This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at South Carolina chapter.
Who doesn’t love delicious food, especially when it is so good it makes you do a little happy dance in your seat? That’s when you know the food really hits! There is nothing I love more than eating Asian food, and it is one of my absolute favorite cuisines. So, here are some of my top recommendations to inspire your next must-try dinner spot.Â
92 ChickenÂ
- Located on Decker Blvd, this place is a little more out of the way, but it is a hidden gem. Come here for an authentic Korean fried chicken experience, with flavor options from soy garlic to hot BBQ. The chicken is always crispy and filled with flavor— yum!
Gong Cha
- Located in Five Points, Gong Cha offers a unique variety of milk tea flavors. I’ve personally heard that their strawberry matcha latte is delicious. Right next door is a rolled ice cream shop if you are in the mood for an extra dessert treat.Â
Blossom Buffet
- If you’re like me and grew up with all-you-can-eat buffets, believe me when I say that Blossom Buffet is a solid choice. You pay before eating, and the cost comes with a drink of your choice. From soup to stir-fries and noodles, there is so much to choose from. I will say, though, that this location lacks variety in seafood options. If you’re looking for crab legs and oysters, this is not the place for you.Â
JJ’s Tea House
- A UofSC campus favorite, JJ’s Tea House, is affordable and authentic. They have a great two-boba for $6 deal! Some of my favorite meals include their pork rice and orange chicken. Their portions are decently sized, and their food is so delicious; every bite is filled with flavor.Â
MenkoiÂ
- Another campus favorite is Menkoi Ramen House, located in the Vista. It provides a plethora of affordable ramen options and is probably one of the cheapest places to get a fulfilling meal near campus.Â
Mai ThaiÂ
- Blink, and you might miss it! A hidden gem of West Columbia, this cute local Thai restaurant is only a short drive away from campus. Mai Thai has amazing service and all my top Thai dishes, like chicken sa tay, tom kha soup, and pad see-ew.Â
Pho Viet
- Pho Viet has two locations, one in Five Points and the other off Two Notch Road. It may be a little more expensive, but everything is really authentic and delicious. It’s the perfect place to try all the popular Vietnamese dishes that you know and love or can try for the first time. When I miss homemade food, I often think of Pho Viet and how some of the dishes that remind me of home are right down the road. I especially love their rice dishes!
Burnin’ 99
- This list would not be complete without Korean BBQ and Hotpot. Burnin’ 99 is unique in that it lets you choose your protein and veggies buffet-style instead of ordering them. I love this because you don’t have to wait on the staff—you can grab as little or as much as you want without feeling guilty.