
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.