Your 2019 guide to Montréal’s food trucks and street food

Mayssam Samaha

Mayssam Samaha is a food and travel writer and blogger and the founder behind the blog Will Travel for Food. She travels the world in search of the next culinary discovery. From Iceland to South Africa, she’s already visited over 30 countries and there’s nothing she enjoys more than wandering around a farmers’ market in a foreign city. She is also the founder of the SAISONS intimate dinner series highlighting Québec products and chefs.

NOTE: As of June 2020, Montréal is moving toward a progressive reopening of businesses and a return to many public activities, while respecting public health guidelines on social distancing and the use of non-medical masks. Readers are encouraged to visit the websites of the businesses and attractions mentioned in this article or to call to verify whether they are open and what their current hours are.

Montréal’s 2019 street food season is officially open! The great food truck project of Montréal is now in its sixth year and going strong. What started as a pilot project and a handful of food trucks parked in nine different locations in the city centre in 2013 has blossomed into one of the city’s most anticipated summer activities. If you’re out and about taking in the sights and sounds of Montréal in the summer, here’s everything you need to know about street eats and food trucks.

The Association des restaurateurs de rue du Québec (ARRQ) has been mandated by the city to take over the scheduling of all food trucks. The ARRQ is planning on boosting the presence of trucks on the city streets and creating “mini food courts” with several trucks present at any given spot a few times a week. There’s no need to fret over the details though: if you’re a fan of street food, you’ll only need to remember one thing and that is to check the Street Food Montréal website. The site is constantly updated with information on all things pertaining to Montréal street food. You will also find a detailed map that’s updated on a daily basis with information about the whereabouts of your favourite food trucks at any given moment.

Although Montréal’s street food events haven’t all been scheduled yet, here are a few that will be coming back this year.

Platz Market

Platz Market is a block party in partnership with Alexandraplatz Bar and Cuisine de Rue Montréal. A number of food trucks gather and an outdoor dining room is deployed. The event brings together local vendors, DJs and delicious fun food from May 25 to August 24.

First Fridays

The largest food truck gathering in North America happens on the first Friday of every month at the Esplanade Financière Sun Life at the Olympic Park from 4 pm to 11 pm. Whether you’re craving tacos, lobster rolls, burgers, dim sum, grilled cheese, ice cream or donuts, the First Fridays menu options are endless and will satiate your appetite. The SAQ will be onsite with a stand offering great products. Archibald microbrewery and Mill Street Brewery will also be at the First Friday events with some of their craft products. Starting Friday, June 7, you can enjoy food offers from more than 40 food trucks along with live music, DJs, activities, terrasses and more in a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s fun for all ages. Free entrance.

Les Mercredis Pique-Niques

Every Wednesday from June 19 until September 4, Tolhurst Park on Fleury Street West hosts a picnic! From 5 pm to 9 pm, food trucks are available for you to enjoy a meal under the stars. Live music, games and activities are also on site for the whole family to experience. You can find a list of which trucks will be on site for any specific week on their website.

BOUFFONS!MTL

BOUFFONS!MTL is a food festival that takes place in tandem with the Just for Laughs Festival. Celebrating its 5th year, from July 10 to 28, wander through the temporary culinary village right in the heart of Quartier des spectacles and sample food from a great variety of stands and trucks. Keep an eye on the website for more details coming out soon.

The Great Montréal PoutineFest

Old Montréal’s Quai Jacques Cartier will be the stage for many calorie-dense festivals this summer. If you’re a fan of delectable poutines (August 13 to 18), then the Old Port is your port of call all summer long. Microbreweries, renowned chefs, DJs, music, food trucks, family activities and more will be part of all this grand food fest.

Festival YUL EAT

Festival YUL EAT is celebrating its 6^th anniversary this year. From September 9 to 15, food and alcohol tastings, culinary demos and workshops, an outdoors market, masterclasses in restaurant kitchens, special events and more will be available. The Parcours Gourmand, an exclusive grand tasting experience, is also back for this year’s edition. As always, we can expect some big name chefs to be present. Check the website for more information as it becomes available.

Keep checking the Street Food Montréal website for new events throughout the season.

Mayssam Samaha

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