Skeptics may consider poutine, a messy mix of French fries topped with brown gravy and melted cheese, some sort of strange April Fool’s joke.

But if you’ve learned to love this classic Quebecois concoction, you know you’ve become a real Canadian.

While poutine is native to Quebec, you can now find it around the country. For a classic version, head to La Banquise in Montreal. For a more basic dish, try the version at Belgian Fries in Vancouver. And if it’s a more chic incarnation you want, grab a seat at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar in Toronto.

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik (flickr)