Food
Durham may be small, but we do have a decent selection of western/asian restaurants. Here's a list of some of the places that are popular among Durham students.
P.S. It wouldn't hurt to ask if there's a student discount!
P.S. It wouldn't hurt to ask if there's a student discount!
For the typical student budget!
1. Golden Pearl
Located near the bus station, this unpretentious supermarket/cafe is a gem that you definitely have to visit. There's no need to head over to Newcastle to buy your Asian groceries, just head over to Golden Pearl and you'll most likely find what you need.. and at a reasonable price too! (although the selection here is not as extensive as the Newcastle ones)
They serve really delicious Thai curry and Phad Thai, and their iced milk tea and siew mai are LEGIT. A meal would cost you about 5 pounds, which is really quite a bargain!
Located near the bus station, this unpretentious supermarket/cafe is a gem that you definitely have to visit. There's no need to head over to Newcastle to buy your Asian groceries, just head over to Golden Pearl and you'll most likely find what you need.. and at a reasonable price too! (although the selection here is not as extensive as the Newcastle ones)
They serve really delicious Thai curry and Phad Thai, and their iced milk tea and siew mai are LEGIT. A meal would cost you about 5 pounds, which is really quite a bargain!
2. Sambuca
Where do I even begin with how AWESOME this place is. For a mere 5 pounds, you can enjoy an appetiser (choice is between minestrone soup or potato skins), a main (choose between any thin crust pizza or pasta) and a dessert!! (THE INNER JEW IN ME IS REJOICING) Do note though, this deal is only available on weekdays and Saturdays from 12-3pm!
If you have a huge appetite or just feel like pigging out, do give this place a try! It's best to visit Sambuca if you have the whole afternoon to kill because 1) it is a LOOOONG walk there and 2) it's usually very crowded so your food might take a while to come!
That aside, this makes for the perfect place to have a chill Friday lunch with your pals!
Where do I even begin with how AWESOME this place is. For a mere 5 pounds, you can enjoy an appetiser (choice is between minestrone soup or potato skins), a main (choose between any thin crust pizza or pasta) and a dessert!! (THE INNER JEW IN ME IS REJOICING) Do note though, this deal is only available on weekdays and Saturdays from 12-3pm!
If you have a huge appetite or just feel like pigging out, do give this place a try! It's best to visit Sambuca if you have the whole afternoon to kill because 1) it is a LOOOONG walk there and 2) it's usually very crowded so your food might take a while to come!
That aside, this makes for the perfect place to have a chill Friday lunch with your pals!
3. Caffe Capriccio
An alternative to Sabuca (if the long walk there gets too daunting), Caffe Capriccio serves very decent Italian food, alongside sandwiches and other finger food (although you should really just go there for their pizza). Be prepared to fork out 5 pounds for a 12-inch thin-crust pizza. Sounds like a lot to stomach? OH but not when you actually take your first bite into their heavenly made-on-the-spot pizzas!
An alternative to Sabuca (if the long walk there gets too daunting), Caffe Capriccio serves very decent Italian food, alongside sandwiches and other finger food (although you should really just go there for their pizza). Be prepared to fork out 5 pounds for a 12-inch thin-crust pizza. Sounds like a lot to stomach? OH but not when you actually take your first bite into their heavenly made-on-the-spot pizzas!
