Calgary

Specialty and Ethnic Cuisine Guide for Calgary, Canada

Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, is a vibrant and multicultural city with a thriving food scene. Its culinary landscape reflects the diversity of its population, offering a wide range of specialty and ethnic cuisines. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or a new immigrant, Calgary's food scene has something for everyone. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you explore the city's specialty and ethnic dining options.

---

1. Overview of Calgary’s Culinary Scene

Calgary is known for its strong Western Canadian identity, but its food scene is heavily influenced by the city's multicultural population. You'll find everything from authentic Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines to European and Latin American specialties. Calgary also has a reputation for high-quality beef and farm-to-table dining, thanks to its proximity to Alberta's ranching and agricultural regions.

---

2. Popular Ethnic Cuisines in Calgary

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular ethnic cuisines in Calgary, along with must-try dishes and recommended restaurants:

a. Asian Cuisine

• Chinese: Calgary has a large Chinese community, and Chinatown is a hub for authentic Chinese food. Dim sum, Peking duck, and Szechuan dishes are particularly popular.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Silver Dragon (Chinatown) – Known for its dim sum.
    • Great Taste Chinese Restaurant (Chinatown) – Famous for Peking duck.
  • Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
• Japanese: Sushi, ramen, and izakaya-style dining are widely available.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Shokunin (Mission) – A modern izakaya with creative small plates.
    • Sushi Bar Zipang (Bridgeland) – Known for fresh sushi and sashimi.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$ (Moderate to Expensive)
• Vietnamese: Calgary has a strong Vietnamese food scene, with pho and banh mi being staples.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Pho Dau Bo (Forest Lawn) – Authentic pho with rich broth.
    • Banh Mi Thi Thi (Chinatown) – A local favorite for Vietnamese sandwiches.
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Affordable to Moderate)
• Indian: From North Indian curries to South Indian dosas, Calgary offers a variety of Indian flavors.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Calcutta Cricket Club (Beltline) – A trendy spot with a modern take on Indian cuisine.
    • Moti Mahal (NE Calgary) – Known for its butter chicken and naan.
  • Price Range: $$ (Moderate)

b. Middle Eastern Cuisine

• Shawarma, falafel, and kebabs are popular Middle Eastern dishes in Calgary.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Jerusalem Shawarma (Multiple Locations) – Generous portions of shawarma and platters.
    • Aida’s Bistro (Mission) – A cozy spot for Lebanese cuisine.
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Affordable to Moderate)

c. African Cuisine

• Ethiopian and Somali cuisines are well-represented in Calgary, with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) and spiced stews being highlights.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant (Beltline) – Known for its vegetarian and meat platters.
    • Safari Grill (NE Calgary) – Offers East African dishes with a modern twist.
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Affordable to Moderate)

d. European Cuisine

• Italian: Calgary has a mix of traditional and modern Italian eateries.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Mercato (Mission) – Known for its fresh pasta and Italian market.
    • Cotto Italian Comfort Food (Varsity) – A cozy spot for classic Italian dishes.
  • Price Range: $$-$$$ (Moderate to Expensive)
• Eastern European: Pierogies, borscht, and schnitzel are popular dishes.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Heritage Bakery & Deli (SE Calgary) – A hidden gem for Polish and Ukrainian food.
    • Wiener Schnitzel Haus (Bowness) – Authentic Austrian and German cuisine.
  • Price Range: $-$$ (Affordable to Moderate)

e. Latin American Cuisine

• Mexican, Peruvian, and Brazilian cuisines are gaining popularity in Calgary.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Native Tongues Taqueria (Beltline) – Known for its tacos and mezcal cocktails.
    • Inti Peruvian Cuisine (NE Calgary) – Offers authentic Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.
  • Price Range: $$ (Moderate)

f. Specialty Canadian Cuisine

• Calgary is famous for its Alberta beef, bison, and game meats. You’ll also find Indigenous-inspired dishes and Canadian comfort food.
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Charcut Roast House (Downtown) – Known for its charcuterie and Alberta beef.
    • River Café (Prince’s Island Park) – A fine-dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Price Range: $$$ (Expensive)

---

3. Food Markets and Specialty Stores

For those who prefer to cook or explore international ingredients, Calgary has several food markets and specialty stores:

• Calgary Farmers’ Market (Multiple Locations): Offers fresh produce, local meats, and specialty foods.
• T&T Supermarket (NE Calgary): A large Asian grocery store with a wide selection of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean ingredients.
• Basha Foods International (NE Calgary): Specializes in Middle Eastern and South Asian groceries.
• Italian Centre Shop (NE Calgary): A one-stop shop for Italian and European ingredients.

---

4. Price Range for Dining

• Affordable ($): $10–$20 per person (e.g., casual eateries, food trucks, and small ethnic restaurants).
• Moderate ($$): $20–$40 per person (e.g., mid-range restaurants and trendy spots).
• Expensive ($$$): $40+ per person (e.g., fine dining and specialty steakhouses).

---

5. Cultural Insights and Dining Customs

• Tipping: Tipping is customary in Calgary, with 15–20% of the bill being standard for good service.
• Reservations: Popular restaurants, especially fine dining spots, often require reservations, particularly on weekends.
• Casual Atmosphere: Many ethnic restaurants in Calgary are family-run and have a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
• Sharing Plates: In cuisines like Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian, sharing dishes is common and encouraged.
• Local Specialties: Don’t miss trying Alberta beef, bison burgers, or Bannock (a traditional Indigenous bread).

---

6. Must-Try Dishes Unique to Calgary

• Alberta Beef Steak: A must-try for meat lovers, available at steakhouses like Caesar’s Steak House.
• Calgary-Style Ginger Beef: A Chinese-Canadian dish invented in Calgary, featuring crispy beef in a sweet and spicy sauce. Try it at Silver Inn Restaurant.
• Bison Burger: A lean and flavorful alternative to beef, available at many local restaurants.
• Nanaimo Bars: A classic Canadian dessert often found in bakeries and cafes.

---

7. Local Tips for Dining in Calgary

• Chinatown Exploration: Spend an afternoon exploring Chinatown for authentic Chinese and Vietnamese food, bubble tea, and bakeries.
• Food Festivals: Check out events like the Calgary Stampede (for Western Canadian food) or Taste of Calgary (a multicultural food festival).
• Food Trucks: Calgary has a growing food truck scene offering everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese. Follow them on social media for locations.

---

Calgary’s specialty and ethnic cuisine scene is a testament to its multicultural community and love for good food. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of pho, a sizzling steak, or a plate of injera, Calgary has it all. Enjoy your culinary journey!