by Melinda Wong, Class of 2025
Growing up, my family's love language was always food. Whether it was spending every Christmas Eve reminiscing over the year while our fingers flew between dried corn husks, masa, and my mother’s special filling making tamales or when my father would bring me a bowl of fruit right as my eyes glazed over while trying to study, I missed that love language when I first came to UVA. So, I’ve compiled a list of a few places to find food near and dear to your heart on-Grounds, on the Corner, and in Charlottesville that cured my homesickness.
Taste of Home is a CIO that organizes pop-ups on Grounds, featuring food from local restaurants led by immigrant or refugee chefs. Whether it’s grabbing Syrian dinner or a plate at an Indonesian buffet, you can enjoy delicious food at a convenient pick-up location and support an amazing cause. If you’re looking for something a bit more consistent, I always recommend checking out the “Delicious Destinations” station at Newcomb Dining Hall. Throughout the year, they’ll cycle through some amazing dishes you won’t want to miss.
There’s also plenty of amazing restaurants just a short walk from Grounds. For a casual, nostalgic feel on the Corner, check out Beijing Station which has great Chinese and Chinese-American food (pro-tip: Beijing Station is also open late night Thursday through Saturday). If you are already by the Corner and are willing to walk a little bit further, my favorite brunch spot is Guajiro’s Miami Eatery just past the Standard and across from the Amtrak station. They serve breakfast all day and both their huevos pericos and cubano will make your mouth water.
Finally, if you take the bus or can drive there are so many amazing restaurants to try in Charlottesville. Downtown, I love Maru which has Korean food. Whether you go for a classic like tteokbokki or bibimbap or go for something new, you are definitely in for a treat. It’s also super easy to hop on the Charlottesville Trolley to head downtown and you can take a stroll downtown after the meal. Alternatively, you could hop on the purple line of the CAT buses and head to Barracks to check out Peter Chang’s, which serves up some incredible Sichuan cuisine. I recommend starting with the dry-fried eggplant and then anything under the “Grandmother Homestyle Cooking” section on their menu. Last (but certainly not least) La Michoacana Taqueria & Restaurant is your spot if you’re looking for Mexican fare in Charlottesville. Just a short drive from Grounds, the unassuming exterior is home to everything from pupusas to pozole that you can pair with salsa from their salsa bar. However, a fair warning for those who have a low spice tolerance or invitation for any spice-seeking UVA student: their hot salsa is HOT!
Melinda Wong
College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2025