Quebec's Culinary Delights – Crêpes from Mom’s Kitchen!
- Ginger North
- Apr 5
- 7 min read
#30CanadianFoods: Sweet and delectable Crêpes!
Bonjour from Fair & Furious headquarters (a.k.a. my kitchen counter)! It’s our fifth #30CanadianFoods challenge, and we’re landing in the heart of French-speaking Canada: Quebec. We’re digging into the comforting, joyful, and downright delicious food traditions of the province, but instead of poutine, we’re serving up something sweet and deeply personal: homemade crêpes, just like my mom used to make.
But first, pull up a chair, pour a little maple whisky, and let’s set the table with some context.
Need a refresher on what this challenge is all about? Click here to read the original post or catch up on all our tasty stops across Canada.
La Belle Province: More Than Just Maple Syrup
Quebec isn't just Canada's largest province by area – it's a vibrant cultural powerhouse with a European flair that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Home to 8.5 million people (most of whom speak French as their first language), Quebec blends old-world charm with modern innovation in a way that's uniquely...well, Québécois!
Did you know that Quebec produces over 70% of the world’s maple syrup? That’s right – this province is literally keeping pancake breakfasts sweet across the globe! The darker the syrup, the more minerals and nutrients it contains.
Golden, Delicate Taste – The lightest in colour with a mild, buttery flavour. Perfect for drizzling over yogurt or pancakes.
Amber, Rich Taste – Medium amber in colour with a well-balanced maple flavour. Great for baking and sweet treats.
Dark, Robust Taste – Deeper in colour with a bold, more pronounced flavour. Ideal for cooking and glazes.
Very Dark, Strong Taste – The darkest and most intense of all. Often used in cooking and barbecue sauces for a rich, powerful maple kick.
And while Montreal might be famous for its bagels and smoked meat, Quebec City holds the distinction of being North America’s only walled city north of Mexico. With its cobblestone streets and 400+ years of history, it feels like a little piece of Europe nestled along the St. Lawrence River. And tucked in among all that, Indigenous traditions and cultural innovations that deserve way more spotlight than they usually get.
Before Crêpes: Indigenous Foodways
Long before crêpes and tourtière, the First Peoples of this land—Innu, Cree, Mi'kmaq, Mohawk, Huron-Wendat, and others—were harvesting wild game, fishing, farming the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash), and crafting culinary traditions that still nourish communities today.
If you’re interested in experiencing First Nations culture and cuisine firsthand, Wendake, just outside Quebec City, offers authentic cultural experiences through the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations. Their restaurant, La Traite, serves innovative Indigenous-inspired cuisine using traditional ingredients like game meats, cedar, and foraged plants. The cultural experience extends beyond just food – visitors can learn about traditional practices, arts, and history through guided tours and demonstrations.
Another meaningful way to connect with Indigenous culture is through Onhwa’ Lumina in Wendake, an immersive night walk created in collaboration with the Huron-Wendat Nation that showcases their stories and traditions through light, sound, and multimedia installations. It’s a respectful and awe-inspiring way to learn about the rich heritage of Quebec’s First Peoples.
Travel Picks: Quebec Spots Worth the Trip
Quebec is a province of contrasts – from cosmopolitan cities to rugged wilderness, there’s something for every type of traveller. Here are some spots you absolutely must check out:
🏰 Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)
Tourist-y? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. With its walled city core, cobblestone streets, and fairy-tale architecture, Old Quebec is like stepping into history. Visit Château Frontenac, eat all the things in Petit Champlain, and if it’s winter, grab a hot cider and enjoy the snow globe vibes.
Mountains meet the St. Lawrence in this absolutely jaw-dropping region. The Route des Saveurs (Flavour Trail) connects cheesemakers, cideries, farms, and chocolate shops. Come for the food, stay for the whales, the hikes, or a quiet cabin with a view.
Four seasons of yes, please. Winter? Go skiing. Summer? Hit the trails. Fall? Leaf peep like a pro. The pedestrian village feels like the Alps with extra maple, and the food scene’s not too shabby either.
Tucked between Montreal and the U.S. border, the Eastern Townships are Quebec’s best-kept not-so-secret: a region where vineyards roll into maple groves, and charming towns serve up serious culinary cred. From the microbreweries of Sutton to the award-winning cheese shops of Compton and the lavender fields of Fitch Bay, this area is a food lover’s dream with a French-Canadian twist. It’s laid-back but sophisticated, perfect for slow drives and long lunches.
