Calgary boasts a vibrant Vietnamese food scene, with dishes ranging from fragrant pho to satisfying vermicelli bowls and mouth-watering banh mi subs. If you’re on a mission to discover the best Vietnamese food in Calgary, you’re in luck! This guide explores the city’s top spots where you can savor the freshest ingredients, authentic flavors, and the warmth of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a first-timer, these recommendations will help you dive into the culinary delights that Vietnamese cuisine has to offer.
Why Calgary Loves Vietnamese Cuisine
With a blend of savory, spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors, Vietnamese food offers something for everyone. The focus on herbs, lean meats, fresh vegetables, and rice noodles makes Vietnamese cuisine both nutritious and delicious. It’s no surprise that Vietnamese dishes like pho and vermicelli bowls are a staple in Calgary’s food culture. Plus, Calgary’s Vietnamese restaurants continue to uphold traditional flavors while adding a unique touch to their dishes, making each dining experience truly special.
1. Pho – Calgary’s Comforting Bowl of Vietnamese Goodness
Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, known for its aromatic broth, tender meats, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. A bowl of steaming pho is especially comforting during Calgary’s cold winters.
- Top Pho Spots in Calgary:
- Pho Dau Bo: Famous for its rich, beefy broth, Pho Dau Bo is a go-to for pho lovers in Calgary. Their beef pho is especially popular, and they offer a variety of cuts, from rare steak to brisket and tripe, to cater to all tastes.
- Pho Huong Viet: Another top pick, Pho Huong Viet’s signature broth has a subtle sweetness and an inviting aroma. They also offer a vegetarian pho option, which is well-loved by plant-based diners.
- Tip: Customize your pho with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, and chili to add layers of flavor and freshness.
2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Subs) – The Perfect On-the-Go Meal
A Vietnamese sub, or banh mi, combines French and Vietnamese culinary influences. It features a crusty baguette filled with layers of pickled vegetables, cilantro, and your choice of protein, such as grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, or tofu.
- Best Vietnamese Subs in Calgary:
- Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine: Located downtown, Thi Thi is legendary for its freshly baked baguettes and perfectly balanced flavors. Their grilled pork sub, packed with pickled carrots and cucumbers, is a crowd favorite.
- Saigon Deli: Saigon Deli serves some of Calgary’s most authentic banh mi. With generous portions of filling and a crispy baguette, it’s the ideal place to grab a Vietnamese sub for a quick yet satisfying meal.
- Tip: Many places offer extras like chili peppers and pate, so don’t hesitate to ask for these toppings to enhance your sub’s flavor.
3. Vermicelli Bowls (Bun) – A Flavor-Packed and Filling Choice
Vermicelli bowls, or bun, offer a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. Typically, these bowls include vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, grilled meats or tofu, and a tangy fish sauce dressing.
- Where to Find the Best Vermicelli Bowls in Calgary:
- Golden Bell Vietnamese Restaurant: Known for their grilled pork and lemongrass chicken vermicelli bowls, Golden Bell combines quality ingredients with generous portions, ensuring you leave satisfied.
- Pho 26 Vietnamese Restaurant: This spot is known for its beautifully presented vermicelli bowls, featuring succulent grilled shrimp, pork, and spring rolls as topping options. The fish sauce dressing brings all the flavors together for a delightful meal.
- Tip: Don’t forget to drizzle the fish sauce over your bowl before mixing—it’s the secret to unlocking the full depth of flavors in a vermicelli bowl.
4. Spring Rolls – Fresh and Fried Varieties to Savor
Spring rolls come in two varieties: fresh and fried. Fresh spring rolls, or goi cuon, are light and filled with herbs, shrimp, and vermicelli, while fried spring rolls, or cha gio, are crispy and savory, typically filled with minced meat and vegetables.
- Top Picks for Spring Rolls in Calgary:
- Vietnam Palace: Known for its crispy fried spring rolls, Vietnam Palace makes each roll golden brown with a flavorful filling. Their fresh spring rolls, served with a peanut dipping sauce, are equally delicious.
- Green Cilantro: A fan-favorite for fresh spring rolls, Green Cilantro’s rolls are packed with shrimp, pork, and herbs, offering a refreshing bite with each roll.
- Tip: Pair fried spring rolls with fish sauce for an authentic dipping experience, while fresh spring rolls are often best enjoyed with peanut sauce.
5. Vietnamese Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) – A Unique Pick-Me-Up
Vietnamese coffee is a must-try for coffee lovers. Typically made with strong dark-roasted coffee and sweetened condensed milk, Vietnamese coffee (served hot or iced) is bold, rich, and satisfying.
- Where to Get Vietnamese Coffee in Calgary:
- Delightful Cafe: Delightful Cafe’s iced Vietnamese coffee is creamy and robust, offering a refreshing pick-me-up that pairs perfectly with any meal.
- Saigon Pho Vietnamese Restaurant: Known for their traditional take on Vietnamese coffee, Saigon Pho serves it in a drip-filter style, providing an authentic and immersive experience.
- Tip: Order it iced on a hot day, or enjoy it warm for a more intense coffee experience. Either way, the condensed milk adds a unique sweetness that makes this coffee unforgettable.
6. Com Tam (Broken Rice Dishes) – A Flavorful Rice-Based Dish
Com tam, or broken rice, is a classic Vietnamese dish often served with a grilled pork chop, fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. This hearty, flavor-packed meal is perfect for those looking for a filling, savory option.
- Top Spots for Com Tam in Calgary:
- Pho Thanh Vietnamese Noodle House: Known for their well-marinated pork chops and flavorful broken rice, Pho Thanh offers a delicious version of this Vietnamese favorite.
- Co Do Vietnamese Restaurant: Co Do’s com tam comes with an assortment of toppings, including shredded pork skin, a fried egg, and a grilled pork chop, all served over a bed of broken rice.
- Tip: Pour the fish sauce over the rice for the ultimate flavor boost, and mix in the pickled veggies to balance the savory richness of the pork.
7. Vegetarian Options – Delicious Plant-Based Vietnamese Dishes
Calgary’s Vietnamese restaurants cater to all dietary preferences, including vegetarians. Many dishes can be made with tofu or simply vegetables, providing a healthy and flavorful dining experience.
- Best Places for Vegetarian Vietnamese Food in Calgary:
- Pad Thai Vietnamese Restaurant: With options like vegetarian pho and tofu vermicelli bowls, Pad Thai offers plenty of plant-based choices without sacrificing flavor.
- Indochine Vietnamese Sub: Known for its vegetarian-friendly dishes, Indochine’s tofu banh mi and fresh vegetable spring rolls are perfect for veggie lovers.
- Tip: Ask for extra herbs and a generous helping of vegetables to enhance your vegetarian dish with added freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
Calgary is home to a rich selection of Vietnamese restaurants, each bringing something unique to the table. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of pho, a crispy and satisfying banh mi, or a refreshing vermicelli bowl, the city offers endless options for indulging in Vietnamese flavors. Use this guide as your starting point to explore the best vietnamese subs calgary and discover a world of bold, fresh, and unforgettable tastes.
Next time you’re looking for the “best Vietnamese food in Calgary” or craving a “Vietnamese sub near me,” you’ll be well-equipped to find a spot that serves up authentic flavors and hearty, delicious dishes.