The munchies in Calgary, AB

Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan or dieting, no one should have to sacrifice ice cream. And so, we all scream for (dairy-free) ice cream! Fortunately, city ice cream shops are better than ever at giving customers milk-free options. While all of these ice cream parlours feature deliciously creamy frozen treats, they also pack dairy-free options with just as much punch. Image credit: iStock.com/bhofack2.

The city’s pathway system is one of the longest in North America. Given its lengthy stretches, the occasional rest and snack stop, though few and far between, are a welcome sight when walking, biking and inline skating. Here are a few restaurants, cafés and snack shacks located on or near our scenic cycling system. Image credit: iStock.com/mihailomilovanovic.

Shawarma – a Middle Eastern dish consisting of roasted meat shaved off of a spit and usually served in a pita wrap sandwich or as part of a meal platter – has become a grab n’ go staple food in countries all over the world. These Calgary spots serve up some of the best shawarma in the city with all of the traditional accouterments as well as other favourite Middle Eastern dishes. [Image credit: iStock.com/Lauri Patterson]

Hot dogs and sausages aren’t just for summertime grilling or easy kids’ meals. Plenty of meat-happy haunts around the city are dressing them up in new and delicious ways as well as simply refining the classics. Read on to get the skinny on our favourite franks.

Ever face the dilemma of having to please the differing tastes of a bunch of friends while dining out? The eateries listed here solve this culinary complication by serving small-plate snacks or tapas dishes that are perfect for sampling and sharing.

An Asian drink made with black or green tea mixed with fruit juice or milk, bubble tea gets its name from jelly-like tapioca balls that are added to the drink. It’s a delicious treat that’s available in seemingly endless varieties and is often served with snacks. Find bubble tea at the following cafés and dessert houses.  

You can find plain old nachos anywhere, but these restaurants and pubs make this chips ’n’ cheese appetizer into something special.

Need a satisfying Mexican meal you can hold in one hand? Say hola mi amigo to the burrito! They may be fast-food standard fare, but when wrapped right, they’re just what el doctor ordered to cure your Latin-lunch cravings.

Nothing makes you feel you’re dining seaside more than quaffing a dozen freshly shucked raw oysters. Thankfully, there are many great places to enjoy this seafood treat in Calgary.

Members of Calgary’s food truck fleet operate almost year round. Often found in and around the downtown, these mobile eateries are also regularly sighted at festivals and special events. Track their movements with precision by downloading the Calgary Street Food App —streetfoodapp.com/calgary.

Humble yet so satisfying, this Middle Eastern comfort food favourite is crispy on the outside, tender and flavourful on the inside. In a sandwich or on a plate, a fine falafel is a thing of beauty. These Mediterranean eateries serve some of the city’s very best.

Ribs are a magical food that demands diners ignore basic table manners, put their elbows up and get their hands and faces streaky with barbecue sauce. Cave in to these meaty, messy demands at these Calgary restaurants.