Sushi roll roundup in Calgary
For those who are new to sushi, the thought of eating raw fish on rice can be a little intimidating. Sushi rolls are a great “gateway” to more traditional nigiri, and thanks to some of the whimsical and creative dishes prepared by local sushi chefs, they are becoming a cuisine unto itself.
Big Catch Sushi
130-8835 Macleod Trail Sw, Calgary, AB T2H 0M2It’s hard to believe that one of the best sushi spots in Calgary is located in a farmers’ market! The chefs here are serious about their art – even a simple sushi platter is served with delicate wasabi garnishes in the shape of birds and flowers. Their sushi rolls are similarly artistic – the dragon roll actually looks like a dragon, with avocado “scales” and a shrimp-tempura tail.
Hankook Chicken
923 6 Ave Sw, Calgary, AB T2P 0V7This popular downtown lunch spot on Sixth Avenue Southwest features many creative sushi rolls that combine Japanese and Western ingredients and techniques. For example, the risotto roll is filled with crab and avocado topped with chopped shrimp and cheese and then grilled until the rice is warm and the cheese is melted
Sushi Bar Zipang
1-1010 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7W7Zipang is known more for its fresh nigiri and omakase (chef’s tasting menu), but the Bridgeland restaurant has caught on to the special sushi-roll trend as well. The eatery’s ebi tempura roll is a bestseller made with freshly fried tempura, crisp lettuce and flying-fish roe that pops in your mouth.
Towa Sushi
2116 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W7This Mission restaurant on the Fourth Street restaurant row focuses on elegant, contemporary sushi rolls, many of which are drizzled with special sauces so you can skip the soy. Try the Hawaiian roll, which features pineapple, avocado, red onion and shrimp with a spicy balsamic dressing.
Sho Sushi Bar & Kitchen
7212 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0L9This multi-story complex on MacLeod Trail has a big menu to match its physical stature, with nearly 200 varieties of sushi, sashimi and hot dishes featured. The special rolls are definitely fusion creations – the sea monster roll features a whole squid leg topped with avocado, mango, seaweed salad and honey-garlic sauce, while the veggie blossom features fried tofu and shredded radish, among other unique vegetarian ingredients.
Globefish Kensington
332 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z7As one of the restaurants that made special rolls popular in Calgary, Globefish is still going strong with its three locations spread across the city. A favourite spot of former Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla, the restaurant continues to serve the Iginla Roll and the Iginla Sushi Combo, which they created specially for the hockey star and his family.
Hana Sushi
420-1851 Sirocco Dr SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4R5This Japanese restaurant in Signal Hill caters to big appetites. Try the Calgary Special Roll, a giant creation composed of salmon, tuna, shrimp and a number of additional seafood ingredients. It’s massive enough that it should be served with a knife and fork. (Yes, you can ask for a half-order!)
Midoriduo Inc
1054 17 Ave Sw, Calgary, AB T2T 0A5Like El’s, Midori is a tiny restaurant on busy 17th Avenue Southwest. In addition to its Japanese dishes, you’ll find bulgogi and chapchae on the menu, as well as two sushi rolls prepared with kimchi. The vegetarian evergreen roll is one of Midori’s most popular, with crispy asparagus tempura, fresh salad greens, cool cucumber and buttery avocado topped with crunchy tempura bits.
Sushi Hiro
727 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0N2Arguably the most traditional Japanese restaurant in Calgary, don’t expect to find any elaborate fusion sushi rolls here! Instead, try some rolls that feature authentic, Japanese ingredients, such as the ume shiso roll, which combines the strong flavour of pickled plums with minty shiso.
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