Ma Poule Mouillée

"Ma Poule Mouillée" is a famous Portuguese rotisserie restaurant located in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal district in Montreal. This establishment has long become a cult favorite among both locals and visitors to Canada, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and incredibly delicious food.

The main feature of this place is authentic Portuguese cuisine, where charcoal-grilled chicken takes center stage. The restaurant is renowned for its generous portions and affordable prices, making it the perfect spot for a hearty lunch or dinner without any pretension.

The interior is simple and cozy, though it is often crowded. The aromas of spices and roasted meat wafting from the kitchen create an appetizing atmosphere that is impossible to ignore.

To plan your visit to this popular restaurant, it is useful to know its exact location. The establishment is situated in a lively area, so it is recommended to check the route in advance.

The main thing to do at "Ma Poule Mouillée" is, without a doubt, to enjoy their famous Portuguese chicken. Visitors come here to taste meat that is perfectly charcoal-grilled and seasoned with spicy piri-piri sauce. You can watch the cooking process in the open kitchen, where chefs expertly manage the grill.

Another mandatory item on the agenda is ordering their legendary poutine. The local version of this Canadian dish is considered one of the best in the city: french fries are generously topped with cheese curds, pieces of grilled chicken, and spicy Portuguese chorizo sausage, all smothered in rich gravy. It is a gastronomic experience not to be missed.

In the warm season, ordering takeout is a great idea. Many visitors take their boxes of aromatic chicken and head across the street to the picturesque La Fontaine Park to have a picnic on the grass by the pond, enjoying delicious food in the fresh air.

Getting to "Ma Poule Mouillée" is quite simple, as the restaurant is located in the easily accessible Plateau-Mont-Royal district. If you prefer public transport, the nearest metro station is Mont-Royal (Orange Line). From the station, you can walk to the restaurant in about 10–15 minutes, enjoying the district's architecture.

You can also use the buses running along Rachel Street. If you are taking a taxi from the city center, the trip will take about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. A landmark for the driver can be the famous La Fontaine Park, located literally across the street from the establishment.

Although "Ma Poule Mouillée" is not an ancient historical monument, this place has its own interesting history and character. The restaurant's name translates from French as "Wet Hen," which is an idiom denoting a cowardly person (a "chicken"). The owners chose this name with irony, hinting at the incredible juiciness of their signature grilled chicken.

The establishment was founded by a family of Portuguese immigrants who brought authentic recipes and charcoal grilling traditions to Montreal's culinary scene. Since opening, the restaurant has quickly transformed from a local eatery into a cult spot where gourmets from all over the city come specifically to eat.

An interesting fact is that the restaurant is located in an area historically inhabited by the Portuguese diaspora, which gives it a special atmosphere of authenticity. Here, they honor the traditions of making piri-piri sauce, the recipe for which is kept secret and passed down from generation to generation.

A visit to "Ma Poule Mouillée" usually requires 1 to 2 hours. This time includes waiting in line, which can be significant, especially during lunch hours and weekends, as the place is hugely popular.

The service itself is quite fast thanks to the coordinated work of the team. If you plan to get takeout and have a picnic in the park across the street, you can save time searching for a free table inside, but waiting for the order will still take some time.

The restaurant's opening hours may change depending on the season and holidays. The establishment is usually open from late morning until late evening, allowing for visits for both lunch and dinner.

To avoid facing closed doors, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the restaurant's official website or its social media pages before planning your visit.

A visit to the restaurant can be perfectly combined with exploring the surroundings, as the Plateau-Mont-Royal district and its environs are rich in interesting places. After a hearty lunch, a walk through nearby parks or a visit to entertainment centers will be a wonderful continuation of the day.