Do you ever find yourself dreaming about studying abroad somewhere and visiting every and any neighboring country? Or how about extending that across the world? A huge part of experiencing a new country is trying out the local cuisine. And though you may not be able to enjoy any European cafés, bars or local dives while stuck in Providence, you definitely can eat your way across the globe with these local eats – all on College Hill.
Stop One: France – La Crêperie
Photo by Abby Levy-Westhead
Start the trip off in France with a delicious crêpe at La Crêperie. For those of us who have an unhealthy love for a certain chocolaty hazelnut spread, the Nutella crêpe makes for a phenomenal breakfast. Now if you don’t have a sweet tooth, La Crêperie caters to the savory palette too. I recommend the Napolitaine, a well-balanced combination of ham, mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Finally, the Apples and Brie crêpe is a happy medium between sweet and savory. Get ready to experience one of France’s finest creations.
Stop Two: The Middle East – East Side Pockets
Photo by Abby Levy-Westhead
If you’re looking for a meal that’ll leave you with a food coma, look no further. East Side Pockets brings you a taste of the Middle East and I must say, makes one of the most intensely delicious falafel wraps I’ve ever had. The falafel is perfectly cooked, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, the chefs clearly know how to treat starving college kids by filling the pita wraps to the max. Remember to finish the meal with their signature dessert: baklava. Convenient, delicious and wholly authentic, this is the place to go.
Stop Three: India – Taste of India
Photo by Abby Levy-Westhead
Okay, so this one’s not quite on College Hill. And I have a confession to make: I haven’t actually been to Taste of India. This has nothing to do with the restaurant, since I’ve actually heard it is really good. It does, however, have everything to do with growing up on phenomenal home-cooked Indian food and being too scared to try out Providence’s take on it. Nevertheless, Taste of India’s chicken tikka masala is apparently delicious. So don’t be hesitant like me. Be brave and check it out. You might even get transported to India in the process.
Stop Four: Japan and Korea – Den Den Café Asiana
Photo by Abby Levy-Westhead
Time for a little Asian fusion: Japanese sushi meets Korean Barbecue. Den Den never disappoints, from its perfect-to-share appetizers, to its larger entrees. The hot stone bibimbap is a Brown-student favorite, as is the chicken karaage bento box. The hidden highlight at Den Den is the ginger tea. Served piping hot in a cute, black teapot, this tea is the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. Whether it’s for the table to share or all for yourself, I highly recommend this as your drink of choice. And two countries, one meal? Yes, please.
Stop Five: Mexico – Baja’s Tex Mex
Photo by Abby Levy-Westhead
Baja’s is the first restaurant I ate at on College Hill and may be half the reason I decided to come to Brown. For something simple but tasty, go for a cheese quesadilla with grilled onions. For something more substantial, you can build your own burrito with as many ingredients as you want. And for you Chipotle die-hards, Baja’s offers something you can’t beat: free guac. Who says no to that? So Mexico, here we come.
Final Stop: America – Harry’s Bar & Burger
Photo by Abby Levy-Westhead
There’s nothing I like more after a long vacation than a good burger, especially one from Harry’s. If lip-smacking ground beef is your forte, I recommend the “Mother of All Burgers”. If you’re feeling your veggie side, the black bean burger is just as good. True, Harry’s serves two sliders instead of one large burger, but every bite is a mouthful of heaven. And two is always better than one. America sure knows how to serve its burgers.
So go off and make your way across College Hill, all the while experiencing tastes from around the world.