Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Calgary, Canada

Calgary, Canada, Calgary, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Calgary, Canada

1. Canadian Poutine

A classic dish of French fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy, often found at diners and casual eateries.
  • Authentic Experience: Taste the quintessential Canadian comfort food.
  • Culinary Journey: Explore the variety of poutines with different cheeses and gravies.
  • Local Vibe: Find the best poutine at locally-owned eateries.

2. Perogies and Sausage

Ukrainian-style dumplings filled with potatoes and cheese or sauerkraut, often served with smoked sausage.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the Ukrainian cultural influence on Calgary's cuisine.
  • Traditional Flavors: Taste the rich and hearty flavors of this traditional dish.
  • Community Gathering: Enjoy perogies at community festivals and events.

3. Bison Burger

A gourmet burger made with bison meat, often served on a artisan bun with unique toppings.
  • Sustainable Eating: Support local ranchers and enjoy a sustainable meal.
  • Gourmet Experience: Indulge in the rich, flavorful taste of bison meat.
  • Artisanal Touch: Find artisanal burgers at local restaurants and food trucks.

4. Saskatoon Berry Pie

A sweet dessert pie made with Saskatoon berries, a native Canadian fruit.
  • Regional Specialty: Taste a unique and local treat.
  • Seasonal Delight: Enjoy Saskatoon berry pie during the summer months.
  • Traditional Dessert: Experience a traditional Canadian dessert.

5. Bannock and Bison Stew

A hearty dish of bison stew served with traditional Native American bread called bannock.
  • Cultural Heritage: Learn about the indigenous culture through food.
  • Hearty Comfort Food: Warm up with a delicious and filling meal.
  • Authentic Experience: Find bannock and stew at indigenous-owned restaurants.

6. Peameal Bacon Sandwich

A classic Canadian breakfast sandwich made with peameal bacon on a freshly baked milk roll.
  • Traditional Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Canadian breakfast.
  • Quick Bites: Grab a delicious sandwich from street vendors or food trucks.
  • Local Flavor: Experience the unique taste of peameal bacon.

7. BeaverTails Pastries

A pastry shaped like a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet and savory options.
  • Unique Snack: Try the iconic beaver tail pastry.
  • Customizable Options: Choose from a variety of toppings for your beavertail.
  • Canadian Icon: Spot the beaver tail vendors at local events and attractions.

8. Fish 'n' Chips

A classic dish of deep-fried fish and fries, often served with tartar sauce and malt vinegar.
  • Seaside Flavor: Taste the crispy, salty flavor of fish 'n' chips.
  • Popular Choice: Find great fish 'n' chips at casual eateries and pubs.
  • Affordable Meal: Enjoy a filling meal without breaking the bank.

9. Prairie Oysters

A traditional appetizer made with pickled bull testicles.
  • Adventurous Eating: Push your culinary boundaries with this unique dish.
  • Cultural Experience: Learn about the history and significance of prairie oysters.
  • Local Delicacy: Find prairie oysters at local bars and eateries.

10. Bison Tenderloin

A high-quality cut of bison meat, often served with gourmet sides like wild mushrooms and mashed potatoes.
  • Quality Meal: Savor the quality and flavor of locally-raised bison.
  • Gourmet Experience: Indulge in a gourmet meal at upscale restaurants.
  • Sustainable Dining: Support sustainable farming practices.

11. Bison Meat Pie

A savory pie filled with ground bison meat and vegetables.
  • Portable Snack: Grab a hand-held pie for a convenient meal on the go.
  • Traditional Pastry: Experience a classic Canadian pastry with a local twist.
  • Local Ingredients: Support local farmers and ranchers by enjoying bison meat pie.

12. Elk Medallions

A tender cut of elk served with wild rice or mashed potatoes and a rich sauce.
  • Exotic Meal: Indulge in the exotic taste of elk.
  • Gourmet Experience: Enjoy a gourmet meal at upscale restaurants.
  • Sustainable Dining: Support sustainable hunting and fishing practices.

13. Rocky Mountain Oysters

Fried bull testicles served with ranch dressing or hot sauce.
  • Adventurous Eating: Push your culinary boundaries with this unique dish.
  • Cultural Experience: Learn about the history and significance of Rocky Mountain Oysters.
  • Local Delicacy: Find Rocky Mountain oysters at local bars and eateries.

14. Bison Short Ribs

Tender and flavorful bison short ribs slow-cooked in a rich sauce.
  • Hearty Comfort Food: Warm up with a delicious and filling meal.
  • Gourmet Experience: Indulge in a gourmet meal at upscale restaurants.
  • Sustainable Dining: Support sustainable farming practices.

15. Bison Sausage

A hearty sausage made from locally-raised bison meat, often served on a artisan bun.
  • Sustainable Eating: Support local ranchers and enjoy a sustainable meal.
  • Artisanal Touch: Find artisanal bison sausages at local restaurants and food trucks.
  • Flavorful Bites: Enjoy the rich and unique taste of bison sausage.