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Happy Chinese New Year! During Chinese New Year, certain phrases are said in greetings to celebrate. There are hundreds of these phrases, and each phrase has their own meaning. Before I continue with the post, let me send some greetings your way!

身体健康 (shen ti jian kang) – May you have great health and well-being

学业进步 (xue ye jin bu) – May your school and work improve and excel

合家平安 (he jie ping an) – May your family to safe and well

马年行好运 (ma nian hang hao yun) – Wishing you the best luck in the Year of the Horse

Of course, the lunar new year isn’t just celebrated in Chinese culture. Many Asian cultures celebrate it as well. Growing up in a Chinese household, I never really thought about the many parts of my culture that intersected with others. Coming here, going to U of T, and meeting more people, helped me learn all about it.

The world is incredibly diverse. Each country, each city, each person sees and understands the world in a different way. One of my dreams is to try to get glimpses of all these perspectives and learn from each of them. So far, I’ve gotten a chance to learn bits and pieces from the friends I’ve made over the years I’ve been at U of T.

Our campus is home to hundreds of international students. I’m sure that many of us grad students are from all over the world. My class alone has two international students – one from Barbados, another from Dubai. For international students – and students who want to go international – the Centre for International Experience (CIE) is their U of T hub. Over there, you can find information about international exchanges, take part in cultural events, and have a cup of coffee on the house every Monday. If you’re interested in what current exchange students are doing, follow them on the Outbound Exchange blog.

I think one of the best ways to experience culture is through food. I mean, you really shouldn’t explore the world on an empty stomach. So to wet your appetite and to celebrate the lunar new year, I’m going to share a list of favourite restaurants that serve food from cultures that celebrate this time of year.

1. Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu (Korean)

This restaurant is located right inside Koreatown, at Bloor and Christie. They specialize in a dish called soondubu jjigae, a spicy, hot and bubbling soft tofu stew. The stew is served with rice and traditional Korean side dishes. This stew is one of my favourite Korean dishes and hits the spot during cold winter days.

2. Pho Hung (Vietnamese)

Speaking of food for cold winter days, pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, is also a perfect food to keep you warm. Pho Hung, located in Chinatown, is the closest Vietnamese restaurant to campus. They have a whole range of dishes, from the hot and soup to the cool and refreshing. I would probably go there every day if I could.

3. One Hour (Chinese)

This isn’t your traditional Chinese restaurant, or any restaurant, for that matter. This cafe is full of bean bags, has open space and has amazing chicken wings. My favourite things on their menu are the Xiao Guo Rice Noodle and Winter Melon Tea. It reminds me if modern, minimalist cafes. The thing that makes this pace perfect for students is that there is internet access.

What is your favourite cuisine? Where do you like to eat? Where do you come from? Where do you want to go? I would really love to hear more from you in the comments below!