Controversy over $39 ‘fake poutine’

The new menu item 'Lobstah Poutine' that the Boston Red Sox will introduce at home games in the 2026 season is causing strong backlash in Canada.

This menu, unveiled by MLB and the Red Sox on March 24, consists of lobster meat, clam chowder, and bacon on top of crispy French fries and is served in a lobster boat-shaped container. The price is $39 (about 57,000 won).

The problem is that this dish completely ignores the essential elements of authentic poutine. Poutine, which originated in Quebec, Canada, must contain three things: French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The Red Sox's version has no cheese curds or traditional gravy.

Protests even reached the city of Montreal

The reaction from Canadians was fierce. On Reddit's 'Poutine crimes' subreddit, a post was posted: "A terrible crime and fraud! He should be sued and executed by firing squad." X (formerly Twitter) also responded, “This is a crime in Quebec.”

Finally, the city of Montreal's official X account was launched. The city's account stated flatly, "We do not approve this," while MLB's official statement humorously protested, "We are contacting our attorneys."

Vice co-founder Gavin McGuinness said, "Don't put just any cheese on fries and call it poutine. Those are disco fries. It's poutine only if it has cheese curds and chicken and beef gravy."

“It looks delicious, but it’s not poutine.”

Some fans showed interest in the food itself but pointed out the naming issue. A typical response is, "It looks really delicious, but this is definitely not poutine. Go straight to jail!"

Quebec locals explain that the lobster itself is not the problem. “Lobster poutine is okay, but you have to add cheese curds and use lobster bisque as the sauce. Many poutine restaurants in Quebec, especially in the Gaspésie region, make it this way.”

Meanwhile, Putin has recently been increasing his popularity in the United States as well. Earlier this year, KFC collaborated with actor and chef Matty Massison of the drama 'The Bear' to introduce poutine to U.S. stores.