Discover some of the many internationally inspired food shops and services located close to Genesis Land communities.
As Calgary and Airdrie continue to grow, so do their multicultural offerings. Both cities are home to people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and this is reflected in the number of niche international food markets that have popped up in recent years, specializing in items from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America and more.
Whether you’re looking to expand your palate or seeking out a little piece of home, here are eight nearby specialty markets with fare from around the globe.
1. S&T Groceries
This bustling shop has Sri Lankan and Indian ingredients you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. While fish, meats and pantry items are all sold here, many customers are extra excited to learn that S&T carries items like Indian jujube (also known as boroi), mutton balls (kola urundai) and betel nut (paan). The store is especially proud of its fresh fish offerings, which have included live crab and even yellowfin tuna. With so many authentic imports on its shelves, S&T is one of the best shops to visit for Indian goods, unless you travel to the country itself.
3770 Westwinds Dr. N.E.
2. Lina’s Italian Market
There’s no shortage of great Italian shops in Calgary, and Lina’s Italian Market is one of the best. With multiple locations around the city, Lina’s carries a variety of European selections, striving to provide traditional, authentic and flavourful goods. Find freshly made pastas and pizza doughs, delicious Italian imports and the right produce to make a special meal (think basil and Roma tomatoes). That’s not all—Lina’s is a one-stop shop, with catering services and cooking classes to up your Italian cooking game. Learn how to make a perfect pizza or various pastas, including gnocchi and pappardelle.
Multiple locations; www.linasmarket.com
3. Tatak Pinoy
According to 2021 Calgary census data, the Philippines was number one on the list of birthplaces for recent immigrants to the city. It’s no surprise, then, that Calgary is booming with delicious Filipino food and markets. Located in the southeast, Tatak Pinoy has been a go-to spot for Filipino favourites since 2006. The shop’s owners say they aspire to bring their kababayans (fellow Filipinos) closer to home. Whether you’re missing your favourite snacks or looking to try new and tasty things, this is the place to get chips, cookies and other dry goods straight from the Philippines.
26 Midlake Blvd. S.E.; www.tatakpinoy.ca
4. Sagana Asian Market
With Sagana Asian Market situated right on Main Street, residents of Airdrie don’t need to travel to Calgary for specialty Filipino and Asian goods. This small grocery and convenience store has all the imported snacks and basic foods your heart could possibly desire. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that their chef is cooking up Filipino favourites for takeout. Be sure to stop by for a pre-prepared snack or meal like lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) or tapsilog (a classic Filipino breakfast with cured pork or beef, eggs, rice and a side of tomato and cucumber).
213 Main St. N (Airdrie)
5. Treasure African Market
This southeast Calgary market sells specialty African and Asian goods that might be hard to find in other local grocery stores. A tasty variety of foods are sold here, so customers can cook dishes from around the continent. Grab some oxtail for a classic South African stew, crayfish for a delicious plate of Jollof rice, and even African pantry staples like Checkers Custard Powder and Tasty Pot Ogi (a Nigerian corn cereal brand).
16650 McKenzie Lake Blvd. S.E.; www.treasureafricanmarket.com
6. Basha Foods International
This popular grocer provides tons of 100-percent halal goods and prepared foods straight from the Arab world. With the store’s wide range of South Asian and Middle Eastern commodities, you can find everything you need to prepare dishes like shawarma, falafel, kabab and tabbouleh—or purchase it ready to go. According to customers, Basha also boasts great prices, so picking up essential spices like za’atar and Aleppo pepper won’t break the bank. Keep an eye on the shop’s website for flyer deals every week and save on meats, produce and pantry staples.
2717 Sunridge Way NE; www.bashafoods.ca
7. Indian Aroma
This small grocer in northwest Calgary has everything you need—and more—to put together a delicious homemade curry, samosa or kati roll. While you may not have a tandoor in your home to cook homemade naan (yet!), the ingredients at Indian Aroma are sure to get you as close to a traditional meal as possible. Find several halal meats, basmati rice by the kilogram, Shan Masala curry spice mixes, classic teas, frozen prepared foods and more in this little store.
7750 Ranchview Dr. N.W.
8. Luc’s European Meats
Going to big box stores to stock up on groceries for the weeks ahead is the North American way. But with specialty stores, some Calgarians are picking up the European habit of shopping for just what you need for one or two days at a time. Fresh, local food is front-and-centre at Luc’s European Meats. While the selection is akin to a European deli, Luc’s meats and cheeses are still primarily made in Canada. Get “European style” charcuterie—like a classic summer sausage and a wheel of Camembert—while still supporting Canadian producers.
510 77 Ave S.E.; www.lucseuropeanmeats.ca
Honourable mentions
Looking for even more specialty shops in Calgary and area? Here’s a list of some other visit-worthy markets where you pick up everything you need for your next internationally inspired dinner.
A-Mart
Multiple locations
www.amartyyc.com
DeChosen African Market
Multiple locations (including Airdrie)
www.dechosen.ca
Edelweiss Imports
1921 20 Ave. N.W.
www.edelweissimports.com
Italian Centre Shop
Multiple locations
www.italiancentre.ca
Kalamata Grocery Store
1422 11 St. SW
Sage Meadows Market – African Store
2971 136 Ave. N.W.
UniMarket Latin Food
Multiple locations
www.unimarket.ca
