Living abroad can be challenging, especially when experiencing homesickness. St Clare’s students try to feel more at home by going to restaurants that serve traditional foods of their country. It might not be the same feeling as eating a homemade meal, but at least it can be comforting. After living in Oxford for a while and going on a gastronomic tour, some of the students suggested the best international restaurants in town.
Caribbean – Turtle Bay
Whether you are from the Caribbean or not, you will love this place. Not only is the food delicious, but also the restaurant has a cheerful and unique vibe, full of colours and great music.
Riana, from Jamaica, really enjoys going out for dinner to Turtle Bay. Her favourite dish is rice and peas with jerk chicken.
This is the perfect spot for having a break from school and feeling summery vibes!
(Image credit: https://barmagazine.co.uk)
Mexico – Tortilla
Located on Cornmarket Street, Tortilla is the most recommended Mexican restaurant in Oxford by our Mexican and non-Mexican students.
Whether you are a meat-lover, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, you’ll always find an option that meets your dietary requirements. There’s also the option to customise your burrito, bowl, or salad according to your cravings.
All the ingredients are very fresh, especially their delicious guacamole and nachos. The staff is very friendly and will always give a 20% discount to students!
(Image credit: https://www.tortilla.co.uk)
United States – Five Guys
Burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, fries, and milkshakes, that’s it! Five Guys is a worldwide American franchise that never disappoints.
Max from the United States highly recommends the All the Way Burger with fries and a drink. He says it’s the perfect combination to get a real taste for authentic American cuisine. However, if you’re more of a picky eater, you can always customise the burger’s toppings.
(Image credit: https://www.ubereats.com)
Spain – Arbequina
The Michelin Star Spanish Restaurant, Arbequina, is the perfect place to have a drink and ‘tapas’ with friends. From patatas bravas to more sophisticated fish, this restaurant will become one of your favourites.
Lara, from Spain, absolutely loves Arbequina – she even works for them. Her favourite dish is the tortilla de patatas with onion (important), as it makes her feel nearer to her home country.
(Image credit: https://arbequina.co.uk/)
Italy – La Smorfia
If you are craving Italian food, then La Smorfia will have you covered. Oxford is full of Italian restaurants, although not all of them are as authentic as this restaurant is.
Located on Cowley Road, La Smorfia serves a variety of dishes including pasta, meat, fish, and of course, pizza. Matilde, from Italy, says their star pizza is Margherita with Mozzarella di Bufala.
This is a must visit for any Italian food lover – and even those who are not the biggest fans yet!
(Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/lasmorfiaoxford)
France – Gatineau Artisan Patisserie & Bakery
Treat yourself to something delicious from Gatineau. It’s located in the heart of Summertown, so it’s ideal for all St Clare’s students and staff members after a long day of work. Not only do they have savoury items but also homemade sweet French food.
The bakery works all day long, so products are always fresh, good-looking, and tasty. Edern, from France, loves going there on the weekends to have an almond pain au chocolat.
(Image credit: https://www.gatineau.uk.com)
UK – The Four Candles – JD Wetherspoon
Even though you live in the UK, it can still be challenging to get a real taste of the local cuisine. There are plenty of British restaurants, but that does not necessarily mean that the food is 100% authentic.
If you haven’t got the English breakfast experience yet, Zoe, from England, totally recommends spending a weekend morning in The Four Candles – JD Wetherspoon. Not only will you have a tasty breakfast, but you’ll also dine in a traditional townhouse that will enhance the British experience even more.
(Image credit: https://www.thesun.co.uk)
Morocco and Lebanon – Le Kesh
Morocco and Lebanon are known for their magical spices which always make their traditional food taste so unique. Whenever our Moroccan and Lebanese students miss their roots, they go to Le Kesh.
Lamis, from Morocco, has tried other Moroccan restaurants in Oxford, although she states that none of them has such delicious couscous as Le Kesh does.
This restaurant is a blend of Moroccan and Lebanese culture that serves authentic dishes in a very traditionally decorated atmosphere.
(Image credit: https://www.arrivalguides.com)
China – Zhang ji
China is widely praised for their cuisine. Rated 4.5/5, Zhang ji, in Cowley Road, is one of our Asian students’ favourites. Their menu includes a variety of dishes that suit the dietary needs (and spice tolerance) of everyone.
Despite not being from China, Jess (Nang Seng), from Myanmar, usually goes to Zhang ji with her friends as it makes her feel closer to her origin and Asian culture. She remarks on the restaurant’s authenticity.
(Image credit: https://www.zhangji.co.uk/)
Japan – Edamame
Japanese and non-Japanese students, who are in love with its cuisine, often go to Edamame for dinner. They enjoy themselves there especially on Thursday evenings because it is the only day of the week that their incredible homemade sushi is served.
Since it is a very popular spot located right next to New College, it is suggested to pre-book a table.
(Image credit: https://www.edamame.co.uk)
Thailand – Sasi’s Thai
Good Thai food can be tricky to taste as nowadays many ‘Thai’ restaurants often lose their authenticity in the attempt to resemble Thailand’s cuisine.
However, Sahira, from Thailand, says that you will not fail to have an authentic Thai meal if you go to Sasi’s Thai. This hidden gem is located in the Covered Market. Sahira recommends pad Thai, mango sticky rice and Thai tea. She literally said: “This place is to die for”, so you better trust her recommendation!
(Image credit: https://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/traders/sasis-thai/)
As you can see, sometimes to feel closer to home, all you need is to connect with your roots as much as you can. Sometimes, to do so, enjoying an authentic meal is all you need. Also, sharing a moment with friends and introducing them to your culture might be a good idea to create stronger relationships and make your stay away from home more enjoyable.
Written by Tina (IB25)