BBQ Express

This may be the most colourful lunch experience in Calgary. Also, one of the cheapest and fastest. With business mostly conducted in Chinese.

At tiny BBQ Express, in north-central Calgary, you line up in front of a display case of hanging ducks and other meats. If you’re following the standard of ordering the lunch combo, you’re asked to choose two meats (roast pork, barbecue pork, duck etc.).

And now the colourful really begins: a cleaver-wielding worker starts hacking your chosen meats into bite-sized pieces. These are all stacked atop a mountain of white rice in a takeout container now weighing 29 ounces. And costing $11, cash only.

Because there’s no seating, you’re quickly out the door, with the choice of messily eating with a little fork in your vehicle or waiting till you get home, where it will easily provide two meals.

A little fatty? Sure. But still one of the best lunch deals in the city.

BBQ Express
1403 Centre Street North, Calgary
Daily 10 am-6 pm, except closed Tuesdays