SEPTEMBER 5
World Samosa Day – India – Samosa Café – Samosas
When I think of comfort food, samosas are always near the top of the list. There’s something irresistible about that pastry wrapped around a warm, flavourful filling. Light, tender and wonderfully flaky.
Tucked into a strip mall in Luxstone is one of Airdrie’s hidden gems, Samosa Café. Its samosas are made fresh to order using a family dough recipe that has been perfected over time. What truly sets it apart, however, is the bakers’ patience. The dough is allowed to rest for 12 hours, giving the gluten time to relax while the starches and proteins naturally develop.
Whether you choose beef, chicken or vegetarian, each samosa is handcrafted with care and served fresh, making every bite worth the wait. 111-2002 Luxstone Blvd. S.W.
SEPTEMBER 16
National Guacamole Day – Mexican Tacos & Tequila – Guacamole & Tortilla Chips
Few dishes can capture the vibrant flavours of Mexico quite like guacamole. Made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, cilantro, onion, tomatoes and a touch of spice, this simple, yet iconic dip is celebrated for its creamy texture and bright, refreshing flavour.
At Tacos & Tequilas, every bite feels like a mini escape to Mexico, and it begins with its fresh, house-made guacamole paired with perfectly crisp tortilla chips. Creamy avocados with bright citrus and vibrant seasonings come together in an unforgettable dish that lets quality ingredients shine.
One of the best things about guacamole is its versatility. Naturally gluten free, vegetarian and vegan, it’s a crowd-pleasing favourite that everyone can enjoy. Pair it with one of Tacos & Tequilas’ handcrafted margaritas for the ultimate flavour combination.
Whether you are sharing with friends or savouring every scoop yourself, it’s the kind of appetizer that’s impossible to resist. 501-800 Yankee Valley Blvd. S.W.
SEPTEMBER 20
National Fried Rice Day – Chinese – Airdrie Wok – House Special Fried Rice
Did you know fried rice is the original leftover makeover? Born in China centuries ago, it was created as a clever way to transform yesterday’s rice into something entirely new. Today, it has become a staple of every Chinese takeout order. Who knew an iconic favourite began with a little creativity and a lot of ingenuity?
My go-to for delicious fried rice? Airdrie Wok and its House Special Fried Rice – a colourful confetti of fluffy rice, eggs, barbecue pork, shrimp, peas and carrots, all expertly wok-tossed together to create layers of rich savoury flavour. Whether you enjoy it on its own or alongside of any of Airdrie Wok’s signature entrees, it’s a dish that keeps you coming back for more. 121 Main St. S.
SEPTEMBER 26
National Dumpling Day – Vietnamese – Jen’s Vietnamese Noodle House – Deep-Fried Pork Dumplings
Few foods tell the story of culture quite like a dumpling. It’s found in cuisines around the world; every country has their own interpretation, and Vietnam is no exception, showcasing the beauty of simple ingredients and carefully balanced flavours that take centre stage.
At Jens Vietnamese Noodle House, the deep-fried pork dumplings are fried to a deep, delicate crispy parcel of ground pork with chives, but the special chilli sauce brings some tangy and lime flavours to a delicious flavour burst. 705 Main St. S.
SEPTEMBER 28
National Poke Day – Hawaiian – 525 Restaurant and Patio – Poke Bowl
Fresh, vibrant and bursting with colour, poke (pronounced poh-kay) means “to slice” in Hawaiian. Traditionally, poke wasn’t designed to be trendy, but a simple way to eat freshly caught fish with available ingredients that complemented its natural flavour.
While Airdrie may not have a traditional Hawaiian restaurant, 525 Restaurant & Patio has successfully been able to bring the taste of the islands closer to home. The fresh, high-quality ingredients take centre stage, being vibrant, refreshing and thoughtfully composed, with each bite delivering generous servings of seafood, vegetables and bold flavours. 525 Woodside Dr. N.W.
OCTOBER 4
National Taco Day – Chile – Queen Latina Bakery – Taco Night at Home
For a delicious taco night, head to Queen Latina Bakery, where you’ll find everything you need to curate a festive and nutritious dinner for your loved ones. Stock up on wholegrain corn tortillas, panela cheese, Adobe seasoning, refried beans and the homemade Chipotle dip and fresh salsa. Pick up a rotisserie chicken or your favourite protein from your local grocery store.
To prepare your tortillas, wrap them in a lightly damp tea towel and warm them in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or heat them briefly in a dry skillet until they’re soft and pliable. Toss the shredded chicken with the adobe seasoning, then warm the refried beans with a splash of water or broth until smooth and creamy. Arrange everything in serving bowls and let everyone customize their tacos with their favourite toppings.
To complete the experience, add a dirty horchata cola, a refreshing twist that combines Coca-Cola with horchata. Queen Latina Bakery carries horchata mix, making it easy to recreate this fun and flavourful treat at home. 2145 Summerfield Blvd. S.E.
OCTOBER 8
National Pierogi Day – Ukrainian – Jam’s – Perogies
For Jam’s, making perogies is about far more than preparing a meal for loyal customers, but rather preserving family tradition. Passed down through generations, the recipes and traditions honour the heritage and the craftsmanship that have shaped every batch.
Now a welcome addition to Jam’s menu alongside its beloved breakfast, these homemade perogies allow guests to enjoy a Jam’s dinner. What makes them truly special is the care that goes into every ingredient. The dough is made from scratch, the bacon smoked in-house, the potatoes are whipped into a creamy filling, and every perogy reflects the family’s time-honoured recipe. It’s a tradition they share with us one delicious bite at a time. 113-1700 Market St. S.E.
OCTOBER 21
National Heroes Day – Jamaica – Yummingz Catering Food Truck – Oxtail & Beans
Oxtail has become one of the most expensive and sought-after cuts of beef, prized by chefs and home cooks, alike. Yummingz Catering has its oxtail braised until it’s irresistibly fork-tender, effortlessly slipping from the bone. Paired with buttery beans and a rich deeply seasoned gravy, every delicious spoonful delivers a bold and unforgettable culinary moment.
One of the things I love about Yummingz is that it brings authentic Jamaican cuisine directly to the community. As a food truck, it’s always on the move, meeting customers where they are and sharing the vibrant flavours at your special event.
As Jamaica’s National Heroes Day falls on Oct. 20, Yummingz will have wrapped up its food truck season for the winter. The good news? Yummingz is available for catering by calling 587-441-6234, making it easy to bring the taste of Jamaica to your next celebration or special event.
