Healthier and Tastier Alternatives to McDonald’s in Calgary
Around the World in Snack Combos: A Delicious Trip Through Global Childhood Treats
While McDonald’s may be the go-to for fast, familiar food, it often comes at the cost of freshness and nutrition. The meat in their burgers is frozen, their chicken nuggets are heavily processed, and their desserts are hit-or-miss (especially when the ice cream machine is “mysteriously” out of order). Fortunately, there are far better options out there—places that offer real food, packed with flavor and made with care. Here are a few standout choices that aren’t just better—they’re smart upgrades, and often just slightly more in price.
Nando’s PERi-PERi – Flavorful, Flame-Grilled, and Worth Every Bite
Nando’s PERi-PERi is a must-try if you’re craving chicken with real flavor and without all the fried fluff. This South African chain specializes in flame-grilled chicken, marinated for 24 hours in their signature PERi-PERi sauce, made from African Bird’s Eye Chili, garlic, and herbs.
Unlike McDonald’s deep-fried, flour-coated chicken, Nando’s offers protein-rich, skin-on grilled chicken that’s juicy, spicy, and far more satisfying. Their meals are also customizable—you can choose your spice level and pair your chicken with sides like seasoned fries, corn, or spicy rice.
Price Range: Meals typically cost between $10 to $30, depending on how much chicken you order or how many people you’re feeding. For a single person, a solid, filling meal is usually under $20—only a few bucks more than a Double Big Mac combo, but with way more value.
📍 4339 Mcleod trail SW, Calgary (It is located 2 minutes from Stampede ground and 5 minutes from downtown Calgary)
If you love McDonald’s desserts or bubble tea, but wish they were fresher and less artificial, Y Not Today – Boardgame & Bingsu Café is your dream spot. This hidden gem doesn’t just offer better food—it’s an experience.
Offers fresh brewed bubble tea, late-night croffles, delicious bingsu, and wholesome desserts.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Real Ingredients: Bubble teas are made with real brewed green or black tea, not powders. They use non-dairy creamer, making it lactose-free and lighter, without sacrificing creaminess.
- Smart Refreshments: Instead of sugary soda, sip on green iced tea for natural antioxidants or black iced tea for bold flavor and subtle health perks.
- Next-Level Bingsu: These Korean shaved ice desserts are topped with real fruit and healthy mix-ins. Try the mango bingsu with fresh diced mango and pearls, or the matcha bingsu with antioxidant-rich red beans and crunchy granola—refreshing, tasty, and way better than artificial soft serve.
- Fresh Onigiri: Their tuna-stuffed rice balls are light, satisfying, and perfect as a quick snack or meal.
Price Range: Everything here is affordable, with prices ranging from $5.50 to $14. Whether you’re just grabbing a drink or going all-in on dessert and snacks, it’s a healthier and more enjoyable treat for less than the cost of a fast-food combo.
🌟 Bonus: It’s also a board game café—so stay a while, relax, and enjoy good vibes with better food.
Miku Sushi - Exceptional Sushi Quality
Miku Sushi is renowned for its high-quality sushi, offering a variety of classic options like sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls. Their unique creations, such as the Mango Melody Roll—a delightful combination of tempura shrimp, mango, salmon, tobiko, and sweet mango sauce—add a playful twist to traditional sushi .
With a 4.7-star rating on Google and glowing reviews on platforms like Restaurantji, customers consistently praise Miku Sushi for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and attentive service . One reviewer noted, “By far the best sushi my husband and I have had in Calgary. The most comparable to sushi you’d find beside the ocean”
🌟 Bonus: This restaurant offers free parking and it is located near by other great stores like Yim Siam, Pink Pearls, and also Y Not Today Board game cafe
Five Guys – Real Burgers, Real Fries, Real Flavor
When it comes to burgers, Five Guys is a serious upgrade from McDonald’s. Every burger is made fresh to order, using 100% fresh, never frozen beef. The flavor is in the details—each patty is juicy, seasoned perfectly, and seared for that ideal crispy edge.
You can choose from a wide array of free toppings—grilled onions, mushrooms, pickles, jalapeños, hot sauce, and more—to build the burger exactly how you like it. Want a lettuce wrap instead of a bun? They’ve got you. Need it messy and stacked? No problem.
And don’t forget the fries: hand-cut, skin-on, and cooked in peanut oil, served in generous portions. The Cajun-style fries are a spicy favorite, bursting with flavor.
Price Range: Expect to spend around $10–$18 for a full meal, depending on your burger size and add-ons. It’s not the cheapest, but the portions are large, and the quality more than justifies the price.
Pink Pearls - A Legacy Since 1989
It would be a big miss if you don’t mention Pink Pearl Restaurant — a longtime Calgary favorite known for its authentic Chinese dishes, generous portions, and unbeatable prices.
The menu boasts a wide array of traditional favorites, including:
Salt & Pepper Chicken
Ginger Beef
Grilled Pork Dumplings
Shanghai-Style Fried Noodles
These dishes are prepared with care, offering a homemade touch that resonates with patrons.
Pink Pearl is known for its generous portions at reasonable prices. For instance, a half-order of Grilled Pork Dumplings is priced at $7.75, and most main dishes range between $14 and $17 . They also offer value-packed meal deals, such as the “Meal for Two” at $44.95, which includes spring rolls, soup, chicken fried rice, and two additional dishes.
Final Thoughts: A Better Bite Is Closer Than You Think
McDonald’s might be everywhere, but it doesn’t offer the best value when you consider the quality and nutrition. Whether it’s Nando’s flame-grilled, high-protein chicken, the fun, fresh desserts and teas from Y Not Today, or a juicy, fully customizable burger from Five Guys, you don’t have to settle for soggy fries and frozen patties.
And with the current cost of fast food creeping up, the difference in price isn’t as wide as you might think. For just a few more dollars, you’re getting fresher ingredients, better flavors, and food that leaves you feeling full and happy—not heavy and regretful.
You can check out another post about Calgary Desserts: Fusion, Innovation, and Cultural Exchange
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