What to know
- HEINZ sparks a classic Canadian debate ahead of National Poutine Day: The brand’s limited-edition “Poutine Ketchup” (available only through an Instagram giveaway with 50 winners) is reigniting the question: Does ketchup belong on poutine?
- Social media reactions range from calling it “a crime” and “painful” (especially among Québécois voices) to some admitting they’re open to the combo, putting ketchup on poutine in the same controversial category as pineapple on pizza.
- You can celebrate National Poutine Day in the GTA (ketchup or not) at spots like Enchanted Poutinerie, NomNomNom Poutine and more.
Tomorrow is National Poutine Day — and to the dismay of many Canadians, HEINZ is stirring up controversy by declaring ketchup belongs on the beloved dish. Whether you’re team ketchup or more traditional, here’s where to get a good poutine in Toronto.
On April 11, the Québec-born dish will be recognized across Canada. In honour of this day, condiment company HEINZ is unveiling a limited-edition Poutine Ketchup.
“It’s the same ketchup that Canadians know and love, now in a limited-edition bottle to celebrate National Poutine Day, and to get both ketchup and poutine fans excited (or intrigued), depending on where you land in the debate!” a HEINZ spokesperson explained.
This limited-time offering is available only through an Instagram giveaway, and 50 winners will be announced on April 25.
But will people apply?
The ultimate debate: Does ketchup belong on poutine?
When the question was originally asked on TikTok, HEINZ followers immediately ran to the comments.
@heinz_ca let’s settle this. does ketchup belong on poutine? On règle ça une fois pour toutes, ketchup sur poutine?
♬ original sound – Heinz Canada
“That’s a crime,” one TikTok user said. “As a proud Canadian, I can say this makes me feel pain.”
A French Canadian even jumped in, “As a Québécois, I say this is a pain to my heart.”
But some were more open-minded. “I’m guilty, as well as pineapple on pizza.” Another said in French, “I say why not.”
Note: The author of this article is French Canadian, with French as her first language, and has translated the previous quote from French to English.
Where to get a poutine in the GTA
Enchanted Poutinerie
- Location: 45 Abraham Welsh Rd, Unit 7B, North York
If you like the idea of a different kind of poutine, but just not ketchup, Enchanted Poutinerie offers a whimsical menu with everything from classics to its famous “Unicorn Poutine.” The all-Canadian poutinerie uses cheese curds directly from Québec and East Coast potatoes. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options. Some of the most interesting poutines include K-Pop Poutine, Pickle Ranch Poutine, and Chicken Shawarma Poutine. The price ranges from $11.99 for a classic or vegan poutine to $25.99 for the Lobster Mac & Cheese Poutine.
Smoke’s Poutinerie
- Locations: Various locations across the GTA
Smoke’s Poutinerie has various locations across the GTA to cater to your poutine needs. Their recipes include subtle seasonings and a hint of rosemary to create a twist on the chicken-based Quebec gravy — or a veggie gravy. They’re known for the classic poutine and twists like a tater tot poutine or their perogy poutine. Prices are in the $15-20 range.
NomNomNom Poutine
- Location: 707 Dundas St W.
For authentic poutine, check out NomNomNom Poutine — the owner is from Montréal. After moving to Toronto in 2008, he opened this shop, and the poutine consists of vegetarian gravy to make it more inclusive, too. Additionally, from the classic poutine for $10.61 to specials like jerk chicken poutine for $16.14, the store offers a smoked meat poutine, a type of meat loved by Quebecers.
Poutine Hub
- Locations: 179 Parliament St | 132 Dundas St E.
“Poutine a day keeps your cravings away,” according to Poutine Hub‘s Instagram — so check them out! They have two locations: one indoors, and the other in a food truck area, The Hangout, on Parliament Street. Everything on their menu is under $10, and they offer lots of different poutine flavours for $6.99 each. Their gravy is also vegetarian.
