University can make it hard to turn your grand international travel plans into a reality. But you shouldn’t totally despair - while it might not be quite the same as being there, UNSW is home to loads of international cuisine for you to munch on between tutes.
From Mexican to Malaysian, the culinary delights of other countries are closer than you think.
Lower Campus
Stellini Pasta Bar
Cuisine: Italian
Stellini is the ultimate choose-your-own adventure for pasta. Choose your pasta, then choose from a wide range of sauces. Everything is made to order so you can customise your meal however you want! Throw in one of their well-made coffees and you’ve got the perfect winter lunch.
Yummba
Cuisine: Lebanese
Gozlemes. Pita pockets. Mezze plates. Yummba has it all, and more. They’ve even got acai bowls for the Instagram influencers amongst us. Ideal for vegetarians, everything is decently priced and service is generally pretty quick.
Guzman y Gomez
Cuisine: Mexican
It might be a massive chain restaurant but Guzman Y Gomez has Mexican down to a precise art. Scoff down a brekkie burrito before your 9am lecture, or take a late-night study break and grab some churros. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, keep Guzman in mind for cheap eats that don’t sacrifice quality.
Upper Campus
Tori by Sushi Hon
Cuisine: Japanese
There’s a reason the line for this sushi joint is often snaking around the Mathews Food Court. The rolls are pretty cheap ($3.50) but huge, and there’s a wide variety if you get in early enough. Get a bento box if you’re really feeling peckish – they’re deceptively filling!
Laksa Delight
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
“The laksa in the Mathews Food Court is the best laksa I’ve ever had.” You only have to Google this one to see rave reviews from students both past and present. If you’re not in the mood for laksa, they also do cheap but filling stirfries and curries.
Jewel of India
Cuisine: Indian
Another food court fave, the butter chicken from Jewel of India is a must-try. There’s also options for those who prefer a little more spice in their curries. The samosas are a great snack between classes, and if fruit-flavoured lassis (yoghurt-based drinks) are your thing, you can’t get a much better price than the ones here.
Pho House by Tropical Green
Cuisine: Vietnamese
This is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s in Mathews Pavilion, rather than in the food court with everything else. It’s worth going off the beaten track, though – the pho just as good as one you’d pay double the price for in the city. You can also get your bánh mì fix, or pick up a stack of fresh rice paper rolls.
Bonus
International Night Markets
Cuisine: A bit of everything!
Can’t decide what to eat? Want to try something new? The annual International Night Markets will showcase international cuisines and entertainment from around the world. A range of clubs will be giving you a taste of their culture, in the hope that you might discover something you love!
Drop by the Quad between 3-9pm on Thursday 13 September to give your tastebuds the holiday they’ve been craving.