Whether you’re sipping cider in Frelighsburg, tasting biodynamic wines in Dunham, or noshing on artisanal bread in Knowlton, the Townships make it ridiculously easy to eat local. The Route des vins (Wine Route) winds through over 20 vineyards, many with picnic spots and tasting rooms that feel like a warm hug. Pair that with a booming farm-to-table scene and scenery that looks straight out of a painting, and you’ve got the perfect weekend—or forever—destination.
One of my personal recommendations is to enjoy the English high tea experience at Uplands Cultural and Heritage Center, complete with finger sandwiches, sweets, and savouries served with perfectly brewed tea by guides dressed in period costumes. Heads up: the seasonal sittings book up quickly.
Eat Like You’re There (Even If You’re Not)
If a Quebec getaway isn’t in the cards right now, you can still taste the province from your kitchen table. Here are three fantastic local producers shipping across Canada:
Wild-foraged everything. Their spruce tip syrup? Magic. Wild blueberry spread? Like summer on toast. Bonus: They harvest sustainably and with major respect for the land.
A delicatessen and gourmet gift shop offering Eastren Townships flavours across Canada—from fine foods to speciality skincare.
Nestled in the Eastern Townships (in Compton, to be exact), this family-run organic cheese farm produces award-winning raw milk cheeses like Alfred le Fermier and Raclette de Compton. Their products are available at specialty shops across Canada, and they also ship curated boxes directly to your door. If you love nutty, complex cheeses that taste like the land they come from, this is your jam (or… your cheese).
Quebec cider is having a moment—and Domaine Pinnacle, located in Frelighsburg, is leading the charge. They offer a stunning selection of ice ciders, sparkling ciders, and aperitifs made from 100% Quebec apples. Their products are available online and in liquor stores across Canada, making it easy to raise a glass of something crisp, cold, and proudly local—no matter where you live.
Specializes in wild-foraged foods from Quebec's forests. Their product lineup includes unique offerings like spruce tip syrup, pickled milkweed pods, and wild mushroom seasonings that capture the essence of Quebec's wilderness. Their wild blueberry spread on toast is like capturing Quebec's summer in a jar!
The Ultimate Quebec Recipe: Sweet Crêpes à la Mom
This one’s special. My mom was born in Montreal, and her sweet crêpes are a beloved family recipe – simple, classic, and incredibly comforting. Our roots in Quebec run deep, going back to my great-grandparents who immigrated to western Quebec from England and Scotland. Fun fact: when a French-speaking census taker came to record their names, my great-granny’s thick Scottish accent caused a bit of confusion – he listed her as “Marguerite” instead of Margaret!
These crêpes are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve them with fruit (my favourite: warmed peaches in a pan), a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Whatever you do, don’t skip the rest time – it makes all the difference.
Mom’s Sweet Crêpes
Makes About 12 Crêpes
Ingredients
1 ½ cups milk
1 ⅓ cups flour
3 eggs
½ tsp salt
¼ cup sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Mix the flour, salt, and sugar in a big bowl.
Make a well in the centre of the flour, add the eggs and a bit of milk, and start whisking the wet ingredients.
Slowly add more milk and keep whisking, gradually incorporating the flour into the batter until the consistency is like heavy cream and smooth.
Add the melted butter and stir one last time.
Pass the batter through a mesh sieve and let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight, if possible).
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Pour in a ladleful of batter and tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread evenly.
Cook until the surface looks dry and bubbles slightly. Flip and cook briefly on the other side.
Serve warm, topped with fruit, maple syrup, or however your heart desires.
Raise Your Fork (and Your Glass)
There you have it – a sweet slice of Quebec to savour. Whether you’re flipping crêpes in your kitchen or planning a getaway to explore the Eastern Townships or Old Quebec, I hope this post brings a little joy (and maybe a little sugar) to your day.
If you’re cooking along with us, supporting local producers, or just dreaming of Old Quebec in winter, remember: every time we buy Canadian, cook Canadian, and share these stories, we’re building something bigger together.
Stay tuned for our next #30CanadianFoods stop in Ontario, and maybe stock up on maple syrup in the meantime. À bientôt!
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