Global cuisine on International Avenue in Calgary

Deliciously living up to its name, Calgary's International Avenue features a diverse selection of globally inspired restaurants. On this lengthy stretch of 17th Avenue Southeast, take a meal-time holiday at Vietnamese, Indonesian, Caribbean, Ethiopian and Portuguese eateries (for starters), and at reasonably prices.

Global cuisine on International Avenue in Calgary
Ian Doig By

Pho Dau Bo

1
110-4909 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0V5

One of Calgary’s most acclaimed Vietnamese restaurants, Pho Dau Bo on International Avenue serves excellent and affordable fare. Intensely flavoured pho (noodle soup) bowls are the big, fragrant draw. The satay beef and satay chicken varieties are bestsellers. The weekend-special spicy noodle soup with beef, pork and sausage is recommended. Entrees include Vietnamese standards from vermicelli bowls to steamed-rice plates.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Fassil Restaurant

2
3504 17 Ave Se, Calgary, AB T2A 0R7

Perfect for sharing, Fassil serves beautifully prepared Ethiopian food. With house-made injera bread, scoop up various meat, fish and vegetarian stews. Bestselling dishes include spicy chickpea stew, roast lamb shoulder and kifto, a spiced steak tartar dish. Also enjoy a uniquely satisfying cup of Ethiopian coffee. Conducted at your table, Fassil’s serving ceremony features pan-roasted green-bean coffee and incense.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Indonesian Kitchen

3
3917 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0S5

A superb selection of the best Indonesian dishes ranges from chicken or shrimp nasi goreng to lesser-known regional delights such as Javanese rendang, a slightly spicy, coconut-flavoured beef stew. This small and very friendly spot also carries a nice selection of Indonesian groceries including sauces and spices.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Krazy Jerk Corp

4
1715 52 St SE, Calgary, AB T2A 1V1

The friendly service and authentic Caribbean cooking at Krazy Jerk have earned the restaurant a loyal clientele. For lunch and dinner, order barbi-fry, jerk, stewed and fried chicken dishes. Each plate comes with rice and peas, fried dumplings and veggies. Excellent island fare also includes aki and salt fish as well as curry goat entrees and more.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Mimo Restaurant & Lounge

5
203-4909 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0V5

The city’s lone Portuguese place, Mimo serves gorgeously prepared Old World dishes. As Portugal is situated on the Atlantic, the bounty of the ocean figures prominently in the restaurant’s menu. Seafood dishes include lobster tails gratinada, crab legs in garlic wine sauce and pork-and-clam casserole. Also recommended are the rich, heaping paella, piri piri chicken and beef medallions in sweet, tangy Madeira wine sauce.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Pho Binh Minh

6
4710 17 Ave Se Suite O, Calgary, AB T2A 0V1

A plain, homey Vietnamese restaurant divided into two separate rooms, Pho Binh Minh has been cited by Calgary veteran restaurant writer John Gilchrist as one of International Avenue’s best eateries. Notable for its big, beautiful pho noodle soup bowls, also enjoy its vermicelli dishes as well as chicken curry or stewed beef, both served with French bread.

Shawarma Palace (Forestlawn)

7
3820 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0S4

This royal abode welcomes kings and commoners with equal enthusiasm. The menu at Shawarma Palace is Mediterranean, the servings generous and super saucy. Choose from chicken, beef and lamb shawarma platters or pita-wrapped sandwiches as well as falafel and donair versions. Sides include hummus and tabouli salad and pistachio-stuffed baklava is the dessert option, naturally. A popular take-out spot.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

303 Fusion Kitchen

8
4413 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0T5

Sample the unique tastes of Taiwanese street food at 303 Fusion Kitchen. This is deliciously addictive food you’ll find nowhere else in the city. For example, the sweet, salty and spiced karaage chicken is kind of like popcorn chicken and the sweet yam fries are served with plum sauce. Another bestseller is the restaurant’s selection of fried rice crepes stuffed with oysters, chicken or beef.

Mekong Ltd

9
2885 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0P7

At the extreme west end of International Avenue, pleasant Mekong serves Vietnamese food. A small eatery with a lengthy menu, its dishes include all the ubiquitous Vietnamese standards plus a few unique ones. Soups include beef, chicken and seafood noodle pho bowls. There are vermicelli dishes as well as chicken and beef stir-fries and among the steamed rice dishes are cubed beefsteak and deep fried quail. Both the chicken and goat curry soups are highly recommended.

More from Ian Doig Ian Doig
Ian Doig’s week may include dim sum lunch with friends, rummaging through indie bookstore shelves as well as scribbling in his notepad at Calgary shops and farmers’ markets. It most often concludes with a relaxing Friday evening pint of locally brewed craft beer.
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