What to Eat in Edmonton

What to Eat in Edmonton: 10 Popular Dishes Locals Love

I grew up in Edmonton, and I know a secret locals love to share: this city is a hidden gem for
food lovers. It’s not the first place people think of when it comes to Canadian food destinations,
but if you live here, you know it’s one of the best.

My parents immigrated from Northern England and were part of the wave of newcomers who
helped shape Edmonton’s cultural mix. They taught me early on that unfamiliar food wasn’t
something to fear but something to get excited about.

That mindset stuck with me. Edmonton’s food scene reflects its diversity, with comforting
classics and bold new flavors found in everything from family-run diners to downtown hotspots
and no-frills food trucks.

Take green onion cakes, for example. They’re the unofficial food of Edmonton and a perfect
example of how this city embraces other cultures through food.

In this post, I’m sharing 10 popular foods to try in Edmonton. These are dishes I’ve personally
enjoyed with family and friends over the years. Let’s dig into the flavors that define this
underrated culinary capital in Alberta.

Sweet Local Treats You’ll See Everywhere

Edmontonians have always had a sweet tooth. Among friends, it’s common to trade tips on the
best spots and plan weekend outings to satisfy a craving. Brunch, anyone?
These are the 3 most-loved sweet treats in the city.

1. Cinnamon Buns

Cinnamon buns are soft, gooey spirals of dough filled with cinnamon sugar and usually topped
with cream cheese icing or a glaze. Edmonton has fully embraced them as a beloved local treat
and many people argue about the best places to get them.
They started gaining traction here years ago as a goodie to be enjoyed only on the weekend.
Now they’re a full-on craving, often shared over brunch or picked up as a sweet reward after a
hard day.

Where to get it:
Two of my favorite spots are The Sugar Bowl which is centrally located near the University of
Alberta. It’s known for its giant, caramelized buns.

The second is just outside of Edmonton: The Everyday Food Company in Sherwood Park.
Made fresh everyday, the folks there serve them up with a generous dollop of cream cheese icing.

2. Saskatoon & Haskap Berries

Saskatoon berries have been growing wild across Alberta for generations. These deep purple
berries have strong Indigenous roots and were traditionally used by early communities and
settlers. Their slightly sweet, nutty flavor makes them perfect in both sweet and savory dishes.
You’ll often find Saskatoons in traditional indigenous foods like pemmican; a mix of dried meat,
fat, and berries that was used as high-energy travel food.

They’re also found in bannock; an indigenous fry bread served warm and fluffy. People in
Edmonton also use them in pies, jams, and syrups.

Indigenous food traditions have shaped many regions across Canada, not just Alberta. On a
recent trip to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, I was reminded just how central food is to
cultural identity, especially when it’s connected to the land.

Haskap berries are a newer addition to Alberta’s food scene. With a deep blue color and tart
flavor, they’re a much loved cold-climate superfood. You’ll find them in jams, sauces, smoothies,
and more.

Where to find them:
Pick Saskatoons at Creekside Berry Farm just outside the city. For Haskaps, Boreal Harvest
Farm near Elk Island National Park is a great local source, and my favorite summer-time stop.
Want to try Saskatoons in First People’s cuisine? Bernadette’s Restaurant in Edmonton serves
dishes inspired by traditional indigenous recipes.

3. BeaverTails

BeaverTails are a classic Canadian treat that both locals and visitors look forward to. For
Edmontonians, they’re a nostalgic festival snack. If you’ve ever had an elephant ear at a fair,
BeaverTails are similar. They’re just thinner, slightly chewier, and proudly Canadian of course.
For visitors to the city, they’re often a must-try item thanks to their fun shape and sweet
toppings. They’re very popular with families with young children – I know my son loves them.
These fried, doughy pastries are stretched to resemble a beaver’s tail and served hot with
everything from cinnamon sugar to chocolate hazelnut spread.

Where to find them:
You’ll often spot BeaverTails at major local events. Think the Edmonton International Street
Performers Festival, The Fringe and K‑Days.

Did you know that Edmonton hosts over 30 festivals a year? Find permanent kiosks for
BeaverTails in places like West Edmonton Mall.

Alberta Meats Done Right

Alberta is known around the world for its high-quality beef. Our cattle graze on rich prairie
grasslands and have plenty of space to roam. That care and space results in tender, flavorful
cuts that show up in kitchens and restaurants across the province.

But beef is only part of Alberta’s food story. Wild game meats like elk, venison, and bison also
have deep roots here. They’re lean, protein-rich, and raised in a way that reflects the landscape
they come from. Personally, I think they taste even better than beef.

Here’s a closer look at the meats Edmontonians enjoy most, whether they’re cooking at home or
eating out.

4. Alberta Beef

Steaks are a mainstay during BBQ season, but Edmontonians enjoy beef all year long. That can
be in burgers, roasts, or comforting dishes like meatloaf, chili, and shepherd’s pie.
Alberta beef isn’t just famous – it’s graded for quality too. Most of what you’ll find in restaurants
and grocery stores here falls into Canada’s top categories like AAA and Prime.
That means you’re getting tender, flavorful cuts with just the right amount of marbling. Even the
everyday ground beef here holds its own.

Where to try it
Two of my favorite locally owned spots to buy or enjoy Alberta beef are The Butchery by RGE
RD and Meat. Both focus on quality cuts and source their beef from regional producers.

Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly grilled steak or slow-smoked brisket, these places do
it right.

