Brooks Region

In the Brooks Newell Region, the story of food begins with the land — but it certainly doesn’t end there.

Set in the heart of southeast Alberta’s agricultural country, this is a region shaped by farming, ranching, irrigation and generations of prairie traditions. Here, Alberta beef and barbecue feel right at home, and some of the best culinary experiences come with a healthy helping of small-town character.

Pull up a chair at a longtime local favourite like the Brooks Hotel, settle in for slow-smoked barbecue at Hometime BBQ & Bakery, or make a meal part of the experience at one of the region’s famous steak pits. At the historic Patricia Hotel and the Duchess Hotel, guests gather around an open-flame grill to cook their own steak — a uniquely local tradition that has become a destination experience all its own.

But the culinary story of the Brooks Newell Region reaches far beyond its prairie roots.

Brooks is known as the “City of 100 Hellos,” a reflection of the remarkable cultural diversity found within this small Alberta city. That diversity has transformed the local food scene, giving visitors the opportunity to discover flavours and dishes inspired by cultures from around the world — often within just a few blocks of one another.

From Mexican, Indian and Japanese to Southeast Asian, African, Latin American and other global influences, the region’s restaurants tell the stories of the people who now call this corner of Alberta home. It is a culinary scene where longtime western traditions and new cultural influences don't compete with one another — they come together.

That connection is celebrated each year at Taste of Nations, a community food and cultural event that invites visitors to travel the world one plate at a time, sampling dishes representing countries and cultures from across the globe.

As the region continues to grow its agritourism and culinary experiences, visitors will find even more opportunities to meet the people behind the food, learn where local ingredients come from and discover the connection between agriculture, culture and community.

Come hungry. You may arrive expecting a taste of the Alberta prairies — but you’ll leave having tasted a little bit of the world.