4. Vennels Café
Known for their quiches and cakes, Vennel's Café is one of the favourite cafes students in Durham visit. It is a little hard to find as it is hidden in an alley along Saddler's Street leading towards the city centre but once found, it is a trove worth visiting! It has a large floor area (both indoors and outdoors), so you will never have an issue with finding yourself a sacred spot! (That is, unless you go at 12 noon, which is their peak hour)
Known for their quiches and cakes, Vennel's Café is one of the favourite cafes students in Durham visit. It is a little hard to find as it is hidden in an alley along Saddler's Street leading towards the city centre but once found, it is a trove worth visiting! It has a large floor area (both indoors and outdoors), so you will never have an issue with finding yourself a sacred spot! (That is, unless you go at 12 noon, which is their peak hour)
5. Ciao Ciao
My personal favourite, this Mediterranean bakery offers the BEST SANDWICHES in town! (Stiff competition between them and Leonard's though!) Their bread is baked fresh daily, which is what makes it a little special from those bought from Tesco or Marks and Spencer. If you are a fan of prawns, do give their Venice sandwich with spelt bread, it is good fresh or toasted!! If you fancy Greek salads, yoghurt and pastries, this place has no lack of selection for you to choose from!
My personal favourite, this Mediterranean bakery offers the BEST SANDWICHES in town! (Stiff competition between them and Leonard's though!) Their bread is baked fresh daily, which is what makes it a little special from those bought from Tesco or Marks and Spencer. If you are a fan of prawns, do give their Venice sandwich with spelt bread, it is good fresh or toasted!! If you fancy Greek salads, yoghurt and pastries, this place has no lack of selection for you to choose from!
If you want to splurge and give yourself a treat!
1. Central Thai
This lovely restaurant is a MUST VISIT and is probably the best Asian restaurant in town. Be prepared to spend 10-17pounds on mains, and 4-5 pounds on appetizers or soups! Pricey but worth it! It's located at The Gates Shopping Mall, and it is definitely the remedy for home-sickness!! Their satay and tom yum soups are a MUST-TRY, and so is their lunch deals on weekdays (8 pounds for 2 course meal!!).
This lovely restaurant is a MUST VISIT and is probably the best Asian restaurant in town. Be prepared to spend 10-17pounds on mains, and 4-5 pounds on appetizers or soups! Pricey but worth it! It's located at The Gates Shopping Mall, and it is definitely the remedy for home-sickness!! Their satay and tom yum soups are a MUST-TRY, and so is their lunch deals on weekdays (8 pounds for 2 course meal!!).
2. Zen Thai
A more expensive alternative to Central Thai, this restaurant is closer to the colleges if you are craving some Asian goodness but is too lazy to walk all the way to The Gates! Be prepared to pay around 13-18 pounds for a main (especially if you are thinking of dinner) but don't worry, as Singaporeans love discounts, you would be pleased to know that on weekdays they have half price lunch deals which could easily get you a plate of their delectable Pad Thai for 7 pounds!
AREN'T YOU SALIVATING ALREADY??
A more expensive alternative to Central Thai, this restaurant is closer to the colleges if you are craving some Asian goodness but is too lazy to walk all the way to The Gates! Be prepared to pay around 13-18 pounds for a main (especially if you are thinking of dinner) but don't worry, as Singaporeans love discounts, you would be pleased to know that on weekdays they have half price lunch deals which could easily get you a plate of their delectable Pad Thai for 7 pounds!
AREN'T YOU SALIVATING ALREADY??
3. Fat Buddha
You'll probably want to dress up for Fat Buddha, a classy restaurant that serves Asian cuisine. It is located right next to Nando's. The restaurant's sleek and stylish design would explain why you have to pay 10-14pounds for Asian food that would normally cost you a lot less. Give their Thai curry (Zen or Golden Pearl serves it better) and Teriyaki chicken (tastes nothing like teriyaki!) a miss and just head right for their Peking style chicken and Roasted Duck. For dessert, go for their heavenly sponge pudding. Oh, and as their mains do not come with rice, you'll have to order it as a side.
You'll probably want to dress up for Fat Buddha, a classy restaurant that serves Asian cuisine. It is located right next to Nando's. The restaurant's sleek and stylish design would explain why you have to pay 10-14pounds for Asian food that would normally cost you a lot less. Give their Thai curry (Zen or Golden Pearl serves it better) and Teriyaki chicken (tastes nothing like teriyaki!) a miss and just head right for their Peking style chicken and Roasted Duck. For dessert, go for their heavenly sponge pudding. Oh, and as their mains do not come with rice, you'll have to order it as a side.
