03-07-2025
Smoked meat sandwich named to CNN's '25 of the world's best sandwiches' list
Montreal's iconic smoked meat sandwich has been ranked one of the top sandwiches in the world, according to CNN Travel.
The list of 25 of the world's best sandwiches, which appeared on their website in June, places the local staple alongside Spain's jamón Ibérico, Philadelphia's cheesesteak and the well-travelled falafel pita.
As pointed out in the article, it's rare to find a country that doesn't stuff some variation of meat, cheese and veggies inside bread.
'Carnivores say oui to this seriously stacked sandwich from Quebec made with smoked beef brisket layered between slices of light rye bread and drizzled with tangy yellow mustard,' author Terry Ward said of Canada's lone entry on the list.
'The best briskets used in a true Montreal smoked meat sandwich are said to soak for up to two weeks in brine and savoury aromatics such as coriander, peppercorn and garlic before being smoked and hand-sliced to go down in eternal sandwich glory.'
It's been a year of accolades for smoked meat thus far in 2025. Back in May, Schwartz's Deli received a recommendation in the first Michelin Guide for Quebec.
Schwartz's was one of 76 restaurants in the province to earn that designation, which is just below a star and given to establishments for 'good cooking.'
In 2023, a pair of venerable smoked meat institutions, Main Deli on St-Laurent Blvd. and Quebec Smoked Meat in Pointe-St-Charles, closed their doors.
