With roots in rural Quebec, poutine is Québécois slang for a “mess” — which is an apt description of this dish of French fries smothered in gravy and topped with cheese curds.

Variations of this dish now abound as restaurateurs augment those three ingredients — arguably a Canadian interpretation of chili cheese fries — with additional toppings such as kimchi, brisket and more.

Poutine allows operators to explore unique flavor moments that are made less intimidating by putting them on top of fries.