Edmonton Foodies: How to Choose the Perfect Local Gifts

Edmonton is known for its vibrant food scene, and it's no surprise that foodies flock to this city in search of unique and delicious culinary experiences. With so many amazing local restaurants and food producers, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect gift for the foodie in your life. Luckily, there are plenty of options that are sure to please any palate.

One option is to give the gift of locally-produced food and drink. Edmonton is home to many talented artisans who create everything from artisanal cheeses to craft beer. These products are not only delicious, but they also support the local economy and food culture! Another option is to give the gift of a culinary experience, such as a cooking class, tasting, or food tour. These experiences allow foodies to learn new skills and explore the city's culinary offerings in a fun and interactive way.

No matter what type of gift you choose, the key is to focus on quality and uniqueness. By selecting a gift that is truly special and reflective of Edmonton's food scene, you can show your loved one just how much you appreciate their love of food.

One of the defining features of Edmonton's food culture is its focus on locally sourced ingredients. Restaurants and food establishments in the city often work with local farmers and producers to create dishes that showcase the region's bounty. This commitment to local food has helped to create a vibrant food scene that celebrates the flavors and traditions of the area.

Another aspect of Edmonton's food culture is its love of comfort food. From poutine to meat pies, the city's food scene is full of hearty, satisfying dishes that are perfect for cold winter days. Edmontonians take their comfort food seriously, and many local restaurants and cafes have become famous for their takes on classic dishes.

Finally, Edmonton's food culture is characterized by its openness to new ideas and flavors. The city's diverse population has helped to create a food scene that is constantly evolving and experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. From Korean-style fried chicken to vegan donuts, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Edmonton's food scene. 

Overall, Edmonton's food culture is a reflection of the city itself - welcoming, diverse, and always evolving. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a visitor to the city, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Edmonton's food scene. Meuwly’s is proud to offer a curated selection of gourmet locally-made foods, paired with expert service to help you put together your next gift basket.

Local vs. Imported Gifts

When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a foodie in Edmonton, choosing local products over imported ones can make all the difference. Not only does it support the local economy and small businesses, but it also ensures that the recipient is getting the freshest and most unique products available - a true reflection of our community!

One of the benefits of choosing local is that it allows the recipient to experience the flavors and ingredients that are unique to the Edmonton area. From locally sourced honey and maple syrup to wild-caught fish and game meats, there is no shortage of delicious and unique options to choose from.

Another advantage of buying local is that it often means supporting small businesses and independent producers. By choosing to buy from a local shop or market, you are helping to keep money within the community and supporting the hard work of local artisans and producers.

When it comes to food gifts, freshness is key. By choosing local products, you can be sure that the recipient is getting the freshest ingredients possible. This can make a huge difference in the overall quality and taste of the final product.

Overall, choosing local over imported is a great way to support the local economy, discover unique and delicious flavors, and ensure that your foodie friend or loved one gets the freshest and best quality products possible.

Popular Local Delicacies in Edmonton

Here’s some of what we offer at Meuwly’s!

Farm Fresh Meats

Edmonton is known for its farm fresh meats, which are sourced from local farms and ranches. These meats are of the highest quality and are carefully raised and processed to ensure their flavor and tenderness. Some of the most popular meats in our region include:

  • Beef: Alberta is famous for our beef! When possible, choose grass-fed for the fullest flavour. We recommend the Big G Beef Jerky, made in our facility by a local producer!

  • Pork: Here at Meuwly’s, we’re big fans of local pork - delicious, affordable, and incredibly versatile. Try our house-made charcuterie and sausages - we have plenty of options that work well as gifts.

  • Bison: Bison is a lean and flavorful meat that is rich in protein and low in fat. It is often used in burgers, stews, and roasts. Our frozen bison sausages or cured meat made by Pioneer are both solid choices for a gift!

  • Elk: Elk is a lean and tender meat that is similar in flavor to beef. It is often used in steaks, burgers, and sausages. Truly a taste of Alberta, Elk sausages are a wonderful gift option for someone who is new to the area. We carry an Elk & Cranberry sausage from Pioneer Meats. 

Artisan Cheeses

Edmonton is home to a number of artisan cheese makers, who produce a wide variety of cheeses using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Some of the most popular artisan cheeses in Edmonton include:

  • Gouda: Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that is made from cow's milk. It has a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that is often enhanced by aging.

  • Cheddar: Cheddar is a hard cheese that is made from cow's milk. It has a sharp and tangy flavor that is often enhanced by aging.

