Hoagie by Scozzafava’s Deli
Owner Nick Scozzafava, a former electrician from Ontario, clearly rewired his career for greatness, because these subs? Unreal. I’ve been following Scozzafava’s Deli since the early pop-up days back in 2022, but it wasn’t until it opened its 17th Avenue S.W. shop in 2024 that I really fell hard. The Hoagie is my ride-or-die, stacked with mild salami, mortadella, capicollo and provolone, plus shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion and pepperoncini aioli in a dreamy sesame bun. It’s a masterpiece. —C.T.
1004 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-3354, scozzafavasdeli.com, @scozzafavasdeli
Cacio e Pepe Pain Suisse by Otie
A delightful cross between a classic Roman pasta and a beloved French pastry, the Cacio e Pepe Pain Suisse at Otie emerged from a happy accident. While demonstrating laminated dough techniques with the team before the business opened, owner Daniel Ramon grabbed some béchamel and pecorino from the cooler as a fun filling. The result? An instant hit with his team. Ramon is renowned for making some of the finest laminated dough in the city, and this exquisite pastry features an exceptionally crispy exterior and a soft, buttery interior. Imported pecorino romano delivers a sharp kick, while black pepper adds a gentle heat. —C.C.
BLVD Beltline, 1225 Macleod Tr. S.E., otiebakes.com, @otiebakes
Stuffed Chocolate Bars by Coco YYC
I first discovered Lisa Nguyen after shamelessly drooling over her creations on Instagram. Now, I’m lucky to call her a friend. What began as a COVID-19 pandemic hobby making beautiful treats for loved ones has grown into Coco YYC, Nguyen’s small-batch dessert business producing some impressive sweets. From smash cakes to chocolate creations, Coco YYC does it all, but it’s the stuffed chocolate bars that truly won me over. Thick and generously filled, these bars made with Belgian couverture chocolate come in flavours like Dubai Pistachio Knafeh (Nguyen’s top seller), Biscoff, Nutella and Caramel Crunch. Monthly rotating features like Vietnamese Coffee and Matcha Strawberry are just as irresistible. —C.T.
Cutting Chai by Chai Spice
I love a warm, cozy, cardamom-forward chai. Chai Spice launched in early 2023 with a variety of chai blends. Its Cutting Chai is a cherished family recipe robust in ginger and cardamom, inspired by the strong chai enjoyed from street-side chaiwalas in Mumbai. “Cutting” refers to the small glasses that are typically used, which are half the usual serving size. This chai is for folks who love bold flavours. —C.C.
Available at multiple retailers, chaispice.ca, @thechaispiceofficial
Applewood Smoked Brisket BBQ Feast Platter by Doughlicious
Doughlicious is a bustling Mediterranean food market known for its popular pita pies, or manousheh. However, on Fridays and Saturdays it features a truly standout smoked brisket platter as part of its barbecue menu. The platter features thick slices of brisket complemented by fresh slaw, really great fries and aromatic Mediterranean rice infused with spices. The first time I had this platter, I was blown away by the quality and bold flavours — and eagerly returned the following weekend for another. —C.C.
4140 6 St. N.E., 403-230-5160, doughlicious.ca, @doughlicious.yyc
Banh Mi #6 — House Special Đặc Biệt by Saigon Deli
After moving to Calgary in the early 2000s, I went on a hunt for my favourite banh mi and found it at Saigon Deli, which was established in 1997. The original owner has retired, but her daughter continues to run this iconic shop, crafting all the meats, sauces, mayonnaise and pâté from scratch. The satay beef and cold cut subs are popular, but my standing order is the “#6 with extra mayo.” This House Special Đặc Biệt is loaded with Vietnamese cold cuts, chicken, vegetables and pâte. It is so good I have to resist immediately devouring it in my car. —C.C.
4527 8 Ave. S.E., 403-273-8820, saigondeliab.com
Tropical Cider by Uncommon Cider Co.
