Calgary is an amazing city that our family is fortunate to call home. Known for its proximity to Banff and the stunning Rocky Mountains, exploring Calgary's food scene might not be at the top of many people's lists when visiting.
But I’m here to change that! The city boasts incredible local restaurants, from some of the finest dining experiences in the country to beloved old-time diners that have been around for years. And let’s not forget - Canadians love their snacks!
Whether you’re a local or just passing through on vacation, here’s our list of 12 must-try foods during your visit.
ALBERTA STEAK
If you enjoy eating meat, then there's one thing you really should do in ‘Cowtown’, and that is to sample an Alberta steak! I have to say that I've eaten steaks in quite a few countries around the world, and Alberta steak is among the best.
Some of our favorite steakhouses include Caesar's, Chairman's and Longview Steakhouse in the foothills. While none of these options are cheap, splurging on a great steak in Calgary is something you definitely won’t regret.
POUTINE - CANADA's NATIONAL DISH
If you are visiting from Quebec (where poutine originates), then perhaps this isn’t a ‘must-try’ food for you. But if you’ve never tried a delicious bowl of French fries covered in cheese curds and gravy, you’ve got to give it a try! Our whole family love it!
Leopold's Tavern is one of the best places to find poutine in the city. As well as the classic, they also some specialty poutines like "cheeseburger poutine" which our kids love! They also have a "poutine of the week" with some great modern twists. Last time, I tried a pierogi poutine, and it was delicious. You can even order a poutine punch bowl in a huge glass bowl for the whole family to share!
A CEASAR COCKTAIL
Not everyone who sips on a Caesar cocktail loves it. Personally, I can’t think of anything worse. Some people must like it though as it’s the most popular cocktail in Canada, with over 300 million consumed each year! This unique drink was invented right here in Calgary in 1969. It’s a mixture of Clamato juice (a blend of clam and tomato juice), Tabasco, and vodka, and is usually garnished with a celery stick and/or pepperoni.
Why not try the cocktail for the first time in the very building where it was created? Originally known as the Calgary Inn, it’s now the Westin Hotel located on 4th Ave in downtown.
WING WEDNESDAYS
In most of Canada, Wednesday night is synonymous with Wing Night, and it’s definitely a favorite among locals in Calgary. Many bars and restaurants have wing nights, offering a range of flavors to try. You can find classic options like Frank's hot, honey maple, and salt and pepper, as well as more unique flavours.
For a uniquely Canadian flavor, why not give dill pickle wings a try? These crispy, tangy wings are usually served with ranch or blue cheese dressing, making them a perfect snack for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Wings are usually heavily discounted on wing night; usually around 40 cents per wing or half price the usual price! Whether you’re heading out with friends or enjoying a night with the family, Wing Night is an essential part of the Calgary dining experience.
TIMBITS FROM TIM HORTONS
You can’t visit Calgary without stopping by Tim Hortons - it’s a true Canadian experience! Tim Hortons is famous for its coffee and sweet treats, especially donuts, but our kids' favorite menu item is definitely the Timbits.
Timbits are bite-sized donut balls available in a variety of flavors, from chocolate glazed to birthday cake, making them the perfect sweet snack on the go. They’re ideal for kids since you don’t have to worry about them eating a whole donut. You can buy them individually or grab a box of 12 for just $2.99, so they’re great value for sharing with friends or family!
MAPLE SYRUP
Is there a more iconic Canadian food than maple syrup? You can pretty much find it everywhere, and we Canadians especially love it with our breakfast pancakes and waffles!
FLAPPER PIE
This classic Calgarian dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Flapper pie consists of a graham cracker crust, creamy custard filling, and a fluffy meringue topping. You can find this nostalgic treat at various places around town, but the most iconic is definitely at the Blackfoot Truckstop Diner!
ELK / BISON BURGER
If you’re looking for something a little different, why not try some local game like elk or bison while you’re visiting Calgary? These lean meats are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making them a great alternative to traditional beef.
Quite a few places offer elk and bison options on their menus, but Bottlescrew Bills is one of our favourites as the bison burger is great (it's also one of the restaurants I recommend eating for local Canadian food). You can check out the menu here.
A BEAVERTAIL
If you’re in the mood for a sweet pastry, then you're going to love this one! Don't worry, I don't mean hunting and eating one of our iconic animals! A BeaverTail is actually a deep-fried pastry that is shaped like a beaver's tail and topped with a variety of sweet toppings, from cinnamon sugar to banana and Nutella. If you're walking around downtown then head to Stephen Avenue to grab one!
KETCHUP AND ALL DRESSED CHIPS
When I first arrived in Canada, everyone kept telling me to try ketchup chips..... despite not being a huge fan of actual ketchup. Eventually, I gave in, and guess what? I think they’re actually pretty good!
That said, my personal favorite is definitely "all dressed" chips! This uniquely Canadian flavor combines a mix of barbecue, sour cream and onion, and salt and vinegar. It might sound unusual, but they’re amazing and incredibly addictive! I haven't met anyone yet that doesn't like them.
GINGER BEEF
Ginger beef is a Calgary classic that you absolutely have to try if you enjoy Chinese food! This dish features crispy strips of beef tossed in a sweet and spicy ginger sauce that’s just the right amount of kick.
Believe it or not, this iconic dish was actually invented in Calgary in the 1970s by a Chinese chef looking to appeal to the locals sweeter tastes. It’s now a staple in Chinese restaurants across the country!
You can find ginger beef at almost all Chinese restaurants here, but there’s a big difference between a "good" one and a "bad" one. One of our favorites is the Silver Inn Restaurant in Chinatown, as it’s always served perfectly crispy, just the way I like it.
BEEF JERKY
If you’re looking for a tasty snack on the go, you should give some local beef jerky a try! It's a perfect snack for munching on while you explore the city or hit the trails in the nearby Rockies.
You can find packs of jerky in all the supermarkets, but personally I don't love those pre sealed packets and like to try and buy local. The two best places I've found are actually out of town, but are definitely worth the effort to get to. Wilhauk Beef Jerky in Leduc (close to Edmonton is my favourite, but the jerky at Longview Jerky Shop is great too.
STAMPEDE FOOD
The Calgary Stampede is such a fun time to be in the city! If you happen to be visiting in early July, you're in luck, as it's one of the best things to do in Calgary. The city hosts the largest outdoor show on Earth, and there really is something for everyone, no matter what age. Inside the Stampede grounds, you can watch the chuckwagon races or rodeo shows, enjoy the huge midway, listen to live music, or attend the grand show finale with amazing fireworks!
But for foodies, there are always plenty of wacky and wonderful creations to try! You can find all the traditional fairground foods like hot dogs or poutine, but also some unique options like Kool-Aid chicken burgers or pigs’ ears on a stick! There is a competition each year where one wacky creations is awarded the winner! Some of them are pretty amazing to be fair.
Outside the grounds, look for communities hosting their own Stampede parties. There’s usually a free pancake breakfast and activities for kids available to anyone who stops by.
FOODS TO TRY IN CALGARY SUMMARY
We hope you enjoy trying some of the iconic foods that Calgary is famous for! Remember, if you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, we list our favorite restaurants in this blog post.
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