Calgary Eats | Sesame: Hong Kong-Style Fusion Eats for Under $12

How hard is it to find an affordable yet satisfying meal in Calgary? My criteria for a go-to eatery is simple: under $12 for a filling portion, light enough for days when my appetite is low, but flavorful enough to rival proper restaurants—preferably self-serve or limited service (so you can skip the hefty tip!). Back when I lived near University District, Sesame became my daily kitchen. The owner says it's part of a chain, specializing in Westernized Asian stir-fried noodles and rice (wok hei on point, seasoning just right!). But they’ve quietly slipped in seven or eight handmade Hong Kong-style dim sum items—limited in selection, but every single one delivers. 🔥 Must-Order List: ▪️ Pork Siu Mai: Fresh, springy pork filling with just the right balance of shiitake and shrimp—oily but not greasy. ▪️ Garlic Spring Rolls: Crack open the crispy shell for an explosion of garlicky goodness, best dipped in chili sauce. ▪️ Xiaolongbao: The skin may not be the thinnest, but the broth inside is rich, and at $4.5 per basket, no complaints! ▪️ Char Siu Bao: Fluffy steamed buns stuffed with honey-glazed BBQ pork—sweet-savory heaven. 🍵 Hidden Gem: The $2 Hong Kong-style milk tea by the cashier is a time machine! Just evaporated milk, black tea, and pearls—no fancy brown sugar or cheese foam. One sip transports you straight to a 1990s cha chaan teng. The owner jokes, "Young folks think it's too plain," but this is the real deal—a true test of skill. 💡 Pro Tips: • Lunch special: Stir-fried noodles/rice + dim sum + drink = $10.5 • Skip the wait: Call ahead for takeout • House-made chili oil: Fragrant but not overpowering—ask for a spoonful Compared to those trendy Asian fusion spots, this place feels more like a stubborn old-school craftsman—serving up flavors that shouldn’t be this cheap, at fast-food prices. #CalgaryEats #BudgetFoodie #DimSum #YYCFood