15 Indigenous Food Experiences in Alberta

Here are 15 Indigenous Food Experiences you can enjoy in Alberta. They include restaurants, food producers, chefs, and culinary experiences and they give depth to Alberta’s food scene.

From bison burgers and bannock creations to fine dining and locally crafted products, these businesses offer delicious ways to experience Alberta. Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs also contributes to economic parity and addresses Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). 

Here are 15 Indigenous food experiences that belong on every Alberta food lover’s list from the North to the south and on through the Bow Valley.

1. In St Paul, Alberta try Twisted Fork and the food of Métis Chef Deb Poulin. We love the bison burgers
2. Mother Earth Essentials’ founder, Carrie Armstrong, comes from a long line of Cree Medicine Women. Her ancestral knowledge led her to develop beautifully packaged herbal teas that are all-natural and super soothing to sip on. Find them at Métis Crossing and online.
3. While visiting Métis Crossing, be sure to stop by the Lodge Bistro, where Alberta ingredients like bison, saskatoon berries, and haskaps take centre stage.
4. Indigenous and women-owned, Hawke Prohibition Distilleries, based in Sherwood Park, produces an impressive lineup of Alberta-crafted spirits and operates a popular Gin Lovers Club.
5. Edmonton’s Culina Family Catering has Métis Chef Brad Lazarenko at the helm.
6. Edmonton‘s White Buffalo Coffee Company is a First Nations and Veteran-owned roastery inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings and committed to sharing exceptional coffee and Indigenous values.
7. Edmonton-based Tee Pee Treats, founded by Chef Curtis Red-Rokk Cardinal, puts a creative spin on bannock and fry bread favourites. Bannock donairs and bannock bison burgers are just a few of the menu highlights.
8. Located in Edmonton’s Ice District, Bernadette’s is Chef Scott Iserhoff’s newest venture and brings Indigenous cuisine and fine dining together under one roof.
9. Homefire Grill, also in Edmonton, has Chef Kyle Duncan in charge. Go for the Elk Lasagna here.
10. Led by renowned Indigenous chef Shane Chartrand, Paperbirch by Chartrand brings people together through food, culture, learning, and connection in Edmonton‘s Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market.
11. Located in Enoch, directly west of Edmonton, Bannock broz celebrates Indigenous culture through food with a menu full of bannock-based favourites and comfort food classics.
12. Produced in Leduc, Mitsoh Pemmican, is Chef Ian Gladue’s way of preserving Indigenous food traditions with these handcrafted pemmican and dried bison products that are Elder-approved.
13. Go for a hike and treat yourself by booking Hunter and Gatherer Graze Boxes by Creative Cuisine Catering‘s Chef Denia Baltzer in Rocky Mountain House.
14. The Little Chief Restaurant in Grey Eagle Casino is on Tsuut‘ina First Nation in Calgary. Try the Smoked Bison Reuben.
15. The Ridge at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino near Kananaskis is famous for their Mountain Pickerel.

There you have it, 15 of our favourite Indigenous-owned food experiences across Alberta. Get out, explore, and bring your appetite.

If you’re craving Indigenous art as well, be sure to visit our partners. You’ll find Carter-Ryan Gallery in Canmore and Banff. Or, stop by Moonstone Creation in Calgary’s Inglewood neighbourhood where you’ll find works from more than 60 Indigenous artists from across Canada.

Did we miss your favourite Indigenous-owned food or drink spot? Let us know, we’re always looking for new places to add to our Eat Alberta Like An Insider lists. 

BONUS: When you book any of our tours, you’ll receive Mitsoh pemmican as our culinary gift at the end of the tour. It’s a small way we can contribute to reconciliation and we are proud to work with this amazing company.