Seniors at Berkeley have the privilege of eating off campus for lunch. Sure, you could go eat out at some fast food chain, but you could also use this ability to explore many overlooked restaurants and eateries nearby Berkeley that not only have great food but also feature cultural cuisine from other parts of the world.

1. Saigon Deli

Located on 3858 W Waters Avenue, Saigon Deli specializes in authentic Vietnamese cuisine. While the restaurant may look sketchy from the outside, both the food and service are splendid. When you enter Saigon Deli, you are immediately acknowledged and seated. Plus, your food is served within ten minutes of ordering. Offering a wide range of fresh meals, from soups to sandwiches, the restaurant is reminiscent of the authentic Vietnamese stands and restaurants that line the streets in Asia. Personally, I enjoy the pho. Compared to Pho Quyen’s pho, Saigon Deli’s pho has a heavier and sweeter taste. Even if you aren’t familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, any food you order is guaranteed to satisfy. To top it off, the food is inexpensive. So, if you are looking for a fancy sit down restaurant, this place is probably not right for you. But, if you are a fan of authentic,flavorful and affordable food, Saigon Deli is a great option.

2. One Family Korean Restaurant

Following the theme of East Asian cuisine, I would recommend One Family Korean Restaurant. It is located at 7030 W Hillsborough Ave, tucked behind an Asian market. As evidenced by the name, the One Family Korean Restaurant serves traditional Korean food. Their most popular dishes include Dolgi Bibimbap (a hot stone dish consisting of rice, kimchee, vegetables and anything else your heart desires), Tofu Chingae (spicy soup consisting of tofu, beef, vegetables, and a poached egg) and one of my favorites, Galbi (marinated beef short ribs). Like Saigon Deli, this restaurant’s exterior is misleading. While it may seem small and cramped, it is quite spacious inside and decorated beautifully. Although customers are seated as soon as they enter, the service may take a bit longer if you order any of the grilled or barbecued items. But don’t worry, you can definitely get back to Berkeley before class starts. As for the price, depending on what you buy, the food could cost between $11 and $25. If you are looking for a nice place to sit down and eat an authentic Korean lunch, the One Family Korean Restaurant is fantastic.

3. Medellin Bakery

If you are craving Colombian food, Medellin Bakery is just the place. This hole in the wall bakery is located at 7168 W. Hillsborough Ave, right between a dance academy and a Taekwondo school. Serving fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads and fresh juices, Medellin Bakery serves a wide range of delicious food. The empanadas are always warm and fresh and the pastries are mouthwatering, especially the Pan de Bono. Again, it is a bit hidden, due to its seemingly small size, but once you go inside, you can see that it is a pretty large shop. If you are worried about the cost, rest assured. The food here is very inexpensive, with most prices being less than $10. If you are looking for a light lunch or a quick pastry snack, stop by Medellin Bakery.

4. Pino’s Cafe

Located at 6802 W. Hillsborough Ave, this small restaurant is set back in a plaza that is dominated by a Latin Market and Nicki’s Omelette and Grill. Pino’s Cafe serves Cuban-influenced dishes. All the cooked food is displayed cafeteria style and the cafe offers a multitude of sides, from beans to rice to plantains. If none of the cooked food appeals to you, you also have a variety of platters and sandwiches to choose from. Personally, I enjoy having a bistec (steak) sandwich with a side of rice and coconut water. Not only is the food delivered quickly and made to perfection, but it also is very affordable. Many of the platters, with sides and a drink, usually top off at $8. Overall, it is a great place to get a quick, tasty, Cuban lunch.

5. Thai Gourmet Market

Last, but not least, if you are looking for a sit-down restaurant that has flavorful and healthy food, a great place to eat would be the Thai Gourmet Market, located at 5831 Memorial Hwy. It specializes in health-conscious cuisine without sacrificing rich flavors, following their policy of “No MSG.” Having many entrees, appetizers and soups to choose from, Thai Gourmet Market serves authentic food with rich, complex tastes. Some of the most popular dishes include the shrimp pad Thai, the spicy tom yum soup and the blue crab dumplings. Compared to the other eateries described above, Thai Gourmet Market is a bit more pricey, with many meals costing between $15 and $25. However, combined with the quick and excellent service, the authenticity and rich flavors of the Thai dishes make the price worth it.

So next time you are wondering where to go eat for lunch, try something new at one of these restaurants. Even if you aren’t a senior, these places are great “after school eateries” where you can eat some lunch, grab a quick snack or get some take out. Not only would you experience dishes from different cultures, but you might find your new favorite restaurant.