the national market by fast-food chains, notably by a major Canadian brand named Harvey's, which added poutine to its menu in 1984. As more people across the country experienced the delicious combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, poutine cemented its position as a quintessential Canadian culinary delight.

1980s

Widespread recognition

In the 1980s, poutine started to gain wider recognition beyond Quebec. It made its way onto menus in other Canadian provinces, particularly in the eastern regions. Poutine's irresistible combination of crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and savory gravy began to captivate taste buds nationwide.

1980s

Expanding Across Canada

During the 1980s, poutine made its triumphant journey across Canada. It started appearing on menus in major cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, cementing itself as a beloved Canadian dish. Poutine was not just a comfort food anymore; it became a symbol of Canadian cuisine and cultural identity. The unique blend of flavors and textures captured the hearts and taste buds of people from coast to coast.

2000s

International Recognition

In the 2000s, poutine gained international recognition and began making appearances on menus worldwide. From food trucks to high-end restaurants, poutine became a trendy dish, with creative variations and gourmet twists. Even outside of Canada, people were captivated by the combination of crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and savory gravy. Poutine had truly become a global culinary phenomenon.

2000s

Global Recognition and Creative Variations

During the 2000s, poutine's popularity surged even further, and it began receiving global recognition. Poutine-centric restaurants and food trucks emerged in various countries, particularly in the United States. In 2007, poutine was featured in popular American TV shows, further fueling international interest in the dish. This newfound attention led to creative variations of poutine, with toppings such as pulled pork, bacon, smoked meat, and even lobster being added to the traditional fries, cheese curds, and gravy combo.

Late 1990s

Introducing regional variations

During the late 1990s, poutine's popularity surged, leading to the introduction of regional variations. Chefs and food enthusiasts began experimenting with different toppings and sauces, putting unique spins on the classic dish. Variations such as smoked meat poutine, lobster poutine, and butter chicken poutine started to appear, further enhancing the dish's versatility.

Present Day

Poutine's Cultural Impact

Today, poutine has become a cultural symbol of Canada known worldwide. It is featured in countless Canadian restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Poutine festivals and competitions are held across the country, celebrating the dish's rich flavors and regional variations. Moreover, poutine has inspired culinary creativity and innovation, with chefs continuously experimenting with unique ingredients and presentations. The legacy of poutine continues to evolve, leaving an enduring mark on Canadian cuisine and captivating taste buds around the globe.

Present Day

Poutine's Enduring Legacy

Today, poutine remains a beloved dish in Canada and beyond. It has evolved into hundreds of variations, from traditional to experimental, incorporating diverse ingredients such as pulled pork, lobster, or even foie gras. Poutine festivals and competitions are held across the country, celebrating this iconic creation. The humble origins of poutine in a small Quebec town have led to a cultural impact that transcends borders, making it a truly legendary dish.

Present

Global popularity

Today, poutine can be found on menus worldwide, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. It has earned a place in popular culture and even has its own dedicated food festivals. Numerous international variations have emerged, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. Poutine continues to delight food enthusiasts worldwide and remains a proud symbol of Canadian culinary culture.

Did you know?

Did you know that the word 'poutine' is derived from the Quebecois slang word meaning 'a mess'? Well, poutine may be messy, but it's a glorious mess that'll leave you licking your fingers!