Located in the heart of Calgary’s vibrant downtown at 1327 1 St SW #6, Pure Street Food offers an authentic and soulful journey through the bold flavors of Vietnamese and Korean street cuisine. This cozy restaurant delights diners with a thoughtful menu that balances tradition and innovation — ideal for lovers of rich, aromatic broths and crave-worthy, handheld snacks.
At Pure Street Food, the aromatic depth of their noodle bowls immediately captures your senses. Their Satay Beef Brisket Pho and Bun Bo Sate showcase expertly simmered broths tinted with layers of fragrant spices, balanced perfectly with tender cuts of beef and fresh herbs. Not to be missed is the Chicken Pho, a light yet deeply satisfying chicken noodle soup where you can customize your level of spice and noodle type—a thoughtful touch that elevates your dining experience, especially if you’re grabbing takeout.
The restaurant truly shines in its inventive use of street food snacks, where textures and flavors come alive. Their signature Savory Sesame Donut is a revelation — hand-rolled, freshly fried, and hollow, these golden donuts are stuffed generously with options like braised pork belly and pâté, paired with cooling cucumber and pickled carrots, and finished with a zingy sate aioli. It’s easy to see why first-timers and regulars alike find these donuts unforgettable. Fans have also raved about the Pork Belly Savoury Donut and the fiery kick of the Fire Chicken Donut, perfect bites that offer both comfort and excitement in every mouthful.
Equally impressive is their rice bowl selection. The Chicken Basil Rice Bowl, served alongside complimentary pork rib broth soup, delivers vibrant herbal notes and tender chicken that bursts with flavor. The variety and generosity of their dishes complement one another perfectly, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal.
The atmosphere at Pure Street Food strikes a welcoming and unpretentious tone. Customers often find the space calm and inviting, perfect for intimate meals or casual dining with friends and family. True to street food culture, the service is attentive despite the kitchen’s dedicated but small team—food preparation takes a bit of time, but fans say the delicious payoff is worth the wait.
Drink options like rich Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk or refreshing coconut water help balance the savory and spicy notes of the meal, providing a complete sensory journey from start to finish. Whether you’re seeking to reminisce on memories of Southeast Asian nights through food or diving into intriguing new flavors, Pure Street Food offers a genuine, heartfelt experience that stays with you long after your first bite.
Reliable and consistent, this restaurant is a true gem in Calgary’s culinary landscape. From the plush, deeply aromatic pho broths to the crispy crunch of their expertly seasoned snacks, Pure Street Food fills a niche for those craving authentic, high-quality Vietnamese and Korean street eats. As enthusiastic diners have shared, it’s a place where passion shines through every dish, making it one of the city’s best spots to indulge in memorable, soulful street food.
When researching where to eat in Calgary, I came across an episode of DDD with this restaurant. I knew I needed to try it! I got two different doughnuts and a chicken rice dish. I wasn’t in the mood for pho at the time. I was a bit frazzled when I ordered - I couldn’t remember what was on the show - and I wanted to get food I couldn’t remember share with my daughter. We both really enjoyed the donuts. They are savoury and meat filled. I thought we would split each but my daughter liked hers so much she didn’t want to try mine. They both had very different flavours which was a pleasant surprise. There was a bit of kick in each, adding a little hint of heat at the end of each bite. The chicken rice dish was very yummy but and huge! Way too large. We couldn’t even make it through half. Keep that in mind if you are ordering here - unless you are a big eater or very hungry - you may want to share a dish or just order one thing and not two - I recommend the donut! The food hall is a fun and funky place. Lots of action and people. I didn’t have any trouble finding a seat to wait for my food and I took my food to go. I noticed there is a playground behind the food hall so it looks like a great place to bring kids. You will have to wait for your food - it is fast food but they still make it to order so it’s not that fast.
A true gem for street food lovers! This place serves up unpretentious, soulful Vietnamese street food that hits all the right notes. The flavors are punchy, the herbs are vibrant. I tried the Chicken Basil Rice Bowl with complimentary pork rib broth soup both were aromatic and deeply satisfying. You can tell everything is made with care and respect for tradition. Prices are fair, portions are generous, and the vibe is relaxed yet lively. Highly recommended if you're chasing authenticity without the frills.
Rich, deep pho broth and Hu tieu broth. Good amount of beef, cha, brisket, and a small hunk of rib. You get a choice of thin or thick rice noodle, and both were cooked nice and bouncy. We also got the chicken with nuoc cham sauce. Juicy, piping hot, and super crunchy!
The short rib pho was out of this world and I keep dreaming and drooling about it. The two of us were so full sharing it. We also had the “chicken wings” karaage which were amazingly seasoned and unforgettable as well. Definitely the best pho find in Calgary
I visited First Street Food Court on a weekday evening. The crowd was moderate, and the environment felt comfortable. After placing my order, I received a buzzer and waited about 20 minutes for the food(there were only two people working in the kitchen. I ordered the Savory Sesame Donut.Although it looked small, it was packed with filling, a pleasant surprise! I chose the Spicy Bo Kho Beef Brisket flavor. The first few bites were filled with refreshing vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and cilantro, which created a nice balance of textures and flavors. As I kept eating, I discovered the generous portion of beef brisket hidden inside. The meat was tender, juicy, and full of flavor As someone who can’t handle too much spice, I found the spiciness to be well within my comfort zone, flavorful without being overwhelming. The dipping sauce on the side also added a unique twist to the dish. Overall, it was a delightful little snack, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something tasty without feeling too heavy.
Absolutely incredible! Pure Street Food serves up some of the best pho bowls I’ve ever had — rich, flavourful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and fresh, vibrant toppings that bring everything together. The savoury sesame donuts were a surprise highlight — crispy, warm, and packed with flavour. You can really taste the care and authenticity in every dish. Fast, friendly service and great atmosphere too. Highly recommend for anyone who loves bold, authentic street food flavours!
Tried the Hu Tieu Bo Sate (spicy beef noodle) and it was super flavorful and rich — just the right amount of spice! The beef was tender, and the broth was packed with flavor. The iced red milk tea was the perfect match with the spicy noodles — so refreshing and balanced. Great food, cozy vibe, and quick service. Definitely coming back!
Wow! A friend who works close by suggested Pure Street Food for lunch. I've been a conessur of Vietnamese beef sate pho and hu tieu soup for 35 years. I have my favorites in cities across western Canada. I can honestly say that the bowl I had today was the best I've ever had. The noodles are made in house (what?!), the meats were plentiful and expertly cooked, the veg and herbs were super fresh. The broth... that broth was the most complex and satisfying broth I have ever had. I can't stop thinking about it. The pork spring rolls were also outstanding. Highly recommend. I have to go back for the sesame doughnut ASAP. Would give 6 stars if I could.