4. The Bishop's Mill
If you aren't into Asian cuisine (SHAME ON YOU!), and feel like having fancy Western food, the Bishop's Mill is definitely a place to try! Their menu is EXTENSIVE - ranging from steak to smoked ribs, this place basically serves anything Western you can think of - big English breakfast is served here too. Mains start from 7 pounds and can go up to 14 pounds depending on portion size. A breakfast menu consisting of museli, breakfast wrap and pancakes is also available til 12pm! A plus point of this place would be that it's the only place in Duham which serves REAL BELGIAN WAFFLES. (YUPP DAZ ROITE, those with the crystalised sugar crystals IN the waffles)
If you aren't into Asian cuisine (SHAME ON YOU!), and feel like having fancy Western food, the Bishop's Mill is definitely a place to try! Their menu is EXTENSIVE - ranging from steak to smoked ribs, this place basically serves anything Western you can think of - big English breakfast is served here too. Mains start from 7 pounds and can go up to 14 pounds depending on portion size. A breakfast menu consisting of museli, breakfast wrap and pancakes is also available til 12pm! A plus point of this place would be that it's the only place in Duham which serves REAL BELGIAN WAFFLES. (YUPP DAZ ROITE, those with the crystalised sugar crystals IN the waffles)
5. Shaheen's Indian Bistro
For our Indian friends out there, there is food for you if you feel homesick! Although admittedly, Shaheen's food isn't going to be as spicy as what you can get back home (pity the poor Brits who can't take spicy food well), their flavours do not disappoint! Dishes are a little on the pricey side, so expect to burn your student wallet a little but it's ok to treat yourself once in while! (especially during winter when spicy food could help you keep warm) :)
For our Indian friends out there, there is food for you if you feel homesick! Although admittedly, Shaheen's food isn't going to be as spicy as what you can get back home (pity the poor Brits who can't take spicy food well), their flavours do not disappoint! Dishes are a little on the pricey side, so expect to burn your student wallet a little but it's ok to treat yourself once in while! (especially during winter when spicy food could help you keep warm) :)
For our Muslim friends
1. San Marco
For our Muslim friends out there, San Marco is probably a good place to hit! Located along the Bailey, it is a convenient and cosy place for a dinner meet up for those living along the Bailey Colleges! They mainly serve Mediterranean food so if you're into antipasti and flavoured rice, do try San Marco!
For our Muslim friends out there, San Marco is probably a good place to hit! Located along the Bailey, it is a convenient and cosy place for a dinner meet up for those living along the Bailey Colleges! They mainly serve Mediterranean food so if you're into antipasti and flavoured rice, do try San Marco!
2. Pizza Express
A well-known chain in the UK, Pizza Express also serves Halal chicken besides their usual range of pizzas and pastas. A little on the pricey side (expect to pay at least 13 pounds for a main), but definitely worth the price, given the portion size and quality of food.
A well-known chain in the UK, Pizza Express also serves Halal chicken besides their usual range of pizzas and pastas. A little on the pricey side (expect to pay at least 13 pounds for a main), but definitely worth the price, given the portion size and quality of food.
For the small eaters and dessert-lovers
1. Tealicious
This one's really for the girls. Think small spaces, dainty tea cups and sweet treats. Yupp, I am talking about every girl's dream and every guy's nightmare - the perfect and quintessentially British tea room! Don't expect to have a proper meal here because Tealicious only serves desserts, tea and coffee although I would really recommend paying them a visit at least once as their teas are really unique and refreshing! Scones here are apparently really good here too :)
This one's really for the girls. Think small spaces, dainty tea cups and sweet treats. Yupp, I am talking about every girl's dream and every guy's nightmare - the perfect and quintessentially British tea room! Don't expect to have a proper meal here because Tealicious only serves desserts, tea and coffee although I would really recommend paying them a visit at least once as their teas are really unique and refreshing! Scones here are apparently really good here too :)
2. Flat White
www.flatwhitedurham.co.uk
What better thing to order than Flat White coffee from them? But even if you're not a coffee connoisseur, this quaint little café nestled along Elvet Bridge is definitely a must-go if you're a student here in Durham! Aside from really good coffee (although some might beg to differ), they also serve really good sandwiches, croissants, as well as cakes and scones for those who love desserts and do not care about the calories (bitch please life is short, just eat first and regret later)!
