Gà Nướng Sả (Lemongrass Grilled Chicken) is a classic Vietnamese rice plate that showcases the vibrant, citrus-forward flavour of fresh lemongrass. At Bolsa Restaurant, whole chicken pieces are marinated in a fragrant blend of freshly pounded lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and a touch of chili before being grilled over high heat to achieve a beautifully charred, aromatic exterior with a juicy, tender interior.
The lemongrass chicken is served over a generous portion of steamed jasmine rice alongside lightly pickled daikon and carrot, sliced cucumber, fresh herbs, and a small bowl of our house nước chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce). The combination of fragrant grilled chicken, fluffy steamed rice, tangy pickles, and the savoury-sweet dipping sauce creates a meal that is harmonious, balanced, and deeply satisfying — exactly what you expect from authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Bolsa Restaurant.
Why Lemongrass Transforms Grilled Chicken
Lemongrass (sả) is one of the most important aromatics in Vietnamese cooking. Its long, citrus-floral fragrance infuses the chicken throughout the marination process, then caramelises on the grill to create a sticky, golden-brown crust that is both visually beautiful and incredibly flavourful. The result is a piece of chicken that is fragrant and complex in ways that simple grilled chicken can never achieve — and it is one of the reasons Bolsa Restaurant's rice plates have earned a loyal following in Calgary SE.
Pairing Your Gà Nướng Sả
Gà Nướng Sả works beautifully on its own as a complete rice plate, but it also pairs wonderfully with our Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Salad Rolls) as a starter for a more substantial Vietnamese meal. The light freshness of the salad rolls contrasts beautifully with the rich, aromatic chicken. Alternatively, add a bowl of our signature pho on the side for a true Bolsa Restaurant feast — a favourite combination among families dining at our Macleod Plaza location.
Serving Calgary's Southeast Communities
Bolsa Restaurant is proud to be southeast Calgary's neighbourhood Vietnamese restaurant, serving Acadia, Haysboro, Willow Park, Canyon Meadows, Lake Bonavista, Southwood, and all surrounding communities since July 2005. Our Macleod Plaza location at 180 94 Ave SE offers convenient access from Macleod Trail, Bonaventure Drive, and 94 Ave SE. We are fully licensed, family-friendly, and open Monday to Saturday.
