Bagolac Saigon Thai Style Stir Fried Beef
We can all be so pho-cused (get it?) sometimes, that we forget that Vietnamese restaurants have other rich, comforting dishes on their menu. Try Bagolac’s Thai-style beef, covered in a fragrant curry sauce and you’ll be warmed up in no-time.
(6130 1A St. S.W., 403-252-5588, bagolacsaigon.com)
Cafe Koi Shinobi Bowl
Toss on the toque and scarf and head over to Koi on the corner of 11th Avenue and 1st Street S.W. for a hot rice bowl, topped with lots of veggies, roasted salmon and a mild coconut curry.
(1011 1 St. S.W., 403-206-1564, cafekoi.com, @KoiCalgary)
The Himalayan Himalayan Lamb
If you’ve never tried Himalayan cuisine, then you’re really in for a treat here. If Indian and Thai cuisine had a love child, this tender lamb in creamy tomato and cashew sauce would likely be it.
(3218 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-3384, himalayancuisine.ca)
Khao San Thai Kitchen Tom Kha Soup
Nothing cures shivers on 17th Avenue S.W. faster than a bowl of this coconut-based soup. The scent of fresh galangal and lemongrass warm your nose before the first spoonful even hits your lips.
(1314 17 Ave. S.W., 587-353-2668, khaosanthaikitchen.ca, @khaosanthaikitc)
King’s Wonton Original Wor Wonton
Western Chinese comfort food at its best. Order a bowl of this soup at King’s and end up with a rich broth broth loaded to the brim with wontons, noodles and vegetables.
(104 Meridian Rd. N.E., 403-272-2332, kingsrestaurant.net)
Laurier Lounge Boullaibaisse
Enjoy hot lobster bisque with saffron rouille, scallops, mussels, prawns and sea bass in this cozy, century old house-turned-restaurant just off of 12th Avenue and 7th Street S.W.
(1111 7 St. S.W., 403-228-3771)
Moti Mahal Chicken Korma
The sweet combination of almond, raisins, cardamom and cream mixed with tender chicken over will calm your chills whether you’re devouring this in the restaurant or, as take-out, in the comfort of your own home.
(1805 14 St. S.W., 403-228-9990, motimahal.ca, @motimahal)
Safari Grill Goat Karai Masala
This dish of slow-cooked goat overtop warm rice topped with an Indo-African sauce (and chapati on the side, of course) is the kind of spice experience you just can’t find in downtown Calgary. Hence, it is most definitely worth the drive.
(225 28 St. S.E., 403-235-6655, safarigrillcalgary.com)