By sophieheard
America - land of the grilled cheese and home of the hamburger. One of the first things that pops into my head when I think of America is food … and with good reason! All you can eat buffets, bottomless brunch, unlimited refills and massive portions sizes - Americans take their food seriously!
One of the areas in which cultural differences are most apparent is food. The confusion over chips, fries, potato chips and crisps still continues. It is also the one thing that I miss the most (besides family etc.). This may come as a surprise as Britain is not exactly known for its food. But you just can’t beat a Sunday roast, Full English or Cadburys chocolate. My best friend realised the extent of my pain and ordered me Heinz baked beans off of Amazon straight to my door. One of my biggest recommendations for any future study abroad student is to bring the one thing you can’t live without. In my case, it was English breakfast tea (PG Tips to be specific). Other Brits brought Ambrosia Custard, Hob Nobs and HP Sauce. For the Koreans, it was banana milk and ramen. And I will never understand the Aussies obsession with Milo or Vegemite.
Do not despair! DC has some great restaurants, food trucks, fast food and delivery systems that you will have enough things to try and fall in love with. However, food in DC can be expensive and eating out is not always a viable option. What is great about living on campus is that you are able to pop home in between classes. I often cook lunch or grab a snack rather than eating out during the day. This is a great way to save money. However, when you need a quick bite, don’t want to cook or have run out of food there is so much at your fingertips! Here are some of my favourite options around campus;
Lazy Options: Located in the basement of Shenkman Halls you will find Potbelly, Dunkin Donuts (although not quite as good as Krispy Kreme) and the Gallery. If you are lucky enough to live in Shenkman you don't even need to leave the building to get food!
Late Night Options: If it is past ten, you want a midnight snack, or need food to end the night off then the Gallery and Carvings are open until the early hours of the morning.
Healthy Options: Roti and Sweetgreen are right next door to each other and both provide healthy options at reasonable prices. Roti is my personal favourite as you can get a healthy, fulfilling meal for as little as $7
Study Break: Located right outside Gelman library the food trucks provide you with a wide range of foods. The prices vary but they all tend to be on the pricier side and you’re looking of upwards of $10. The food is great and the portions sizes do make it worth it. My personal favourite is Rolling Cow!
DC truly is a city you can eat your way through so I am sure there will be many more posts with my favourite places and new discoveries!