Among the many reasons I chose to move to Boston for college, I did not think that food would make it to the list. When I think of the city, I picture an old, bustling place, littered with pieces of brown cobblestone and maroon brick. But apart from its picturesque aesthetic and vintage appearance, Boston may hold a place as one of the best food spots in America. I somehow managed the first few weeks of freshman year with an abundance of microwaved chicken, Velveeta cheese, and a giant tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in my mini fridge. Before you make the same mistake, I’ll introduce you to the best food spots for college students that do not involve spending any sappy dining points.
Thinking Cup
For all things coffee, dessert, and brunch. I’m not talking to the girlies who want to douse themselves in Dunkin’ Donuts at 7 in the morning and just call it a day. I’m talking to the coffee connoisseurs that enjoy the pure taste of rich black coffee. The restaurant itself is a homage to the unique underground setup of the Boston Brownstone. Located right by Copley station on Newbury Street, Thinking Cup exudes an air of homey but sophisticated at the same time. The entrance pulls you into a wooden-lined cafe surrounded by dim lighting and a row of small tables. Their coffee tastes nothing like the bitter grounds from regular chains. It has a subtle nuttiness that leaves your tongue with nodes of dark and rich cocoa.
NudPob
The famous NudPob. Every BU Student is familiar with this Thai place right next to the Boston University Central Stop. When I say I have never tasted a pad Thai as good as theirs, I am not lying. Their noodles soak up the sweet taste of tamarind paste and saltiness from the fish sauce. The best way to enjoy this delicacy is with seafood as the meat of the dish, and a refreshing Thai tea to wash it all down. Fair warning: You will smell like fish sauce after.
M&J Teriyaki
One of the hidden gems of Boston. M&J Teriyaki is a Japanese-Chinese fusion restaurant right by Fenway Park. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is often crowded with Doordash and Uber eats drivers. That’s how you know it’s good. Don’t be fooled by the small size of the place and the little seating. Their servings are big enough to feed a party of 3. Every piece of their crispy chicken teriyaki is coated in a thick and slightly savory sauce and served with a heaping amount of stir-fried vegetables. You can choose to have it with noodles, fried rice, or plain white rice. Don’t skimp on the chicken teriyaki, it tastes immaculate.
FoMu
For dessert, you can make your way to the best vegan ice cream in Fenway. Calling all lactose-intolerant people!!! This is your new go-to ice cream spot. They serve milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and sundaes. Apart from the regular flavors like vanilla and chocolate, they also specialize in loaded flavors like Matcha with vanilla pound cake, Chocolate & peanut butter cup, and cold brew ice cream. The texture of every bite is thick and chewy, with tiny hints of coconut that coat your tongue in pure deliciousness.
CAVA
For the broke college students looking for a decent meal at a fair price – CAVA is for you. Think Mediterranean but Chipotle style. Think Sweetgreen but with hummus and feta on the side. This make-your-own fast-casual restaurant is the best place for students who want a decent meal without breaking the bank. CAVA takes a modern and hip look with its hardwood floors, bright lights, and black decor. The minute I find the urge to scarf down a bowl of saffron rice, harissa chicken, and roasted vegetables, I call my friends and the second I say “CAVA” they are out the door and running to Fenway.
The list goes on and on and on. Whether you are looking to chat and have coffee or grab a late-night meal, Boston has something for everyone. For days when the sun is out and you want to soak up the weather with some ice cream, and for nights when the cold is unbearable and you want to cozy up in bed with a bowl of food. Boston has so much to offer besides brick buildings and cobblestone streets. Past the commercial buildings and busy student towns, the city is filled with different nooks of deliciousness. You just have to know where to look.
