Canadians obsess about poutine--and it's easy to understand why. Wedge-shaped fries dripping in gravy and cheese curds? It's something Franco- and Anglo-phones alike can agree on. Here are the best places to get this horrifically messy, delightfully savory dish far, far away from Quebec.

Daily Grind

The poutine (¥45) at Grinders is unlike any we’ve ever tasted in Beijing. The homemade square-wedge fries are baked to perfection, and give this normally greasy dish a country-style feel. Make sure to dip the fries in the pool of gravy at the bottom of the bowl. Owner (and Canadian) Trevor Metz says the most important component of this snack is the cheese curds, but unfortunately Beijing lacks any producers. Substituting with mozzarella cheese is fine by us, but on special occasions Grinder’s will make a homemade batch of curds. Canucks should head here on Canada Day.

Find it: 3-02 Erqi Gongcheng Beiqu, 18 Gubaijiaju, 31 Guangqu Lu, East Third Ring Rd, 广渠路31号东3环18古柏家居二期工程北区3-02号, Tel: 8775-1847

Gravy Train

Though the venue is awkwardly tiny, the ambiance uncomfortable and staff lazy and amnesiac, we know there are at least a handful of faithful mooseheads around who can take all that in stride, because poutine (¥35) at The Box is truly great. The medium-cut golden fries are crispy and come mixed with the right amount of savory gravy and mozzarella. It’s topped with pepper that brings the extra kick of flavor that potatoes could do with.

Find it: 5 Qianmachang Hutong, Jiugulou Dajie, 旧鼓楼大街前马厂胡同5号, Tel: 6401-3293

South of the Border

American-style diner Steak & Eggs is actually owned by a Canadian, Paul Astephen. This was one of the first Western-food eateries in the city and also one of the first places to carry this cheesy and gravy-packed Canadian appetizer. The poutine (¥29) is savory, with generous portions of melted cheese that blend perfectly with the crunchy medium-cut French fries. The home-style gravy is Paul’s own recipe, flavorful and fragrant with hints from home.

Find it: Xiushui Nanjie, Jianguomenwai, 建国门外秀水南街, Tel: 6592-8088

And One We Don't Actually Recommend

Oh Canned-ada

We were excited to see Shake ‘Em Buns poutine at RMB39 on the menu. It was okay, but definitely could use some improvement. The gloppy gravy looks, well, like poop and didn’t seem as authentic as the others we tried. We suspect that it came from a can, which we didn’t expect from this popular Hong Kong burger chain. The sandwiches are great and you can add a poutine to your combo, but plain old regular fries would be more satisfying.

Find it: Unit 105, Bldg 4, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Lu, 建国路89号华贸公寓4号楼105号