Fantastic food court finds at local farmers’ markets
Calgary has a great selection of farmers’ markets to visit but not just for local produce and handmade goods. The farmers’ market food court is the ultimate destination for the curious connoisseur looking for a reasonable gourmet fix from Thursday through to Sunday not to mention a great place for budding entrepreneurs and chefs to get their start before taking the plunge on a stand-alone restaurant or food truck. Here are a few of our favourites in town:
KINGSLAND FARMERS’ MARKET
7711 Macleod Trail S
Wing n Tings
True wing aficionados will tell you that slow roasting is the only way to cook a wing and that’s just what owner Necole Hines does with her masterful gluten-free Jamaican jerk wings available in barbecue jerk honey jerk original jerk maple syrup jerk and sweet chili jerk flavours. Or stop in for some Caribbean-inspired tings like beef or veggie patties or rice and peas made with thyme coconut milk and scotch bonnet peppers. Every wing irie.
Kaffir Lime
This colourful family-owned-and-operated stall serves up fresh and vibrant offerings like the Rendang Daging a dish of braised beef in coconut milk with coconut rice and a chopped vegetable salad or the lemongrass chicken with coconut rice salad with homemade dressing and a rice cracker with a hot and sweet chili sauce. At this stall you get it all — from reasonable prices to beautifully plated dishes it’s food court done right.
Big Catch
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Big Catch is a quintessential Calgary sushi experience. Diners rave not only about the quality of the fish but the friendly and fun service included with your order. Menu highlights include the “God of Wind” and “Rodeo Rider” rolls lightly seared tuna tataki and the simply magnificent toro sashimi. Make a point of trying Big Catch the next time you crave takeout.
Eats of Asia
When you first try “The Lucky Pig” Eats of Asia’s signature bao sensation you’ll understand what all the hype is about. Made with voluptuous tender pork belly topped with hoisin crushed peanuts and cilantro and served on a pillowy steamed bao bun it’s a dish that you instantly want more of. And don’t miss owner and chef Jay del Corro’s hand-pulled noodle bowls (dandan). This ultra-flavourful daily feature is chock full of delectably fresh thick noodles and more. On our last visit the menu board listed smoky pork shoulder cucumber shitake and a spicy sesame sauce as just a few of the ingredients.
CALGARY FARMERS’ MARKET
510 77 Avenue S.E.
Sandwiched
If you love a good sammie and are always on the hunt for new tastes this may be the spot for you. Featuring an array of unique options the house favourite is “The Hot Chick” featuring a perfectly deep-fried chicken breast dipped in a sweet hot sauce topped with coleslaw and spicy mayo and served on a squishy bun. Or try one of the grilled cheese selections like the “Nacho Libre” with spicy jack and cheddar salsa jalapenos and tortilla chips served with a side of sour cream. Added bonus: Cherry Coke imported from the U.S. of A!
Fratello Analog Café
Craving a fine cup o’ Joe? You shall have it at Analog. Not your average coffee stand Fratello Roasters has been in Calgary since 1985 — passionately sourcing and small-batch roasting their own beans. From exceptional espresso and lattes to single estate teas you can count on Analog for quality and craftsmanship every time.
Shanghai Fine Food
Husband and wife team Henry Wu and Jean Chung have been making tasty Chinese food for over 40 years. At this yummy stall all of Wu’s authentic cuisine is handmade — no fillers no food colouring no fat and no sodium nitrate. I highly recommend getting a delicious sampler plate of dim sum the ginger beef or the pork dumplings (or even better a taste of everything). Do not miss the addictive chicken sausages.
CROSSROADS MARKET
1235 26 Avenue S.E.
Anatolia Turkish Cuisine
This family-run stall is one of the best options going at the Crossroads. With plates like the tender lamb rib dinner or the kabob platter sitting around the $6 mark — served with not one but three types of salad including eggplant kisir (think tabouli) and bean salad plus rice it’s homemade at a remarkable value. Be sure to try the borek (fresh spinach and feta stuffed pita served with cacik — pronounced jaw-jeek — a variation of tzatziki) and the housemade sticky sweet baklava.
Happy Kitchen Artisanal Cambodian Cuisine
Stop in for owner Saronn Pov’s tasty salad rolls. Fresh and bursting with flavour these vibrant rolls (the Love Salad roll features 16 ingredients) are a great value at one for $3 or three for $8. If you’re looking for something warm and hearty Happy Kitchen also serves up homemade gluten and dairy-free curry stews on jasmine rice.
Kingsland Farmers’ Market
More than 40 vendors • Open Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Calgary Farmers’ Market
More than 80 vendors • Open Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Crossroads Market
More than 150 vendors • Food market is open Friday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
