Beef Bulgogi Steak Sandwich at Koja ($3)
Believe it or not, sometimes Yahoo! still gets it right. As a freshman, my then–homepage took me to a list of the “Best Sandwiches in America” and wouldn’t you know that Koja, in our very own University City, neared the top of the list? I hurried over to 38th and Walnut Streets the next afternoon to try their Korean take on the classic Philly cheesesteak. I made sure to order it “spicy” and after a few minutes I was delivered a silver wrapped, piping hot sandwich of goodness. A short italian roll piled high with sizzling beef, melted mild white cheese, grilled onions and green peppers, all drenched in a mysterious spicy red sauce came together to form one of the most perfectly flavorful bites of food I’ve ever had. Three years later, I’m still convinced it’s pretty much the best $3 of food money can buy.
— Isa Oliveres
Leftover roast lamb shoulder from Zahav (“Free” with your parents visit)
When I stopped being a vegetarian, I swore to myself it was “for my health” and that I’d only eat chicken “once in a while.” That was before I became a reborn omnivore—devouring some Zahav lamb, left in my fridge after my parents’ visit. It was late, my roommates and I were starving and we grabbed the container of roasted lamb over crispy Persian rice. With every flavorful bite, the pomegranate juice–braised lamb melting in my mouth, I slowly became addicted. Even cold, the taste was potent and the consistency perfect. Needless to say, I never looked back.
— Nicole Malick
Pistachio and Ricotta Gelato at Capogiro ($5.13)
Upon my first gaze through the glass of the gelato bin at Capo, the faint olive green, savory–looking swirls in the Sicilian pistachio container contrasted with the pale, creamy ricotta with almond slices. Nonetheless, I took a chance and found that a combination of the two had an unexpectedly ideal balance. Each time I took a bite of the pistachio, my taste buds were inundated with a mixture of nutty salt and the smooth decadence of sweet cream. The transition to the ricotta satisfied my craving for fat over tang. The cheese flavor was rich but not too sweet, and the mild yet luscious slivers of almond provided a crunchy break from the smooth, churned dairy on my palette.
— Solomon Bass
Turkey Sandwich from Commons (“Free” with dining plan)
Ok, so I know Philadelphia has actual fine dining, where actual trained chefs make actual palatable food. But in the moment, the best thing I’ve eaten during my time at Penn was nothing more than a simple Commons sandwich. The Thursday of Fling of my freshman year was a rough time: after spending the entire day drunk, I realized it was 8 pm and I hadn’t eaten all day. I don’t know how it happened, but thank the gods, because a turkey sandwich suddenly appeared in front of me. It was uncomplicated—turkey, mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce, bun—nothing fancy. Sometimes, when it comes to plain, non–exotic food, you can’t go wrong with good ol’ Penn dining. Or maybe you just need to be really drunk and practically starving to consume it. Regardless, my tastebuds had never been happier.
— Zacchiaus McKee