  • Chevre: Chevre is a soft, spreadable, tangy goat’s milk cheese. It’s well suited to spreading on bread or crackers with a sweet and flavourful condiment like apricot jam. 

Meuwly’s carries several brands of artisan Alberta cheese, including Lakeside Dairy and Sylvan Star. 

Locally Brewed Beers

Edmonton is also known for its locally brewed beers, which are made by small, independent breweries using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Some of the most popular locally brewed beers in Edmonton include:

  • IPA: IPA is a hoppy and bitter beer that is often brewed with a high alcohol content. It is a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.

  • Lager: Lager is a light and refreshing beer that is often brewed with a low alcohol content. It is a popular choice among casual beer drinkers.

  • Stout: Stout is a dark and rich beer that is often brewed with a high alcohol content. It has a complex flavor that is often enhanced by aging.

Edmonton is home to many amazing craft breweries - we’re thrilled to carry a rotating selection of cans and we’re fully licenced for off-sales. Stop by and browse our selection and pick up a 4-pack or mix and match a few styles. 

Whether you're looking for farm fresh meats, artisan cheeses, locally brewed beers, or countless other craft foods, Edmonton has something to offer. With so many high-quality local delicacies to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.


Sweets & Treats

With internationally-acclaimed brands like Duchess in our neighbourhood, it’s safe to say Edmonton has a sweet tooth! Quality chocolate, caramels, and other sweets are always a safe choice for food lovers. We carry brands like Jacek, Caramunchies, and Red Balloon!

  • House-made varieties plus our favourite local brands like VDG, Salt Craft, and Pioneer. Don’t forget beef jerky (one of our best sellers!) like Big G, 12 Cows, Joe Beef, and more!

  • A grill-lover’s favourite gift. We make a dozen varieties of pork sausage, plus we stock some beef, bison, and elk options from local producers!

  • Local cheeses made by Lakeside Dairy, Sylvan Star, Fairwinds Farm, and more.

  • Gift a home cook something special for their pantry with our selection of jar provisions - think miso maple mustard, turmeric, ginger, and cardamom pickled beets, and nearly a dozen types of hot sauce.

  • Snackers want nothing more than a craveable surprise - perfect for stocking stuffers or gift baskets, we offer Zwicksticks Pretzels, Mixed Nuts, Gourmet Chips and Crackers, and more.

  • We’ve got a great variety of chocolates, caramels, and confections from favourite local brands like Jacek, Caramunchies, and Red Balloon.

  • Elevate your gift basket with a bottle of fine wine or a sampler pack from one of our local craft distilleries. We carry brands like Sea Change Beer, Annex Ale, Strathcona Spirits, Field Notes, Inniskillin Ice Wine, and more.

Ready-to-eat Charcuterie Boards

Meuwly’s Subscription Club

Personalized Gift Boxes

Considerations When Choosing Gifts

When choosing a local gift for an Edmonton foodie, there are several considerations to keep in mind. It's important to think about the recipient's preferences, budget, and gift presentation.

Recipient's Preferences

When choosing a gift for an Edmonton foodie, it's important to consider their preferences. Do they have any dietary restrictions or food allergies? Are they a fan of spicy or sweet foods? Do they prefer savory or sweet snacks? These are all important factors to keep in mind when selecting a gift.

One way to find out their preferences is to ask them directly. However, if you want to keep the gift a surprise, you can also ask their friends or family members for suggestions.

Budget

Another important consideration when choosing a local gift for an Edmonton foodie is your budget. There are plenty of affordable options available, but if you have a larger budget, you can consider more luxurious gifts.

To make the most of your budget, consider purchasing a gift basket or bundle. This can include several smaller items that fit within your budget, but still provide a varied and thoughtful gift.

Gift Presentation

Finally, gift presentation is an important consideration when choosing a local gift for an Edmonton foodie. Presentation can make a big difference in how the gift is received and perceived.

Consider packaging the gift in a decorative basket or box, and include a personalized note or card. You can also add some decorative touches, such as ribbon or tissue paper, to make the gift look more festive.

Are you sending something in the mail, or taking it on a plane? Be sure to ask our team which foods are shelf-stable and will travel well.

Overall, when choosing a local gift for an Edmonton foodie, it's important to consider their preferences, your budget, and the gift presentation. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a thoughtful and memorable gift that they are sure to appreciate. Our team at Meuwly’s is ready to help you pick out the perfect items - visit us on 124th street soon!