Hello everyone !! I hope everything is going well on your side.
Those last few days have been… eventful to say the least. Not only did I get to experience a typical American Halloween, but I also lived through what I consider to be a historic American election. This serves as a reminder that a study abroad experience is simply a vacation study to enjoy, but also an opportunity to open your eyes to the rest of the world, how they live their day-to-day lives, how the same concepts are applied differently, and their concerns are… it’s more than enjoying your stay, it’s also trying to understand the environment in which you’ve just arrived.
Last week was not only Halloween but also Diwali, and I want to send my best wishes to everyone who celebrated! My roommates did and made me try Kaju Katli, a diamond-shaped cashew sweet that very quickly became my favorite thing ever.
This made me want to share a list of the unexpected and expected food I’ve tried since arriving here, and my honest review!
- Mac and cheese
The ultimate American comfort food! When I saw a kit to make it at home at Aldi, I bought it directly and tried it that same evening. The powder to add to your pasta surprised me by how orange it was and even though I liked the cheesy taste and texture, it was way too heavy for my taste!
- Reese’s peanut butter cup
Who has not seen the famous bright orange packaging in movies? I had it during one of my first days at Drexel at one of the fairs, where a nice lady of the ARC offered one to me and I LOVED IT. Although I must say I find the peanut butter cups to dehydrate you so I prefer the Reese’s pieces, which keep the taste but in a smaller and yummier format.
- Horchata
Because of the geographical proximity, I’ve been able to try Mexican food for the first time here in the US and one thing that blew my mind was the Horchata, a rice water drink with infused cinnamon. So refreshing and comforting at the same time. I’ve tried it while walking in the streets of NYC first, but then had to find it again in Philly, which I did at Revolution Taco (in Rittenhouse)
- Rose Pistachio Latte
I’ve always been a fan of girly drinks to sip on while yapping with friends or walking around, and even though I am a hardcore boba fan (taro milk tea is the besssst beverage on earth), I have tried getting out of my comfort zone and try other stuff. The Ground Coffee in Rittenhouse offers a wide selection of seasonal beverages but also many twists on the classic latte. That’s how I came across a rose pistachio latte that literally stole my heart. You can have it warm or iced, and with added whipped cream. Plus the coffee place in itself is absolutely gorgeous !!
- Chewy American cookies: Insomnia, Wawa, 7/11 …
The perfect delicious dessert or late snack, chewy cookies were definitely on my to try list !! The Wawa ones were absolutely amazing but I have to say, If you want several for cheaper, 7/11 does boxes of salted caramel cookies that will give you a sugar overdose in the best way.
- Mango Mango Dessert
Since all of the roommates at my apartment love mango, we decided to head to Mango Mango in Chinatown for a roommate bonding tea time. I don’t even have the words to describe how amazing a time we had this afternoon. I highly recommend going with friends since you can share several dishes made of mango and other delicious tastes…
- fried oreos at cocos !!
Another roommate date was right near our flat, at coco’s a famous drexel students spot for a sweet treat. Amongst the normal ice creams and cookies, was the surprising promise of fried Oreos, a choice made by one of my brave roommates who, in her great kindness, insisted that I try them. Honestly, it’s a step you can skip unless you’re really after the experience—though the ice cream at Coco’s is definitely worth it!
- honorable mention: bagels and lox in NYC
When I was in NYC, I went to this little spot called Absolute Bagels, and LET ME TELL YOU: you have to go. You can choose which bagel bread you want and which cream cheese (and they have so many varieties) they put a humongous amount of in your bagel. All that for around $5. Honestly, it changed my life, so if you’re even in NYC, try it.
Talk to you next week 😉
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