Uncommon Cider Co.’s Tropical Cider features an enticing kiwi aroma that’s complemented by vibrant pineapple, papaya and passion fruit flavours and finished with a smooth coconut water mouthfeel. Uncommon Cider started producing ciders commercially in 2016 with a community approach, turning excess neighbourhood apples into delicious ciders. If you love the juicy sweetness of tropical fruits, this is your cider. —C.C.
3921 Manchester Rd. S.E., uncommoncider.com, @uncommoncider
DIY Taco Kit by Moose and Poncho
I’ve been following Moose and Poncho since it first opened in Chinatown, and, let me tell you, it’s only gotten better. Since 2019, chef Miguel Cornejo and his team have been serving up the real deal: authentic Mexican food made from scratch with local ingredients and so much care. The taco kits at its current First Street Market home are a game changer. Each kit comes with one pound of your choice of protein, 16 tortillas, onions, cilantro and six different salsas. Same bold flavours, but now I get to crush tacos on my couch with Netflix. Living the dream. —C.T.
First Street Market, 6, 1327 1 St. S.W., fsmyyc.com, @mooseandponcho
Burmese Chili Bits by Ariya Burmese Foods
Inspired by a traditional Burmese condiment, the Burmese Chili Bits by Ariya Burmese Foods have a craveable, crunchy texture. Chili flakes, crispy onion and soy protein are coated in flavourful chili oil to maintain their crispness while delivering a deliciously spicy and umami-rich experience. I love this plant-based seasoning on fried rice and noodles, but it also adds a nice texture as a topping on salads and macaroni and cheese. —C.C.
Multiple retailers, including select Sobeys, Safeway and Calgary Co-op locations, ariyaburmesefoods.com, @ariyaburmesefoods
Yours Truly Batch 004 Single Malt Whisky by Eau Claire Distillery
This special whisky honours the contributions of women in the distilling industry. Crafted with the expertise of master distiller Caitlin Quinn, this whisky is blended, packaged and marketed by the women of Eau Claire Distillery. The flavours and casks used to produce it change from year to year. When you take a sip of this year’s whisky, you’ll experience notes of oak, raisin and caramel, with a lingering butterscotch at the back of the palate. —C.C.
Multiple retailers, including both Calgary Farmers’ Market locations and Rupert’s General Store, 113 Sunset Blvd. S.W., Diamond Valley, eauclairedistillery.ca, @eauclairedistillery
Lemon Ricotta Cookies by Dolce & Veloce
Dolce & Veloce (D&V) is the sweet little sibling to Mercato, Calgary’s beloved Italian institution whose Mission location just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Launched in 2023 by Alessia Bellusci, D&V brings the same heart and heritage, just with a dessert-first attitude (which is my favourite kind). The lemon ricotta cookies (available with or without sprinkles) are the star of the show — they’re light, moist and perfectly citrusy. It’s the kind of cookie that feels simple at first bite, but then suddenly you’ve eaten five and you’re Googling how to become part of this family. —C.T.
Multiple retailers, including Mercato Mission, 2224 4 St. S.W., 403-263-5535, ext. 1, and Mercato West, 873 85 St. S.W., 403-263-6996, @dolceandveloce
Bagels by Bagel Daze
Back in May 2024, I heard whispers about a bagel pop-up in Bridgeland and had to investigate. One bite and I was done for. Bagel Daze makes the chewiest, softest bagels I’ve ever had — not quite Montreal; not New York either. More like … Calgary style. Founders Melanie and Mathieu Cedar started the biz here in 2017, took it to the Caribbean in 2021, then brought it home. Thank goodness! It now operates as a full-blown microbakery in their home. The pepper parmesan bagel is my forever fave, but Bagel Daze nails every flavour. Dill, sesame, rosemary, poppy seed … they all hit. —C.T.
