Unbeknown to most, Calgary has a mouth-watering local food scene that will make any foodie want to book a trip as soon as they can. Offering a delightful assortment of flavors, our local restaurants will surely intrigue anyone’s taste buds.
If you don’t believe us, let us show you. From sweet mini doughnuts to donair pizzas, get to know the wonderful world of Calgary’s culinary delights and where to get them!
Table of Contents
- 1. Ginger beef at Kam Han Szechuan House
- 2. Mini Doughnuts at the Calgary Stampede
- 3. Sandwiches at Alumni Sandwich
- 4. Donair Pizza at Seniore’s Pizza
- 5. Bloody Caesar at Cleaver
- 6. Fried Chicken at Chicken on the Way
- 7. Boston Cream Doughnuts at Hoopla Donuts
- 8. Poutine at OEB
- 9. Alberta Beef at Vintage Chophouse and Tavern
1. Ginger beef at Kam Han Szechuan House
Website: http://www.kamhan.ca
Address: 2318 Spiller Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4H2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-264-6030
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 2 PM; 4:30 to 10 PM
- Saturday – 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
While ginger beef is considered a Chinese dish, what some people don’t know is that it was invented by two Chinese sisters in Calgary for the Silver Inn Restaurant. Unfortunately, it closed down a year ago.
But here comes Kam Han Szechuan House to the rescue! Through them, you can still try one of the classic foods Calgary’s famous for.
Though a lot of people rank them second to Silver Inn Restaurant, we find that they’re a worthy opponent for the title. In fact, we like it so much we always order another one to go!
2. Mini Doughnuts at the Calgary Stampede
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-261-0101
Calgary is also famous for these sweet little treats – the mini doughnuts! Unfortunately, these aren’t something you can get all year round if you’re looking for the best.
You can get these delicious baked goodies at Calgary Stampede, which is an outdoor rodeo event in the city that happens every July. The good news is that it’s a fun event that’s worth attending not just for the doughnuts!
3. Sandwiches at Alumni Sandwich
Website: https://alumnisandwiches.com
Address: 725 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-455-7255
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
If you’re looking for the best sandwiches in Calgary, you have to try the Alumni Sandwich. They have quite a few interesting flavors on their menu like chicken parmesan, tuna salad, and tuna melt.
However, the most popular one is the hot chicken, which is made with coleslaw (a surprising yet delightful addition), pickles, brioche, and their own sauce. We always recommend this to visiting friends who are fans of anything fried.
4. Donair Pizza at Seniore’s Pizza
Website: https://www.seniorespizza.ca
Address: 176 Bedford Dr NE #5, Calgary, AB T3K 2M9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-451-0101
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 4 AM
Considered the vanguard of donair pizzas in Calgary, Seniore’s Pizza is a must-visit for any daring foodie.
Their donair pizza is the best on their menu, no doubt. The mix of flavors and textures is definitely the highlight of each bite.
When in doubt, go for that. However, if you’re someone who likes to explore for your taste buds, the Greek special is also heavenly.
5. Bloody Caesar at Cleaver
Website: https://www.cleavercalgary.com
Address: 524 17 Ave SW #102, Calgary, AB T2S 0A9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-452-1211
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Sunday – 4 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday – 4 PM to 12:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM
It’s not a type of dish, but bloody caesar is also something worth mentioning. It’s a type of cocktail that originated in the city, so it’s a must try for those looking to explore the Calgarian food scene.
A recommended spot to try this tasty beverage is Cleaver, a chic yet laid-back European restaurant located along a street with various stylish establishments.
Because of its chill ambiance, it’s a perfect place to go for some day drinking. Don’t worry – the locals won’t judge you!
6. Fried Chicken at Chicken on the Way
Website: https://theorigionalchickenontheway.ca
Address: 1443 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-283-5545
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 10:30 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 11 PM
One of the best spots to devour some deliciously juicy fried chicken is without a doubt Chicken on the Way.
It’s not overly greasy like most. We recommend getting the “our specialty” option on their menu, which comes with 4 pieces of fried chicken, french fries, and 2 corn fritters.
Their potato salad is also really good. Order that on the side and you’ll get the most out of your experience!
7. Boston Cream Doughnuts at Hoopla Donuts
Website: https://www.hoopladonuts.ca
Address: 414 3 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1R2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-261-1885
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
- Friday – 7:30 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – closed
Calgary also earned quite a reputation for having the tastiest Boston cream doughnuts. As local foodies, we have concluded that Hoopla Donuts know how to make the best ones.
Their donuts are soft and fluffy – just the way we like them! Aside from Boston cream, they’re also known for their London fog and several seasonal flavors.
8. Poutine at OEB
Website: https://eatoeb.com/
Address: 222 5 Ave SW #110, Calgary, AB T2P 4K3, Canada
Contact details: +1 587-352-3447
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday & SUnday – 8 AM to 2:45 PM
OEB is a popular eatery known for its delicious breakfast and brunch options. The best one on their menu and what Calgary is well-known for is the poutine.
At OEB, the poutine comes in different flavors but are all served with poached eggs and herb potatoes. A few of our favorite flavors are tuna crudo and lobster scramble.
That said, we enjoyed the confit de canard the most, which is made out of American Asiago cheese, sous-vide duck confit, cranberry jam, and brown butter hollandaise.
9. Alberta Beef at Vintage Chophouse and Tavern
Website: https://vintagechophouse.com
Address: 320 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0C5, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-262-7262
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Calgary is a city recognized in the food scene for its high-quality beef. If you find yourself in the area, make sure to try the Alberta beef at Vintage Chophouse and Tavern.
This high-end steakhouse should be on everyone’s itinerary, especially for those who are willing to splurge on a delightful dining experience.
Because of its intimate ambiance and remarkable food options, think of this as a cherry on top to your Calgary trip. Really, there’s no better place for that.
