Calgary's most famous Chinese dish — crispy deep-fried beef strips in a sweet, spicy, fragrant ginger sauce. A local invention, perfected at Emerald Garden for decades.
Ginger Fried Beef was invented in Calgary in the 1970s and has since become the city's most beloved Chinese dish. At Emerald Garden, we slice top-quality beef thin, batter it light, and deep-fry it twice for the signature shatter-crisp exterior. The sauce — a glossy reduction of fresh ginger, garlic, soy, vinegar, and a touch of chili — coats every strand without softening the crunch.
Locals have ranked our Ginger Fried Beef among the best in Calgary for over 30 years. Whether you're a regular at our 16 Ave NW dining room or ordering takeout to Capitol Hill, Crescent Heights, or Briar Hill, every plate is wok-fired to order and served piping hot. Pair it with steamed rice or our wonton soup lunch combo for the full experience.
Calgary regular (20+ years)
"We have eaten at Emerald Garden for over 20 years and it is still our favourite. The staff are efficient and friendly and the food is always superb. Individual dishes are generous and I have not found a dish here that I haven't liked."
TripAdvisor
Website Review
"Excellent quality and quantity. The accommodation for my partner's sesame and nut allergy was handled well and appreciated. Definitely our number 1 in Calgary for Chinese food."
December 2025
TripAdvisor reviewer
"The place is very clean, very friendly host. The food is super fresh and delicious. Super happy we found this place — it will be our regular from now on."
TripAdvisor
Order online for pickup or delivery throughout NW Calgary, or join us for dine-in at 1006 16 Ave NW.
Order Now View Full MenuFind us on 16 Ave NW in Calgary — minutes from SAIT, Capitol Hill, North Hill, Crescent Heights, and Banff Trail.