Tufts Blogs

When I thought about coming to Tufts, I was really curious about how my life would change. Coming from New York City, I knew that I was moving to a more suburban town and one important thing that I was worried about was food. Sure, you have dining hall food and grab and go options on campus but part of the college experience is to go out with friends and eat at different restaurants. The moment I stepped foot at Tufts, I knew that there was going to be something that I would enjoy. So I did my food crawl around Tufts and Boston and compiled a list that showcases my top places to grab food that I would recommend if you were to visit or come to Tufts! That way, you know that you are getting the real deal and can refer to this guide. Now the important stuff!

Sugar and Spice (Porter Square)

Wow, this place is definitely up there for sure. I’ve only heard about this place during my freshman and sophomore year but once I went there with a couple of friends, my life changed. A bit north of Porter Square lies Sugar and Spice, a Thai restaurant that cooks up unbelievable food for a very reasonable price. Their menu selections are from different regions across Thailand so you get a lot of variety in terms of the food options you get. My personal favorites are their Kow Soi with crispy chicken or their drunken noodles. Portion sizes are humongous so be prepared to eat when you get there. I also really like the vibe of the place, where it’s busy but extremely welcoming and comforting. Because of their extraordinary food, there tends to be a line so if you plan on going, I would recommend going early. Put this on your list if you are planning on trying to grab a meal near Tufts.

Tasty Cafe (Medford)

The best way to describe this cafe is if you need a quick bite along the way, this is the place to be at. When parents ask me where they should go to grab a quick meal around Tufts, I always say Tasty Cafe. Located right on Boston avenue, this place is a local hotspot. They serve brunch style food and also have amazing coffee if you are a coffee enjoyer like myself. My go-to is always the breakfast burrito or the chicken and waffle. On a Sunday morning, I love to go take a morning stroll and end up at Tasty. What’s also really nice is that you’ll always see a familiar face there, whether it be your best friend or a person you just met in one of your classes. Even the environment is very friendly and makes for a vibrant scene to study in. I continuously say that if you are hungry after visiting Tufts that this is the place you want to be at. 

Dynasty (Chinatown, Boston)

Although this place is not immediately close to Tufts, I definitely recommend this place if you end up in the City of Boston. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this is a great place to go for almost any occasion. What’s really nice about this place is that it's a lot more lowkey than other restaurants in Chinatown but it is a local favorite. Everytime I go there, I always go for one of their noodle dishes such as their Pan Fried Noodles with Braised Beef or the Roast Pork Lo Mein. I’ve tried a lot of their other dishes and was absolutely blown away. I brought my parents here and my dad said that this was the best Chinese food he has ever eaten so would recommend it. Even so, once you are done eating here, you would be able to walk around Chinatown and explore other good snack options as well. 

Lanner Noodles and Bar (Cambridge, MA)

Picture this: you walk inside of a restaurant and the aroma of all the spices suddenly hits you. Ever since that moment, you can’t stop thinking about the amazing food you are about to eat. That is the vibe this place gives off the moment you step in. It almost feels like you are floating towards the aroma of the broth and hand pulled noodles you are about to enjoy. It makes me wish that I was there right now. If you want a cute and nice spot to go to, this is the place. Their hand pulled noodles are delicately made to perfection and served in either a cold or hot broth that everyone can enjoy. I went there the first time and got the cold option and went again and tried the warm option. The flavors were so unique and exciting that I think anyone would like this place. If you happen to be in Cambridge, this is definitely the place to be at. I continuously fall in love with this place and would definitely recommend it to those trying to find a nice place to eat some good food. 

Ending remarks

If you are worried about coming to Tufts because of the food around here, I hope this helps you get a sense of how there is such a diverse range of food options for people to be enjoying. Whether that be finding your comfort food or exploring new cuisines, I think this is the right place for you to experience it. I am continuously finding new places to try and I fear that I will still be searching for places after I graduate. I definitely have no regrets for choosing Tufts, where food can also be a compelling factor!