www.flatwhitedurham.co.uk
What better thing to order than Flat White coffee from them? But even if you're not a coffee connoisseur, this quaint little café nestled along Elvet Bridge is definitely a must-go if you're a student here in Durham! Aside from really good coffee (although some might beg to differ), they also serve really good sandwiches, croissants, as well as cakes and scones for those who love desserts and do not care about the calories (bitch please life is short, just eat first and regret later)!
3. Leonard's Coffee House
Nestled in a hidden corner of town, this place is surprisingly crowded on weekends despite its location. This place serves THE BEST SCRAMBLED EGGS IN DURHAM (in my opinion, that is) on TOAST (it usually comes with an English muffin but the toast is a MUCH better bet)! Everything on their breakfast menu is definitely worth trying but note it is only til 12pm sharp! But if you cannot wake up in time for breakfast, try their toasted ciabattas (price starting from 3.45 pounds) if you are a fan of crusty-on-the-outside-moist-on-the-inside sandwiches.
Their waiters are really friendly and cute too ;)
Nestled in a hidden corner of town, this place is surprisingly crowded on weekends despite its location. This place serves THE BEST SCRAMBLED EGGS IN DURHAM (in my opinion, that is) on TOAST (it usually comes with an English muffin but the toast is a MUCH better bet)! Everything on their breakfast menu is definitely worth trying but note it is only til 12pm sharp! But if you cannot wake up in time for breakfast, try their toasted ciabattas (price starting from 3.45 pounds) if you are a fan of crusty-on-the-outside-moist-on-the-inside sandwiches.
Their waiters are really friendly and cute too ;)
4. Claypath Delicatessen
If you are living along Claypath road, this family-owned café is a godsent. Not only does this cafe's interior make you feel like you're in your own home, it makes for a really good place for an afternoon read. Do give their lychee black tea a try, or any other home-blend teas! Feel free to ask the lady boss (she's the one taking orders most of the time) for the recommended sandwiches and teas and you might be in for a pleasant surprise :) Oooh, this is a definite go-to place if you are craving waffles! Food ranges from 3 to 6 pounds.
If you are living along Claypath road, this family-owned café is a godsent. Not only does this cafe's interior make you feel like you're in your own home, it makes for a really good place for an afternoon read. Do give their lychee black tea a try, or any other home-blend teas! Feel free to ask the lady boss (she's the one taking orders most of the time) for the recommended sandwiches and teas and you might be in for a pleasant surprise :) Oooh, this is a definite go-to place if you are craving waffles! Food ranges from 3 to 6 pounds.
5. 9 Altars
One of the cheapest café places in central city centre, it is no surprise why 9 Altars is one of the favourites amongst the Singaporean students in Durham! If you are looking for cheap and decent tea and breakfast sets, this place would be a gem. If you aren't afraid of the cold or if the sun happens to show itself on that day, do opt for outdoor sitting because if you do, you are literally dining beside the Durham river! Where else would you get such an experience?
One of the cheapest café places in central city centre, it is no surprise why 9 Altars is one of the favourites amongst the Singaporean students in Durham! If you are looking for cheap and decent tea and breakfast sets, this place would be a gem. If you aren't afraid of the cold or if the sun happens to show itself on that day, do opt for outdoor sitting because if you do, you are literally dining beside the Durham river! Where else would you get such an experience?