a berkeley reflection

spending christmas here in the Big City and sampling all the wonderful cultural food New York has to offer has inspired me to create my version of Zagat restaurant rating for the student budget. I mean, who doesn't love food that's both delicious and cheap. I would have to say though that as a Berkeley newbie, I've sampled quite some food that is worth noting. So without further a due, here's a list that I've gathered over the past semester on Berkeley food that's delicious and cheap. Enjoy!

1. Manpuku- Japanese Restaurant
   Nestled in Berkeley's charming Elmwood neighborhood, this sushi place is still my most prized discoveries last semester. My personal philosophy is that you can always judge a sushi place by the freshness of its salmon, and Manpuku is nothing short of that. Fresh, delicious, and cheap, Manpuku offers a wide variety of sushi ranging from deep-fried California roll to the purist favorite, nigiri sushi. My personal favorite is the salmon nigiri sushi and the spicy salmon role. Sushi aside, Manpuku also offers food such as Bento box, Katsudon, and Soba (all of which I thought were ok...a bit on the mediocre side). And wash your food down with free oloong tea. $10 here goes a long way. Nigiri zushi cost around $1.40, while rolls range around $2 to $4 each.
   
   2977 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705 (Accessible by the AC 51 Bus)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Pho Hoa- Vietnamese Noodle House
   There are times in a foodie's life when a craving can only be satisfied by a warm bowl of Pho (pronounced "fuh", it is a vietnamese-style beef broth noodle infused with fish sauce and a plethora mix of Southeast Asian spices such as star anise, ginger, and all-spice). With a slogan "Health Conscious Choice," this bowl of pho is a real feel-good food. Most pho are fatty and loaded with MSG (leaving you with a thirsty feeling afterwards), but fortunately Pho Hoa manages to leave these things out without sacrificing the taste of the delicious broth. If you're feeling even more adventurous, try the custard-y Durian Shake. Eating at this place has become part of my routine. A really large regular portion costs around $6.
   
   2272 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704 (Accessible by the AC F, 51 Bus, and the UC Berkeley Perimeter/Reverse Bus)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Jayakarta-Indonesian Restaurant
   As an Indonesian myself, this restaurant is home away from home. The best food that you'll ever taste is the food that you grew up with, and, to me Indonesian food is the best food in the world. Personal bias aside, however,...
   
   
   
   ...to be continued