History of Montreal Smoked Meat

Smoked meat originated among the Jews of Central Europe and is often associated with Montreal. Both the dish and the word were brought to North America with the wave of Jewish immigration from Romania and Bessarabia in the second half of the 19th century. Since then, Montrealers, and even non-Montrealers, identify it as emblematic of the city’s cuisine.

Smoked meat is a method of preparing cured, spiced and smoked beef briskets. It can be served hot or cold, lean or fatty either by the pound or as a smoked meat sandwich.