From pancakes to pakoras: Stampede breakfast goes international in Forest Lawn

Pancakes are a common fixture at Stampede breakfasts, but one in Forest Lawn on Thursday flipped the menu with flavours from around the world.

Pancakes are prominent fixture at Stampede breakfasts in Calgary, but an annual event in Forest Lawn flips the menu to celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse community.

The 25th Best of the East Stampede Breakfast took place at Unity Park (3111 17 Ave. S.E.) on Thursday.

Hosted in part by the International Avenue Merchants, the event steps outside the traditional Stampede breakfast to offer dishes from a multitude of cultures.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“We’re not just pancakes; we’re kind of everything else,” said Alison Karim-McSwiney, executive director of the International Avenue BRZ. “Because we’re a little village, we wanted people to experience what makes it unique, so we had to put our own spin on it – and of course had to have food, so that’s how it all came about.”

The diverse breakfast offerings include East Indian from Brar, Mexican from Taco Libre, Filipino food from Pacific Hut and Ethiopian from TG Juice.

“People get to know more about our Indian culture because these are Indian sweets and Indian food, so they’ll get to see how it tastes,” said Gurwinder Kaur with Brar. “People from different religions get to learn about other cultures and their food, so I think it’s a really good idea.”

Warn 10 Coun. Andre Chabot, who grew up in Forest Lawn, was in attendance and even helped lead the crowd in a cheer of “yahoo.”

“I think it’s important to highlight the diversity our city, and the value each community brings, each ethnicity and different types of food and activities they offer, and I think it’s a great showcase of that,” he said.

Calgary Police Service officers were also on hand to help serve up food.

“For the community that was served, to be able to see them on a good day and share in a celebration like this…. and an event that brings everyone together,” said Sgt. Kevin Collier.

“I really like it every year, and with the police helping, I really like that,” said Hong Phan who travelled from the northwest community of Scenic Acres. “Excellent. Very different from the other places – and I’m here with my friends, and really happy today.”

The event also includes local businesses, exhibits, music and performances from a number of different cultures.

“It’s delightful, just delightful,” said Cindy Wilbur, who came to the event for the first time. “We do have many, many cultures and backgrounds representing different cultures and countries, and I think that should be showcased.”

“It’s just such a great environment and I love all the different cultural things going on this year,” said Sarah Goddard, who returned for the second time this year with her two children. “I didn’t know there was so much music and dancing going on, so that was just an extra bonus – and the food is delicious,”

The event attracts 4,000 to 5,000 people every year, and despite a little wind and rain, it still drew a lineup around the block on Thursday.

A lot of people from all over the globe live in Forest Lawn, and along this strip of road,” said Cam Motta, who lives three blocks away.

“It’s pretty great,” said Christian Clarke attending the breakfast for the first time with his young daughter. “It brings everyone together in the community.”