A new term is starting, and I still can’t figure out what my favourite part about that is. It’s exciting to think about all the new faces that will come across the campus and all the new readers joining me right now.
As an international student in a new town, in a whole new country, I was inquisitive when I arrived about where I could find good places to eat on a modest budget. So, today I’ll recommend three of my favourite restaurants around the city for all those new readers that are curious to find the best that Victoria has to offer. I’ll focus on places where tasty dishes can be found at an excellent price-to-portion ratio.
For a great start, I’d love to tell you about Floyd’s Diner, which has four locations around and outside of town. This Victoria landmark is best known for being the home of The Mahoney. The Mahoney is a special dish created by the chef at that moment, so when you order a Mahoney, you can’t really know what you will get, but you can be sure it will be delicious. The portions are enormous, so one Mahoney is enough for up to three people, in my experience. Also, if you feel lucky enough, you can get all your food for free by playing a coin toss with the server, but beware: if you lose, you pay double your bill.
For all those Asian food fans, Vicexpress Teriyaki & Roll is a must. Located in the well-known Victoria Public Market at the Hudson, this Asian restaurant possesses a wide variety of Korean and Japanese options. My favourite choice is the beef udon soup. I was surprised by its incredible flavour the first time I tasted it, and imagine my bigger surprise when my Japanese girlfriend told me that the broth tasted exactly like broth made in Japan. So, go and check it out yourself; it may also become one of your favourites.
Finally, the next place is one of the first I visited when I arrived in Canada, and it is still my favourite cafe. Castello Coffee, located at 1802 Douglas Street, is a small but great cafe with good coffee and a tasty variety of pastries and snacks. My recommendation for this place is the pulled pork sandwich; its simplicity and flavour remind me of home, back when life was simpler. It’s been a while since I last visited this place, but going there before my first day of classes will be the best way to start a new term.
I hope this column can be a source of new places to try, to help international students feel more like a local in this lovely city. I wish all of you a fantastic fresh start.