When I first moved to Baltimore, I didn’t know where anything was, let alone where to eat. Slowly, through a mix of recommendations, trial and error, and post-midterm cravings, I found a few spots that stuck. Although these might not make up a definitive guide to the city, they've been places I’ve personally enjoyed and keep going back to.
Ekiben
No Baltimore food list feels complete without Ekiben. The Neighborhood Bird bun gets all the attention and it deserves it. It is crispy, juicy, a little spicy and somehow still light enough that I convince myself I could eat another. It is hard to go wrong here. I could probably close my eyes, point at the menu and still end up with something great. And as someone who considers pickles a food group, I have to say theirs are especially delicious.
They show up at Spring Fair every year, which feels like a reward for surviving midterms. Although they have a location in Fells Point, the Hampden location is my usual stop. It is close enough to walk and just far enough to justify dessert at The Charmery afterward.
Miss Shirley’s Café
I went to Miss Shirley’s for my roommate’s birthday and now it is my go-to for anything that feels a little special. When my family visited the following semester, I brought them too. The menu is long, the portions are big and everything I’ve tried has been both comforting and a bit over the top.
The coconut cream stuffed French toast is popular for a reason, but I usually go for something savory. The chicken and waffles are always crispy and the egg dishes never miss. The Inner Harbor location makes it feel like a destination. Sometimes I walk around after eating, and sometimes I just sit by the harbor and let the meal sink in.
Kong Pocha
Kong Pocha is one of those places I keep returning to. It is close enough to campus that you can easily go here with a Blue Jay Shuttle. Whether I am catching up with friends or just tired of the dining hall, this is where I go. The Kimchi Fried Rice is my usual. It is spicy, filling and always hits the spot. When I want something lighter, the Curry Chicken Cup-Bap does the trick. The food comes out fast, and the portions are generous. The restaurant is casual and always buzzing. There’s music in the background, full tables and the kind of energy that makes a regular dinner feel like more.
KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot
KPOT is not just a meal. It is the plan. I usually go after a trip to the Towson Mall when everyone is tired and ready to eat a lot. You cook everything at your table, which makes it more fun than a usual dinner.
You can grill meats, simmer vegetables in broth and switch between barbecue and hot pot depending on your mood. I always leave full and a little dazed. It isn’t right next to campus, but the Collegetown Shuttle, which you can catch right in front of Scott-Bates Commons, makes it manageable. I wouldn’t go when I’m in a rush, but with time and an appetite, KPOT always delivers.
Bodhi Corner
Bodhi Corner is my quiet comfort spot. It is tucked into a calm stretch of Hampden and has the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. I almost always order the drunken noodles. They’re chewy, slightly spicy and packed with vegetables. When I want something different, I try one of the fried rice dishes or a curry. The food is consistent and flavorful. I've gone here with friends, yet there have also been days where I’ve ordered food by myself after a long week. Either way, it’s a place I trust to get it right.
Honorable Mentions
Some places aren’t in my regular rotation but still deserve a mention.
Indochine is what I reach for when I’m sick. Their pho is warm, simple and exactly what I want when nothing else sounds good. Phillips Seafood is near the aquarium in the Inner Harbor. I went there with my roommate and her family when they visited. The crab cakes were exactly what we were looking for, and walking around the harbor afterward made it feel like a full outing.
Where to Start
These are the places that helped me get to know Baltimore beyond the Hopkins bubble. Some became favorites right away. Others earned their place after late takeout runs and quiet dinners.
If you’re new here, I hope one of them becomes part of your own story too. And if you’re looking for more places to explore, the Leisure section is always a good place to start.
Adwita Sinha is a junior majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from San Mateo, Calif. She is the Leisure Editor for The News-Letter.