587-971-4701, bageldaze.ca, @bageldaze
Lunch Box with Rice by BBQ Express — Tiem Heo Quay Tran Minh
BBQ Express is as old school as it gets. When you walk in, the entire setup is simple: a long display case filled with the day’s Chinese barbecue offerings — glossy, golden and hanging in all their mouthwatering glory. Right beside it, a staff member stands at a butcher block with a cleaver in hand, ready to slice your meats to order. You can buy by the pound, but I always go for the $11 lunch combo: a generous serving of steaming white rice and your choice of two meats. Mine’s always the roast pork and sweet char siu (barbecue pork). It’s cash only, and yes, there’s usually a line. Trust me, it’s worth it. —C.T.
1403 Centre St. N.W., 403-230-8888
Chin Chin by The Cake Aisle Inc
An addictive Nigerian snack, Chin Chin is a deep-fried cookie dough that is crunchy and golden brown on the outside with a soft, airy interior. Launched in Calgary in September 2016, The Cake Aisle Inc’s version of this nostalgic snack is available in a variety of flavours such as Plain and Simple, Island Coconut and Butter Vanilla, but it’s the Spicy Ginger Chin Chin that remains the customer favourite. —C.C.
Multiple retailers, including Adoniaa Collective and select Safeways and Sobeys, thecakeaisle.com,
@thecakeaisle_chinchin
Crinkle Cookie Sandwiches by Lasa Chocolates
Lasa Chocolates is out here redefining the humble crinkle cookie. Co-founders Elizabeth Tumambing and Hans Suarez started the biz in 2021, when Tumambing had the idea to make crinkle cookies and Suarez suggested turning them into sandwich-style treats like macarons. The result? Soft, chewy cookies stuffed with cream cheese filling that seriously deliver. My go-to flavours are the banana caramel, strawberry cheesecake and pandan. They’re not too sweet, which means I can take down a whole box without flinching. Straight-up irresistible. —C.T.
lasachocolates.ca, @lasachocolates
Spicy Guava Gin & Tonic by Confluence Distilling
The Spicy Guava Gin & Tonic was born out of a creative collaboration between neighbours Confluence Distilling and Cabin Brewing Company. Seeking a non-beer option for its tasting room, Cabin challenged Confluence to craft a drink that would captivate its beer-loving audience. This ready-to-drink cocktail combines real guava and pineapple juices with Confluence’s house-made tonic and signature gin for a bold, complex beverage. For me, it strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, juicy tang and mildly bitter spice. —C.C.
Multiple retailers, or at Confluence Distilling, 507 36 Ave. S.E., confluencedistilling.ca, @confluence_distilling and Cabin Brewing Company, 505 36 Ave. S.E., 403-244-3331, cabinbrewing.ca, @cabinbbrewing
Southwestern Fiesta by Stock and Sauce
On our way to the mountains, we made a quick stop at Calgary Farmers’ Market West for snacks, where we got completely sidetracked at the Stock and Sauce booth due to the plethora of samples. One tub of the Southwestern Fiesta later, and we were hooked. It’s the kind of dip that feels fresh, bright and way too easy to eat. We finished the whole thing before hitting Banff. It started as a road-trip snack and is now a fridge staple. —C.T.
Calgary Farmers’ Market South, 510 77 Ave. S.E.; Calgary Farmers’ Market West, 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W., stockandsauce.com, @stockandsauce
Suya BBQ Seasoning by Ahinke
Ahinke’s Suya BBQ Seasoning is a bold spice blend essential to West African cuisine, especially Nigerian dishes. Made from ground peanuts, onion, garlic, paprika, ginger and other spices, it delivers a unique nutty heat and is perfect as a dry rub for chicken, beef, fish and vegetables. At Ahinke’s restaurant, this spice is used in several dishes including the suya chicken and waffles, suya beef and suya bacon eggs Benedict. —C.C.
