You don’t have to travel far to experience a wide world of food. The PSU area is a treasure-trove of international finds. Here are four staples on or within five minutes of campus to get you started on your food hunt, along with additional restaurants to venture out to when you’ve got a bit of extra time. You’ll find it easy to squeeze in a delicious voyage between classes.
International flavor, around the corner
You don’t have to travel far to experience a wide world of food.
The PSU area is a treasure-trove of international finds. Here are four staples on or within five minutes of campus to get you started on your food hunt, along with additional restaurants to venture out to when you’ve got a bit of extra time. You’ll find it easy to squeeze in a delicious voyage between classes.
Photo by Jinyi Qi
LEBANESE
Alexandrya Mediterranean Cuisine
420 SW College St.
Monday–Friday
11a.m.–7p.m.
Forgo the food carts and turn the corner for an authentic, cozy slice of the Mediterranean. From baba ghanouj to baklava, the food at Alexandrya hovers somewhere in the realm between Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This intimate space pays homage to its origins with adornments like hand-painted murals and ornamental teapots. Popular items, owner Hassan said, include the vegetarian meza plate, the mediterranean chicken salad and the generously portioned lamb kafta.
More Middle Eastern cuisine:
Abu Rasheed (1921 SW
Sixth Ave.), Mummy’s
(622 SW Columbia St.)
MEXICAN
Locos Locos
1728 S.W. Broadway
Monday–Friday
11a.m.–9 p.m.
Keep your eyes peeled for a narrow stairway on Broadway that leads to this basement location run by husband-and-wife team Ana and Pablo. A grand, colorful mural looms large in the spacious dining hall big enough for large groups. “People always come back,” Ana said. Why? Generous, affordable helpings of freshly prepared food. Burritos reign supreme at Locos Locos, with the breakfast bacon, ham and potato burrito a popular choice. “If you’re really hungry, get a burrito,” she said, recommending the pastor marinated pork lunch burrito. If you just want a snack, grab a taco. Vegetarian options are available.
More Mexican cuisine:
Santeria (703 SW Ankeny St.), 1000 SW Morrison St.
THAI
Baan Thai
1924 S.W. Broadway
Monday–Saturday
11a.m.–10 p.m.
Spice up lunchtime with this neighborhood favorite. If it’s your first time visiting Baan Thai, try the pad thai noodles with shrimp, chicken or vegetables. “We have the best pad thai in town,” one server boasted. Nestled between a coffee shop and a bakery, this brightly painted space brims with customers at lunchtime. Other popular items on the extensive menu include the yellow curry and cashew-nut stir fry. Most dishes can be customized for vegetarian, though not vegan, diets. Fair disclaimer from a server for the faint of tongue or stomach: “Our food is very, very spicy,” though heat levels can be adjusted.
More Thai cuisine:
Kinara (1126 SW 18th Ave.),
Thai Chili Jam
(1243 SW Jefferson St.)
JAPANESE
Blue Fin Sushi
1988 S.W. Broadway
Monday–Friday;
11a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday, 12 p.m.–9 p.m.
Most popular item at Blue Fin? “Everything!” the manager said. This giant “sushi-go-round” is a hit with students who want taste without fuss. With a few exceptions, $1.50 buys your choice of a ready-to-eat sushi plate that winds its way around the sleek space on a conveyor belt. Freshly prepared by sushi chefs, plates include a variety of both seafood and vegetarian rolls featuring ingredients like crab, salmon, shrimp, avocado and edamame.
More Japanese:
Chef Naoko Bento
(1237 SW Jefferson St.),
Murata (200 SW Market St.)
