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FriApr 11

National Poutine Day – April 11, 2025

National Poutine Day is celebrated every year on April 11. It was created in 2018 as a promotion for the dish. Poutine is most popular in the Quebec province of Canada but it is served and enjoyed in many different places. There are a few supposed origins of the dish. Credit can be given to Jean-Paul Roy, who in 1964, served the dish at his restaurant called Le Roy Jucep. He is known to be an early founder according to a copyright certificate issued by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

History of National Poutine Day

Poutine is a Canadian meal that is influenced by French cuisine. The name is pronounced ‘pou-tin’ in the French-dominated regions of Quebec but pronounced ‘poo-teen’ in other areas. The dish consists of french fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy. The combination is mixed in a bag. Different restaurants prepare the dish in different ways, creating their signature versions. Some add meat sauce, butter, chicken, and other ingredients. Poutine has become popular over the years and can be found in restaurants, fast food chains, roadside food trucks, pubs, and even sports stadiums.

National Poutine Day is celebrated every year in many cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Montreal. It is also very popular in the United States. The dish was created in Quebec by mistake and it just caught on. It became an iconic meal that was quickly accepted. The dish became so popular in Canada that it was declared their national food. The holiday helps to promote Canadian culture and bring people together through their love for food. Many restaurants serve different variations of the meal and people take the opportunity to share and enjoy it.

Poutine is believed to have been created accidentally by Eddy Lainsesse. He was a regular customer at a restaurant called Le Lutin Qui Rit. The restaurant was located in the town of Warwick in Arthabaska County, Quebec. The town was known for making squeaky cheese curds. According to the story, Lainsesse asked for cheese curds to be added to his french fries and the restaurant owner replied “Ça va faire une maudite poutine,” which means “That is going to make a dreadful mess.”

National Poutine Day timeline

1969
It is Served in Quebec

Poutine is sold in Quebec on Boulevard Wilfred-Hamel at the Ashton Snack Bar food truck.

1983
It is Served in Montreal

Restaurants in Montreal begin serving the dish.

1987
Burger King Serves Poutine

The dish appears on the Burger King menu in Quebec.

1992
Harvey’s Serves poutine

The Canadian fast-food chain debuts Poutine on the menus across the country.

National Poutine Day FAQs

Does the U.S. have poutine?

In the United States, some restaurants in New York and New Jersey have their own mix of fries, gravy, and cheese called disco fries.

Are cheese curds illegal in the U.S.?

While raw cheese is illegal in the U.S., if it is aged for 60 days or more it is legal.

Can vegetarians eat poutine?

The gravy potentially makes poutine not vegetarian. Most gravies are made with animal stock or animal fat.

National Poutine Day Activities

  1. Make poutine

    Make poutine at home! There are lots of great recipes you can try.

  2. Order poutine

    Go to a restaurant and order the cheesy dish. It is served in many different types of restaurants.

  3. Share the holiday on social media

    Share fun facts about the holiday with friends and loved ones on social media. You may be surprised how many people enjoy poutine!

5 Important Facts About Poutine

  1. It is high in calories

    An average serving of poutine contains about 1,400 calories.

  2. It is messy

    The name is derived from Quebec slang, which means “a mess.”

  3. There is a world record

    Joey Chestnut holds the poutine-eating world record for eating 28 pounds in 10 minutes.

  4. Gravy adds warmth

    The gravy was added to the original dish to prevent the fries from getting cold.

  5. It is customizable

    Other ingredients such as beef or chicken can be added to the dish.

Why We Love National Poutine Day

  1. It brings people together

    There is nothing better than having friends and family over for dinner. People bond easier over a shared love for delicious food.

  2. It is cultural

    Poutine is a delicacy that can be considered a part of Canadian culture. This allows people to learn more about other cultures.

  3. It sparks creativity

    The holiday allows chefs across the country to try out different recipes for poutine. This means more ways to enjoy the dish!

National Poutine Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 April 11 Friday
2026 April 11 Saturday
2027 April 11 Sunday
2028 April 11 Tuesday
2029 April 11 Wednesday