- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CheeseFast Food
- Where:
- Canada
- Date change rule:
- Every April 11
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍟
National Poutine Day arrives every April 11, celebrating Canada’s beloved dish of crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy. Originating in rural Quebec, poutine has become a global comfort food phenomenon. Gather your friends, find a local spot, or try making your own delicious rendition at home.
Want to sponsor National Poutine Day? Learn how
Expected National Poutine Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Poutine Day often brings delicious deals from fast-food chains and Canadian-themed restaurants. Look for special offers from major players like A&W Canada and McDonald’s Canada, which frequently feature poutine on their menus. Specialty poutine shops, such as Smoke’s Poutinerie, are also likely to roll out limited-time creations or discounts. Regional chains like Harvey’s and St-Hubert, particularly in Quebec, will celebrate with their signature takes on the dish. Keep an eye out for grocery store sales on key ingredients like cheese curds and gravy mixes from brands like Kraft Heinz and McCain Foods, perfect for homemade poutine. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 11 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Poutine Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPoutineDay. Film your poutine-making process or a taste test of different variations.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPoutineDay. Share mouth-watering photos or short reels of your favorite poutine creations or restaurant visits.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalPoutineDay. Tweet about your favorite poutine spot or engage in polls about the best gravy-to-curd ratio.
National Poutine Day Hero
Jean-Paul Roy
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
Poutine is sold in Quebec on Boulevard Wilfred-Hamel at the Ashton Snack Bar food truck.
Restaurants in Montreal begin serving the dish.
The dish appears on the Burger King menu in Quebec.
The Canadian fast-food chain debuts Poutine on the menus across the country.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Poutine Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Poutine Day by offering special deals or limited-time poutine creations. Restaurants could feature a ‘Poutine of the Day’ with unique toppings or host a poutine-eating contest. Food trucks might offer a special ‘Poutine Flight’ with mini versions of different styles. Even non-food businesses could partner with local eateries to provide poutine as a perk for customers or employees, fostering community spirit around this beloved comfort food.
National Poutine Day FAQs
When is National Poutine Day?
In 2027, National Poutine Day is celebrated on Sunday, April 11. This Sunday observance provides a relaxed day for families and friends to gather and enjoy the cheesy, gravy-laden goodness.
Where did poutine originate?
The exact birthplace of poutine remains a charming mystery, with multiple small towns in Quebec vying for the credit. Regardless of the precise origin, the dish quickly gained popularity throughout the province before spreading across Canada and beyond, becoming a symbol of Quebecois culinary heritage.
How popular is poutine outside of Canada?
The global appeal of poutine continues to grow, with chefs worldwide experimenting with its core components. From upscale restaurants offering gourmet versions to fast-casual eateries, the dish’s comforting combination of fries, curds, and gravy resonates with diverse palates, establishing its presence far beyond its Canadian roots.
What are the essential ingredients of poutine?
To truly be poutine, the dish requires a foundation of golden fries, topped with un-melted, springy cheese curds, and then smothered in a rich, dark gravy. The contrast in textures and temperatures is key to its unique appeal, distinguishing it from other loaded fry dishes.
National Poutine Day Activities
Make poutine
Make poutine at home! There are lots of great recipes you can try.
Order poutine
Go to a restaurant and order the cheesy dish. It is served in many different types of restaurants.
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
It is high in calories
An average serving of poutine contains about 1,400 calories.
It is messy
The name is derived from Quebec slang, which means “a mess.”
There is a world record
Joey Chestnut holds the poutine-eating world record for eating 28 pounds in 10 minutes.
Gravy adds warmth
The gravy was added to the original dish to prevent the fries from getting cold.
It is customizable
Other ingredients such as beef or chicken can be added to the dish.
Why We Love National Poutine Day
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.
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.
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!
Social Media Tips for National Poutine Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands