There is something quietly comforting about finding your go-to food spots in a new city. When I first moved to Exeter, everything felt unfamiliar, the streets, weather, accents, even the rhythm of daily life. But slowly, through shared meals, solo food dates and cravings, the city began to feel a little more like home.
Hi all! I am Anugrahaa, a student from India pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter. This blog is not a “top foodie guide”, but rather a personal map of places that made Exeter feel softer, warmer and more mine.
Pho: comfort in a bowl
Pho quickly became one of my emotional anchors in Exeter. On days when the cold seeped into my bones or when homesickness crept in quietly, a steaming bowl of pho felt like therapy.
Located conveniently in the city centre, this Vietnamese restaurant is known for its signature noodle soups. The first thing you notice when you walk in is the clean, minimal interior and the quick service which is perfect for people who don’t want to spend hours waiting for food. The menu is straightforward with a focus on pho, rice bowls and a few sides. I had the hot and spicy chicken pho and trust me it was a bowl of heaven. The pho itself is comforting, especially on colder days. The broth is light yet flavourful and you can choose between chicken, beef or vegetarian options. It’s not overly spicy by default but you can adjust it with sauces on the table.
Pricewise, I would say it is reasonable for the portion they provide but for some it might be on a slightly higher side. Nevertheless, it’s reasonable for an occasional treat or when you want something comforting. It’s also a good option if you’re eating alone, catching up on readings or just need a quiet meal after a long day.
Hotpot: a meal best shared with friends
Hotpot is less about quick meals and more about shared experiences. If you are planning a dinner with friends or celebrating something small, this place stands out. The concept is simple but interactive. You get a pot of simmering broth at your table and cook your ingredients, which can include meat, vegetables, tofu and noodles. It is almost like turning your meal into an activity.
For international students, especially those from Asian backgrounds, Hotpot can feel familiar and comforting. For others, it’s a fun introduction to a different way of dining. What makes it particularly appealing is the group dynamic. It’s ideal for splitting costs and trying multiple items without committing to just one dish. The downside is that it can get a bit pricey, so it is best reserved for occasions rather than everyday meals. Still, the experience itself makes it worth trying at least once during your time in Exeter.
Efes Grill: hearty meals that fill you up
Efes Grill is one of those places you end up loving when you are really hungry and want something substantial. Known for its Turkish-style grilled food, it is popular among students for a good reason. The portions here are generous. Whether you go for a wrap, a platter or a kebab, you are likely to leave feeling completely full. It’s especially great after a long day when cooking feels impossible.
The food here is flavourful without being too heavy and there’s a good balance between meat, rice and salad in most dishes. They also cater to different dietary preferences which makes it easier when you are eating with friends. Another advantage is the takeaway option. On days when you just want to eat in your room and watch something mindless, Efes Grill has you covered. In terms of pricing, it offers good value for money considering the portion sizes. It’s not the cheapest option in Exeter but you definitely get what you pay for.
Cosy Corner: small, simple and comfy
As the name suggests, Cosy Corner is all about simplicity and comfort. It’s the kind of place you might walk past without noticing. This spot is particularly good for quick, affordable meals. Whether you are grabbing lunch between lectures or need something before heading to campus, it delivers without a fuss.
The menu usually includes a mix of simple dishes, nothing overly fancy but satisfying enough to keep you going through a busy day. The portions are decent and the pricing is student friendly, which is always a win. Their dumplings and stir-fried noodles are my personal favourite. What stands out the most is the atmosphere. It is not crowded or overwhelming, making it a good place to sit down, breathe and take a break from everything. If you are someone who values taste over aesthetics, Cosy Corner will probably become your go-to place.
The Heavy Tree Bistro: a bite of home
The Heavy Tree Bistro feels a bit different from the other places on this list. It leans towards a café style, offering a quieter and slightly more relaxed dining experience. During the week, it is a great spot for brunch, coffee or a light lunch. The atmosphere is calm, making it ideal for solo visits, casual study sessions or catching up with friends without the usual city noise.
What makes it interesting for international students especially for those from India, particularly if you are craving familiar flavours, is their Indian food offered on Fridays and Saturdays. This weekend menu adds a completely different dimension to the place, bringing in rich comforting dishes that feel closer to home. I absolutely love their variety of dosas, which is a staple in the south of India. If you have been missing Indian food or just want a break from your usual meals, this is definitely worth planning for.
Brody’s Bistro: personal favourite for breakfasts
Brody’s Bistro is one of those places many students in Exeter end up hearing about quickly. It is especially popular for its unlimited breakfast buffet which makes it a good choice if you are really hungry or just going out with friends to try out an authentic English breakfast. The self-serve setup, along with waffles, pancakes, Full English options and refill drinks, gives it a fun and casual feel. It is not the place you go for a quiet, fancy meal but that is also part of its charm. Brody’s feels easy-going, filling and a very student-friendly option giving unlimited food just for £10. You do not need to dress up fancy, plan too much or spend a fortune to enjoy it. It works well for weekends, late brunches or those mornings when you want a proper breakfast without cooking anything yourself.
Real Korea: a taste of home for some, a discovery for others
Real Korea brings a different flavour profile to Exeter’s food scene. If you enjoy bold, spicy and tangy dishes, this place is worth exploring. The menu includes popular Koren dishes like bibimbap, Korean fried chicken and various rice and noodle options. The flavours are distinct and comforting, especially if you are used to Asian cuisine. For students from similar cultural backgrounds, it can feel like a small reminder of home. For others, it is a chance to explore something new without it being too intimidating.
The portion sizes are reasonable, and the dishes are filling enough for a proper meal. It is also a good place to visit with friends. One thing to keep in mind is that the spice levels can be stronger than expected for some, so it’s worth checking before ordering if you are not used to it. Overall, Real Korea strikes a nice balance between authenticity and accessibility, making it a valuable addition to Exeter’s food options.
Exeter: a city of flavours all at once
One of the things that stands out about Exeter is how manageable it is. Unlike larger cities, you don’t have to travel far to find good food. Most of these places are within walking distance from the city centre or easily accessible from the University.
For students, a few factors really matter: affordability, portion size, convenience, and comfort. The places listed above each meet these criteria in different ways. Pho offers consistency and comfort. Hotpot provides a social experience. Cosy Corner is practical and budget friendly. Efes Grill delivers on portion size and satisfaction. The Heavy Tree Bistro offers both a calm café experience and a weekend Indian food option whereas Real Korea adds variety and bold flavours. Having this range means you can match your food choice to your mood, budget, and schedule.
Living in Exeter as a student is not just about academics. It’s also about building a life outside of lectures. Food plays a surprisingly big role in that process. It helps you cope with homesickness, connect with friends, and create small moments of joy in an otherwise busy routine. Exploring local eateries doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Even trying one new place every couple of weeks can make your experience feel richer and more personal.
If you’re new to Exeter, start small. Pick one place from this list, visit it after a lecture or on a weekend and see how it feels. Over time, you’ll develop your own favourites, your own routines and your own version of comfort in this city. And sometimes, that comfort looks like a warm bowl of pho, a shared hotpot with friends or a quiet meal that unexpectedly reminds you of home.