5. Elk + Venison

Alberta may be famous for its beef, but wild game like elk and venison has a long history here.
These lean meats have a rich, earthy flavor and offer a great alternative for meat lovers looking
to try something different. They’re also lower in fat and higher in protein than traditional cuts of
beef.
You’ll often see elk and venison used in sausages, burgers, and slow-cooked meals. Their bold
flavor pairs well with ingredients like root vegetables or berry-based sauces.

Where to try it
I like to order elk or venison at RGE RD or The Home Fire Grill in Edmonton. Both serve locally
sourced game meat and change their menus with the seasons, so it’s always worth checking
what’s available.

6. Bison (Buffalo)

Bison, (often called buffalo) have been part of Alberta’s food culture for centuries. It’s leaner
than beef, slightly sweeter in flavor, and packed with protein and iron. It’s a better red-meat
alternative to beef with less fat and more protein. I think it tastes better too.
In Edmonton, bison isn’t just something you try once. It’s part of everyday cooking for some
families. You’ll find it on restaurant menus in the form of burgers, stews, and sausages.
It’s also easy to find pre-butchered bison packs locally, so you can stock your freezer and cook it
at home. That’s exactly what my family does.

Where to try it
One of the best places to enjoy bison in Edmonton is Home Fire Grill, where it’s featured in
Indigenous-inspired dishes.

Another good option is The Common, a downtown spot that often puts a creative spin on local
ingredients, including bison (when in season).

Street Food & Food Truck Favorites

As I mentioned earlier in the post, Edmontonians celebrate with over 30 festivals throughout the
year.

No matter the season, we love coming together to enjoy good food and shared experiences with
friends and neighbors.

These are some of my favorite festival foods in Edmonton:

7. Green Onion Cakes

Green onion cakes are a crispy, chewy snack made from dough layered with chopped green
onions and pan-fried until golden. Originally a Chinese street food, they’ve become a hometown
favorite here in Edmonton. So much so that many locals consider them our unofficial city dish.
They’re simple, savory, and always satisfying. And if you need proof of how beloved they are,
the local baseball team even rebrands itself as the Edmonton Green Onion Cakes for a special
game each summer.

Where to find them
You’ll see green onion cakes everywhere during Edmonton’s summer festivals, especially at
Heritage Days or the Fringe.

For a year-round fix, check out Green Onion Cake Man, run by the original vendor who helped
popularize them in the city or try Hoang Long for a delicious version served with a twist.

8. Perogies and Kielbasa

Perogies hold a special place in Edmonton’s food culture, thanks to the city’s deep Ukrainian
roots. Much of the surrounding region was originally settled by Ukrainian immigrants, drawn to
Alberta by the promise of free land and a new start. That heritage still lives on through our food
today.
Edmontonians are passionate about perogies. You’ll find them boiled or fried, stuffed with potato
and cheese, and topped with sour cream, onions, or bacon. Paired with a juicy slice of kielbasa
sausage, they’re comfort food at its finest.

Where to find them
One of my go-to spots is the Purple Perogy food truck. Their perogies are hot, crispy, and
served with an amazing dill sauce that locals rave about.

You’ll find them at events and festivals throughout the summer, and they’re worth tracking down.

9. Poutine

Poutine may have originated in Quebec, but Edmonton has fully embraced this Canadian
classic. The combination of crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy is hard to resist.
And to make it even more fun, local spots have gotten creative with their own versions.
In Edmonton, you’ll find poutine in all kinds of forms: from traditional to over-the-top. Some
places add pulled pork, donair meat, or even butter chicken to put a local twist on this indulgent
dish. It’s a favorite at food trucks, diners, and late-night spots across the city.

Where to find it
You can grab a classic poutine from La Poutine. It’s a food truck dedicated to the dish or at their
flagship store near the University of Alberta (prepare for a lineup!) It’s the kind of comfort food
that’s just as popular with locals as it is with visitors.

Special Mention: A Local Vietnamese Obsession
Edmonton has a deep love for Vietnamese food. It’s woven into everyday life here, from quick
lunches to cozy dinners.

My husband and I often treat ourselves to pho on a Friday night.. There’s something about that
rich broth and fresh herbs that always hits the spot. It’s one of our favorite take-out meals in
Edmonton.

Edmonton has a strong Vietnamese community, and it shows in the food. Pho and banh mi
aren’t just popular here; they’re everyday staples. Find them made with care by families who’ve
called Edmonton home for generations.
Pho is a deeply flavorful noodle soup with slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, thai basil, and thinly
sliced meat. Banh mi is a Vietnamese sub made with a crisp baguette, pickled vegetables,
herbs, and your choice of filling.

Where to find them
You’ll find great Vietnamese food all over the city, especially along 97 Street, in Chinatown, and
around 118 Avenue.
One of my personal favorites for pho with friends is the restaurant Nha Trang. It’s a cozy spot
that’s been a mainstay of the area for decades.

Conclusion on Edmonton foods

Edmonton might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of foodie destinations.
But, once you’ve tasted what the locals love here, you’ll understand why we’re all so proud of it.
The dishes in this post like green onion cakes, perogies, bison, and pho all reflect the many
cultures that call Edmonton home.

Guest Author Bio

My own love for multicultural food runs deep. With British parents and family roots in Northern
England, I grew up in a household that valued cultural traditions, especially through food. That
early exposure is a big part of why I’m so adventurous with what I eat today.
If you’re curious about where my heritage has taken me, here’s a look at some of my favorite
places to visit in my ancestral home of Northern England. These areas have helped to shape
the adventurous traveler and foodie that I am today. But if you’re here in Edmonton, these ten
local dishes are a delicious place to start.

Check out her blog at https://thetwordtravel.com/

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