8 of the Best Student Cities for Foodies

Do you love food and want to study abroad in a city with fine cuisine? Check out our list of the best cities for foodies, bound to get your stomach rumbling! All of the cities below are featured in the Best Student Cities 2016, which celebrates the world’s 75 best student cities.

1. Philadelphia

Ranked the 48^th best student city this year, Philadelphia offers iconic cuisine to rival that of other top US cities such as New York and San Francisco, with a diverse selection of gastronomy formed by the city’s mixture of ethnicities over the years. For instance, Philadelphia is home to the cheesesteak – a popular regional fast food sandwich created by German and Italian immigrants in the early 20^th century. Another traditional Philly food – especially popular on St. Patrick’s Day – is Irish Potato Candy (which actually doesn’t usually contain any potato), while the city’s Reading Terminal Market is a tourist attraction which sees over a hundred merchants offering fresh local produce.

2. Rome

No list of the best cities for foodies would be complete without an Italian representative; such is the international prominence of Italian food (an honorary mention here goes to Bologna, which gives its name to Bolognese sauce, and is also home to one of the world’s oldest universities). Rome is ranked 61^st in the Best Student Cities index, and its cuisine has been shaped by its rich history. The city is the homeplace of the well-known Spaghetti alla Carbonara dish, as well as Bruschetta and thin-crusted pizzas. When it comes to dessert, you can’t beat a classic tiramisù or traditional Italian ice cream (gelato) from one of the city’s many gelaterias.

3. Lyon

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France – which is really saying something, as French cuisine rivals that of Italy’s with its worldwide eminence. Ranked as the 71^st best student city this year, Lyon maintains rich culinary traditions including unusual dishes such as pig's brain dressed in pork vinaigrette (go on, give it a try). Lyon has the highest number of restaurants per resident in France, with traditional eateries referred to as bouchons and definitely worth a visit for the local delicacies on offer. And while we’re on French territory, an honorary mention has to go to capital Paris for its great selection of cafés, patisseries, cheeses and desserts.

4. Tokyo

Next in our list of the best cities for foodies is the Japanese capital Tokyo, which is internationally acclaimed for its cuisine – in fact, more restaurants in Tokyo have earned Michelin stars than in any other city in the world. You’ll probably first think of sushi when you think of traditional Japanese food, but Tokyo’s sheer quantity, assortment and quality of food will astound you. As well as having thousands of restaurants representing international cuisines, the city offers local specialties such as tempura (deep fried seafood or vegetables) and soba noodles. Thanks to its many world-class universities and strong reputation among employers, Tokyo is also ranked among the world’s very best cities for students, at third place in the latest QS Best Student Cities index.

 5. London

Another capital city which offers an excellent range of both international and local dishes is London, which is ranked the fifth best student city overall this year. Though eating out in London can often be on the expensive side, there is truly something for everyone, as the diversity of the population is represented in a vast variety of cuisines from around the world. In addition to the long-established districts such as Brick Lane (known for its curry houses) and Chinatown, newer additions include burgeoning Latin American and Korean food scenes. London is also home to many excellent food markets, with Borough Market being one of the most renowned and an essential for any visiting food-lover.

 6. Sydney

Moving on to Australia for the next of our best cities for foodies, Sydney comes first in the ‘desirability’ category of the Best Student Cities index, and fourth overall. While perhaps best-known for its beautiful beaches and iconic architecture, Sydney also has a great food scene – its position overlooking the Tasman Sea means seafood is always plentiful at the Sydney Fish Market, or you could even try grilled crocodile or kangaroo. Australia has also been strongly influenced by the cuisine of Asia, and the city offers a great selection of Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese restaurants.

 7. Barcelona

Ranked 30^th in the Best Student Cities index, Barcelona is another popular tourist destination – like Sydney, known for its city-side beaches, relaxed lifestyle and fantastic cuisine. You’re never short of options for dining at a good tapas bar or enjoying some paella, and you can enjoy fresh fish from the Mediterranean sea. Barcelona also boasts a growing gourmet street food scene, and its impressive food markets include La Boqueria, which is one of the largest and most famous in Europe.

 8. Buenos Aires

Ranked 32^nd in the Best Student Cities index this year, Argentinian capital Buenos Aires is considered the steak capital of the world. Beef is a staple in Argentinian cuisine – in fact, Argentinians have the second-highest per-capita consumption rate of beef in the world. If beef is not your thing, be assured that this cosmopolitan city has many other foodie treats on offer, including excellent Italian and Spanish options. Pizza is a particular favorite in the city, as well as chorizo from street-side vendors. For quenching your thirst, the bitter green infusion of mate (mah-teh) tea is a very popular traditional drink.

Honorary mentions of some more of the world’s best cities for foodies: 

1. Singapore, ranked the 6^th best student city this year, offers a multicultural selection of mouthwatering foods, influenced by its diverse population.
2. Delhi, India, for being the home of classic curry dishes which have gained international popularity, such as murgh makhani (butter chicken) and aloo chaat.
3. New Orleans, US, which is world-famous for its ethnic varieties of food, including Louisiana Creole cuisine, and known for specialties such as the beignets (deep-fried pastries).