6, 2650 36 St. S.E., 877-622-7212, ahinkesrestaurant.com, @ahinke_taste_of_nigeria
Kombucha by Bacteria Bar
Bacteria Bar is what happens when two sisters turn their COVID-19 pandemic hobby into a fizzy little empire. Kady brews the kombucha, Emily makes it look cute (branding), and together they officially launched Bacteria Bar in early 2024. The flavours are as fun as the vibe: lychee, winter melon, yuzu … all the flavours that make my taste buds do a happy dance. Lightly bubbly, super refreshing and, honestly? Way more exciting than whatever’s in your fridge right now. —C.T.
bacteriabar.com, @bacteriabar_yyc
Macaron Shell Mix by Ollia Macarons & Tea
Ollia is my go-to spot for beautiful French macarons. After taking the shop’s Macaron 101 baking class, I actually believed I could make my own. With Ollia’s macaron shell mix, made of fine almond flour and icing sugar, I can! Just follow the recipe and instructions on the website, and you’ll be pumping out perfect macarons at home in no time. —C.T.
810C 16 Ave. S.W., 403-457-9775, byollia.com, @byollia
Roasted Garlic Cheese Buns by Yum Bakery
Calgary has its fair share of iconic cheese buns, and the ones by Yum Bakery absolutely deserve a spot on the roster. Made from scratch with no mixes, fillers or preservatives, these buns are the real deal. Roasted garlic butter and cheddar cheese are rolled up into the pillowy dough, then topped with more cheese, because, duh. We snack on them, use them for sandwiches — they disappear fast. Soft, savoury and seriously addictive. —C.T.
Calgary Farmers’ Market South, 510 77 Ave. S.E; Calgary Farmers’ Market West, 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W., yum-bakery.com, @yumbakery.yyc
Golden Garlic Hummus by Garbanzo’s
The Garbanzo’s takeout concept features a vibrant menu of Mediterranean-inspired bowls, loaded pitas and fresh salads. Now, its signature dips are available in packaged format at its two locations. The Golden Garlic Hummus, integral to Garbanzo’s rice bowls, boasts a velvety texture and balanced flavour, thanks to high-quality tahini and garlic that’s slow-cooked to golden brown. —C.C.
Garbanzo’s is located in Blush Lane Bridgeland, 617 Meredith Rd. N.E., 587-575-2554, and in Gulf Canada Square, 200K, 401 9 Ave. S.W., 403-264-4624; garbanzos.ca, @garbanzosforever
Brioche Doughnuts by Pâte Sucrée YYC
Pâte Sucrée YYC started slinging brioche doughnuts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I vividly remember counting down the days until its ordering system opened each week. Run by wife-and-husband duo Kimberly and Nelson Lapidario, this home-based business specializes in fluffy, filled brioche dreams. I’m a sucker for the raspberry jam, ube and lemon curd doughnuts, but don’t sleep on the chocolate ganache. The dough is so light and airy, you’ll inhale one without even trying. No regrets. —C.T.
patesucreeyyc.com, @pate_sucree_yyc
Vegan Kimchi by Asahi Sushi
Asahi is a gem inside Crossroads Market that’s run by the Yu family — mom, Michelle, son, Sunny, and daughter, Jess. They’ve been perfecting their vegan, gluten-free kimchi for more than four years. They originally created it when Jess went vegetarian and needed an alternative that didn’t contain fish sauce, but still delivered on flavour. Using an original recipe from Michelle’s mom as a base, the Yus adapted the kimchi for Jess, and the result is something seriously special. We keep a tub in our fridge at all times and add lashings to almost every meal. Funky, spicy and full of homemade love, it’s small-batch magic. —C.T.
Crossroads Market, 715, 1235 26 Ave. S.E., 403-667-7215, asahikoreats.com, @asahisushiyyc
Habanero and Carrot Hot Sauce by Beck Farms Ltd.
Beck Farms’ super-sweet carrots rank high on my list of favourite Alberta produce, so I was thrilled to receive a jar of its carrot and habanero hot sauce as a gift from a colleague. This delightful sauce combines the farm’s beloved carrots with spicy habanero, resulting in a unique, slightly sweet condiment that delivers a satisfying heat. Perfect for hot wings, its thick consistency clings beautifully to the meat, elevating the flavour of each bite. —C.C.
Calgary Farmers’ Market South, 510 77 Ave. S.E; Calgary Farmers’ Market West, 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W., innisfailgrowers.com, @innisfailgrowersw
