5 authentic poutine places where Megan Markle and other vegans can enjoy the Canadian comfort food

Poutine, which originates from the predominantly French province of Quebec, is something all Canadians hold dear. Comprising French fries, gravy and cheese curds, poutine has a strong fan base and has evolved into a hugely popular food.

The fries have to be prepared perfectly: not thin McDonald’s-style fries or chunky chips. The gravy needs to be savoury, not sweet, and the cheese needs to be in curds, not shreds.

 With entire poutine restaurants dedicated to customising your poutine with every topping under the sun, it’s no surprise that Gordon Ramsay is among the famous chefs to have featured it in their restaurants. Plant-based chain By Chloe, known to be one of Meghan Markle’s favourite restaurants, offered a limited-edition sweet potato vegan poutine leading up to the royal wedding.

It may seem impossible for vegans to enjoy this dish, but there are many places creating mouth-watering, plant-based versions of this hearty Canadian treat. Traditional beef gravy is substituted with a mushroom or vegetable gravy, and “cheese” curds are often home-made with cashews. The following places offer authentic, delicious poutine that will make you understand what all the hype is about.

LOV

With two entirely plant-based restaurants in Montreal, Quebec, LOV serves up stylish poutine with miso gravy, chunks of vegan mozzarella, regular or sweet potato fries, and a garnish of kale. Offered as a side dish, you won’t be bursting after eating this gourmet-style poutine in a chic and relaxing setting.

1232 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal, QC, Canada

Biff’s Jack Shack

Biff’s describes itself as having “filthy AF vegan junk food” and the poutine is not to be missed. The Vegan AF poutine has cheese curds, porcini mushroom gravy, “gnarly” seitan bacon and toasted seeds. Their location in trendy Shoreditch’s Boxpark in London is a great place to chow down, listen to live music and enjoy the 1980s-style vibes.