Thai 202
Considering the fact that I made it a goal during my year off to visit every Thai restaurant in Baltimore, you could say that I have a bit of a Thai food problem, so having a Thai restaurant walking distance from the medical school is pretty awesome. Although Thai 202’s menu is not the most traditional, their prices are student friendly, as is the casual atmosphere. All of its curries are decent, but the red curry is definitely a crowd pleaser. If you want a quick Thai food fix close to campus, Thai 202 is definitely the place to go.
— Sindhoora M., M1
Little Saigon
Little Saigon is a great Vietnamese restaurant located only 10 minutes walking distance from campus. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly and there is a nice outdoor seating area (what more could you ask for?). The bun cha thit nuong (plate with noodles and spring rolls), the Mongolian beef stir-fry and the pho soup are some of my favorite dishes. The serving sizes are pretty large, so I always have leftovers. If you’re in the mood for eating awesome food in a chill environment, you should definitely do yourself a favor and check this place out!
— Gaby M., M1
Seoul Garden
If you are craving a hot, fresh Korean feast, definitely check out this All-You-Can-Eat BBQ restaurant in St. Ann (a 20-minute drive from the CWE). What better way to impress your classmates than skillfully manning a tabletop grill filled with hot meat? The beef bulgogi (marinated, thinly-sliced sirloin steak) is a perpetual favorite. But if you are feeling more adventurous, try the pork belly with raw garlic. Do not fret if you are more veggie-inclined: Your meal comes with endless bowls of fluffy white rice, steamed egg, flavorful banchan (side dishes) and lettuce leaves that serve as wraps. The soups are hot and savory. I personally enjoy the sul lang tang (beefy, rich broth) and the soon doo boo (spicy, soft tofu stew). To answer the most imperative question: Yes, the kimchi is spicy and decently sour. At first I despaired over the lack of decent Korean fare in St. Louis, but upon discovering Seoul Garden I can no longer wallow in my melancholy. Whether you are a newcomer to Korean cuisine or you can whip up a bulgogi marinade in your sleep, I promise you will greatly enjoy Seoul Garden.
— Laura L., M1
Drunken Fish
Are you in the mood for Japanese food? How about some delicious sushi? Drunken Fish has everything and more to fulfill your cravings. It wasn’t voted “Best Sushi in St. Louis” for nothing! While it runs more on the expensive side, it’s the perfect treat after a long week of anatomy studying, especially since it’s so close. Their wide array of sushi and other Japanese entrees will leave you salivating in no time. Too conflicted about what to pick? Be sure to check out the White Tiger and Crunch rolls! And did I mention there is an amazing happy hour?
— Nowrin H., M1
Lulu’s Seafood
Lulu’s Seafood is located on Olive Boulevard, the main hub for Asian food in St. Louis, only a 15-minute drive from campus. It is your standard, bustling, Chinese restaurant with a full dim sum cart service on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also order dim sum on weekdays at any time from the menu. Lulu’s is a local favorite and can get quite crowded on weekends. It’s a fun place to go with a large group of friends so you can try out many different dishes from their extensive menu. If you go for dim sum, I recommend bringing along someone experienced so they can flag down the busy servers and cart-pushers, and get your table the most popular dishes as soon as they come out of the kitchen.
— Brooke L., M1
Corner 17
You don’t have to go far for great Chinese food. Corner 17 is located on the Delmar Loop just north of the Danforth campus. It specializes in bubble tea and hand pulled noodles, which you can watch the cooks make behind the glass windows. Most dishes are under $11 and the portion sizes are very generous. The fried rice and stir-fried noodles are delicious, and the restaurant also, serves more authentic dishes like pork belly stew. The teas are excellent — not too watery, not too sweet — and their fruit slushies are crisp and refreshing.
— Chris M., M1
The King and I
If you are looking for delicious, award-winning, authentic Thai food, look no further than The King and I on South Grand. The King and I was the first Thai restaurant to open in St. Louis and boasts honors and recognition from numerous magazines and reviews. It has even been awarded the Thai Select Award from the Thai government, distinguishing it as one of the top Thai restaurants overseas. On one wall is a map of the world, covered in pins marking cities people have hailed from in order to taste the King and I’s cuisine. I have had the privilege of eating at this restaurant every year on my birthday, and my personal recommendations are the Thai iced tea, panang curry, Pad Thai, Thai noodle soup and the roast duck. Also, the place has hands-down the best Thai Pina Colada you will ever taste. This restaurant is a great location to have dinner before catching a show at Powell Symphony Hall or the Fabulous Fox. If you choose to come to WUSM, a visit to The King and I is an absolute must. But be warned, when the server asks your preference for mild, medium or hot, choose mild.
— Shamaita M., M1
Mandarin House
Mandarin House is probably the largest Chinese restaurant in St. Louis. The lobby features impressive Chinese style décor such as a bamboo bridge, pavilion and ornamental koi pond. Instead of focusing on one special cuisine (like the spicy Sichuan cuisine), Mandarin House provides a variety of Chinese food from different regions, and is also a great place to get dim sum. It is about a 15-minute drive from campus and a five-minute drive from the nearby Chinese grocery stores on Olive. You can also find Schnucks, Marshalls, Sears and other stores in the same plaza so you can conveniently go shopping after a delicious meal. Make sure to bring your WUSM ID and receive a 10 percent discount!
— Lingling H., M1
Seoul Taco
Are you craving both Mexican and Korean food but can’t decide? Well, fear not, because Seoul Taco is just a quick drive away! This Loop-located restaurant makes amazingly delectable creations of Korean and Mexican foods wrapped in savory burritos, tacos and quesadillas. The sweet but spicy blend of sauces will leave your taste buds tingling for more. Feeling too lazy to go to the Loop? No worries, the Seoul Taco food truck comes to the WUSM campus every Friday afternoon to satisfy your cravings. Next time you’re in the mood for some delicious fusion, hit up some Seoul Taco!
— Nowrin H., M1
Asiana Garden
This restaurant is so awesome that I’ve gone too many times. This is not your typical Chinese restaurant. Do not expect to find orange chicken on the menu. Don’t look for egg drop soup. If you come here, do come with a crowd so that you can order a variety of dishes, because the chef is skilled at making many styles of Chinese cuisine (Sichuan, Cantonese, Zhejiang, etc.). Plus, you can have a pepper eating competition if you order the spicy chicken with zucchini. Group seating is usually not a problem, but make a reservation to be sure. Asiana Garden is about a 20-minute drive from CWE. The cost is about $10 per person and they will split the check for your whole party!
— Chuner G., M1
Pho Long
Love soup? Love cheap eats? A 15-minute drive from campus on Olive Boulevard (the mini-Asia town of St. Louis), Pho Long is a Vietnamese restaurant that specializes in a rich, hearty soup called Pho (pronounced “fuh” not “foe”). Pho can contain a variety of meats, from tender brisket to thick chunks of ox tail, but the star of the dish is the broth, which is meaty, rich and clear with the mild flavor of some secret spices. If you’re craving more Pho Long also serves cha gio, a crunchy meaty spring roll served with a sweet tangy sauce, and a few entrees including fried pork chop and fried shrimp.
— Chris M., M1