Supporting International Students: Finding Familiar Food in Preston

Discover where international students in Preston can find familiar food, from global restaurants and street food to speciality grocery shops. Explore local flavours, home comforts, and tips for settling into student life.

Moving to a new place feels really exciting, and even if you are genuinely thrilled, you might still get hit with a bit of homesickness while you adjust to a new culture. Every year, Preston pulls in a steady flow of international students because it’s a student-friendly city. Often, eating food that tastes like home is one of the fastest ways to settle in, even when the weather is totally different.

One way that people from different cultures can come together in Preston is through food. The good news is that Preston is full of international restaurants, street food vendors and specialised shops, making it easy for international students to find comfortable, familiar meals.

Campus Favourites: Where international students can find familiar food in Preston

Leaving lectures and grabbing a quick, comforting bite with friends is a big part of university life. You don't have to go far from campus to enjoy authentic flavours from around the world:

Coco's Soul Food: A local favourite serving colourful Caribbean comfort food, including Jerk Chicken Wraps, curries and tacos.
Jaffa: Located near the university buildings, serving large portions of Middle Eastern grilled meat, rice and fresh salads.
The 3 Monkeys Sandwich Bar: Known for its hearty chicken and rice boxes that keep students satisfied during long study sessions.
Lampworks: Build-your-own wraps, loaded fries and a 20% student discount in the Students' Union.

Global Flavours Around Town: Best Restaurants & Street Food

Food in Preston is exciting and culturally diverse, with an incredible variety. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back sit-down dinner or street food on the go, these places have you covered:

Asian and Far East cuisine:

Kimji Korean Restaurant: Great hearty bowls of bibimbap, stews and authentic noodles.
Khao Thai Eatery & Itsy's Thai: Rich curries, Pad Thai and warm noodle soups.
Hong-Kong Tokyo & Sushi: Delicious fresh dim sum, bao buns and sushi to go in Preston Market and Friargate.

Indian & Nepali Delights

Mowgli & East Z East: They offer traditional Punjabi curries and authentic Indian street food at reasonable prices.
Himalayan Monal & Tikka Station: They are great places to enjoy authentic Nepalese food, fast chaats, and dhaba wraps.

Mediterranean & International Cuisine:

Greekouzina & Bar Pintxos: Famous for their fresh chicken gyros & Spanish tapas.
Chamo Street Food: Serving great South American tacos, empanadas, and loaded fries.

Best international food shops for students in Preston: Home-Cooked Comforts

Save money by preparing your own traditional meals. There are a few excellent speciality shops in Preston town centre that sell fresh produce, imported spices, and real ingredients:

Preston Market Hall: It has fresh veggies, halal meats, and a wide range of spices, all at student-friendly prices from local traders.
Oriental & Asian Supermarkets: You can find everyday ingredients for Middle Eastern, East Asian, and South Asian dishes in shops on and around Friargate.
African & Caribbean Grocers: If you're aiming for proper home cooking, the town's independent local stores bring plantains, yams, speciality spices and traditional grains.

Urban Hub For Student Life Preston: The Body and Mind Together

What could be better than cooking a healthy home-cooked meal in your own kitchen after a long day of lectures? That's where Urban Hub stands out!

Apart from being budget-friendly, ideally located, and offering comprehensive facilities, Urban Hub offers modern, spacious kitchens which make preparing home-cooked food effortless. If you are still looking for accommodation, Urban Hub is happy to offer some of the best student accommodation in Preston!

Finding Familiar Food in Preston as an International Student

Moving to a new country takes a little time, but once you have familiar food nearby, the whole transition feels easier. In Preston, there are plenty of options to recreate your favourite home recipes, or perhaps discover a new favourite comfort meal that you end up loving. Having friends around throughout the journey also makes the transition much easier.

FAQ's

1. Are there Asian grocery stores in Preston for international students?

In Friargate and the Preston Market Hall, there are a few international shops where you can pick up spices, sauces and fresh ingredients from East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East; it depends on what you're after.

2. Is there halal and Caribbean food near the University of Lancashire?

Yes. Coco's Soul Food and Jaffa are located near campus, with halal grilled meats, rice boxes and Caribbean meals that are popular with students.

3. Do restaurants in Preston offer discounts for students?

Yes, a lot of local places run student offers. Lampworks in the Students' Union is one example: it gives students 20% off food.

4. Where should you go for the best street food in Preston?

You'll find street food stalls like Hong-Kong Tokyo, Chacha's Street Food, and SpudBros around Preston Market Hall and the Friargate area.

5. How easy is it for international students Preston to cook their own food in student accommodation?

It's very easy. Places like Urban Hub, with modern student accommodation, have kitchen spaces designed for you, so cooking for one or a group feels straightforward.