The food scene in Calgary is teeming with global flavours, and Vietnamese has found its place stoutly with its fresh ingredients, hot spices, more flavoursome cooking, and dishes to add comfort. Whether you are a veteran already or not, you can never go wrong when discovering authentic Vietnamese food here in Calgary. With hearty plates of pho to melt-in-their mouths budgies banh mi, this list outlines the top best Vietnamese food in Calgary you must try. Irrespective of how much of a newcomer you are to the Vietnamese food scene in Calgary, it all starts with these classics.
- Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Pho cannot be left out of any list of Vietnamese cuisines. This wonderful, fragrant beef or even chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, as it includes slow-cooked broth, pieces of rice noodles, and the fresh aroma of herbs, lime, and bean sprouts. Many Calgary places, including but not limited to Blue Danube Restaurant, have pho, a fan-favourite, but those who try it always get a warming feeling from inside. It is the perfect example of dishes that both regulars and newcomers to the city and region enjoy.
- Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sub)
Wanting something that is fast, satisfying, and has a lot of flavour? A banh mi is a must-try. These Vietnamese are unsavoury fillings like grilled pork, pâté, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, and coriander paired with French baguettes. Some of the people living in the locality contend that Calgary, in fact, has some of the best Vietnamese subs Calgary has ever seen, and Blue Danube provides good sandwiches, which blend a variety of crunch, spice, and sweetness in each bite.
- Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
This dish is light yet filling. Vermicelli noodles are served with grilled lemongrass pork, fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, and a savoury fish sauce dressing. It’s served at room temperature, making it perfect for any season. Bun thit nuong is a go-to choice when looking for the best Vietnamese food in Calgary that doesn’t feel too heavy but still satisfies.
- Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Often mistaken for their fried counterparts, fresh spring rolls are wrapped in rice paper and packed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs. Dipped in hoisin-peanut sauce or nuoc cham, they’re a refreshing and healthy option. This is Vietnamese food Calgary diners often turn to when they want something light and flavourful.
- Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls)
Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these golden-brown delights are filled with a mix of ground pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables. Served with lettuce and herbs to wrap around the rolls before dipping in fish sauce, cha gio offers a delicious contrast of textures. For many locals, it’s one of the best Vietnamese food in Calgary options for appetizers.
- Hu Tieu (Clear Noodle Soup)
Often overshadowed by pho, hu tieu is another flavourful noodle soup with a lighter broth. It features a variety of meats like shrimp, BBQ pork, or squid, along with clear tapioca noodles. It’s a staple that showcases the diversity of Vietnamese food Calgary residents love. If you’re looking for something less mainstream but equally comforting, give hu tieu a try.
- Com Tam (Broken Rice Plate)
Com tam is a hearty dish made with fractured rice grains, typically served with grilled meats, a fried egg, pickled veggies, and fish sauce. The “broken” texture of the rice absorbs flavours beautifully, making each bite satisfying. It’s a top pick for anyone chasing the best Vietnamese food in Calgary with a bit of everything on the plate.
- Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)
Banh xeo is a savoury rice flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, best enjoyed wrapped in lettuce with herbs and dipped in fish sauce. A true explosion of textures, banh xeo is a fun dish to share and a shining example of Vietnamese food Calgary foodies can’t get enough of.
- Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)
Rich, spiced, and deeply comforting, bo kho is a Vietnamese-style beef stew cooked with lemongrass, star anise, carrots, and onions. It’s typically served with bread or noodles. This dish is a warming, hearty meal that stands out among the best Vietnamese food in Calgary. It’s especially popular in colder months and perfect for those craving bold, slow-cooked flavours.
- Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
These delicate rice flour rolls are filled with seasoned ground pork and mushrooms, then topped with crispy shallots and served with fish sauce for dipping. Soft, savoury, and often overlooked, banh cuon is a must for anyone wanting to explore beyond the usual favourites. It’s yet another delicious dish contributing to Calgary’s reputation for having some of the best Vietnamese food in Calgary.
If you’re on the hunt for the best Vietnamese subs Calgary has to offer, or just want to expand your palate with authentic Vietnamese dishes, these ten picks are a perfect starting point. Calgary is home to many excellent Vietnamese restaurants, but few match the authenticity, freshness, and hospitality of Blue Danube. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned fan, this city has something incredible waiting on every corner.
From the best bowls of pho to mouth-watering banh mi, Blue Danube Restaurant brings the heart of Vietnam to your plate. Explore the vibrant flavours of Vietnamese food Calgary residents love and experience what makes our dishes unforgettable. Visit us today and discover the best Vietnamese subs Calgary has to offer.