10 places for indulgent AF vegan eats in Calgary
By Meneka Repka, VegFest Calgary organizer
In Calgary, beef is not only a major commodity, but a strong signifier of provincial identity: cars emblazoned with “I heart Alberta Beef” bumper stickers line the Deerfoot and even the corporate world embraces rodeo and cowboy culture with designated days to wear boots and a flannel.
In Cowtown, the word “vegan” often conjures up images of iceberg lettuce sandwiches and bland salads accompanied by a side of twig…but it doesn’t have to be that way!
Get your vegan on in Calgary at these 10 spots offering kickass plant-based eats:
Hearts Choices Café Market
This place is an absolute mecca for both junk food vegans and the health conscious types. The French dip sandwich, pulled porkless burger, tacos, and “cheese” fries will leave you satisfied- but yeah, they have salad too. (Also check out their Veggie Truck!)
Address: 4127 6 Street NE
Address: 9679 Macleod Trail SW
Instagram: @heartschoices
Veg-in YYC
This tiny mom and pop Indian fusion café serves up unique and flavourful North American favourites with a spicy twist. Try lonesome couple (best vegan samosas in town), but save room for a Bollywood inspired burger, wrap, or flatbread!
Address: 215 6 Avenue SE
Instagram: @veginyyc
Tamarind Vietnamese Grill & Noodle House
Another cozy family-run restaurant featuring veganized versions of classic Vietnamese dishes. Try the tofu or “beef” bun (pictured), comforting pho, or the veggie pad Thai- and bonus, their tofu is made in house with no funky ingredients!
Address: #106 – 1111 6 Avenue SW
JINYA Ramen Bar
While most JINYA dishes aren’t vegan, it’s worth making the trip for the pièce de résistance, the creamy vegan ramen. This dish is everything: garlicky, noodle-y, and most importantly, umami.
Address: #180 – 1800 4 Street SW
Instagram: @jinyaramenbar
See also
- There's a FREE outdoor vegan food festival coming to Calgary this fall
- 14 must-try vegan dishes in Calgary
- 19 drool-worthy foodie Calgary Instagram accounts to follow
- 10 must-try vegetarian dishes in Calgary
Broken City
If you’ve never tried wings of the cauliflower, you absolutely must, and do it here first. Broken City has a badass assortment of vegan goodies, mostly fried, all delicious. Plus, you know, live music and stuff.
Address: 613 11 Avenue SW
Instagram: @thebrokencity
Two Greek Gals
A hidden gem at the Farmer’s Market, you can now dollop some vegan tzatziki onto your flaky vegan spanakopita. Or just eat it directly out of the tub, spoon optional.
Address: 510 77 Avenue SE
Blaze Pizza
You can get definitely get vegan pizza at Panago, Avatara, Village Flatbread, and probably a few other places, but something about unlimited toppings just screams “eat me!” Oh, and of course they have vegan cheese.
Address: 2032 4th St SW
Instagram: @BlazePizza
Regal Cat Cafe
This place is the absolute cutest! Head on over for a vegan treat to accompany your coffee or tea, but stay for the cuddles from purring adoptable cats.
Address: 303 10 Street NW
Instagram: @regalcatcafe
Amato Gelato
While you can certainly get a delicious vegan ice cream at Scrollio, Village, Made by Marcus, and Inglewood Drive In, you can only get a vegan waffle cone at Amato Gelato! And let’s be real, the cone makes it easier to shove straight into your mouth.
Address: 2104 Kensington Road NW
Phil & Sebastian – Marda Loop
You could order your vegan doughnuts in advance from Jelly Modern, but Phil & Sebastian in Marda Loop almost always have fresh ones that you can grab on the go. You can even call them and place a hold on your doughnut (fully serious).
Address: 2043 33 Avenue SW (four other locations but no guarantee of doughnuts)
Instagram: @philandseb
Baked from the Heart
While they don’t (yet) have a storefront, these gluten-free and vegan cupcakes are not just a pretty face- the flavours are on point and would rival any omni version. They also make cookies, squares, and cakes.
Address: Available at both Hearts Choices locations, and select farmer’s markets
Instagram: @bakedfromtheheartcalgary