Curry My Way Through Milan: Eat Out or Eat In? A Student’s Guide
Ciao fellow budget warriors and veggie enthusiasts! Studying abroad in Milan sounds bellissimo, but for a desi vegetarian like me, the food scene was a mystery box. Let’s be real, surviving on Maggi for months wasn’t exactly my idea of la dolce vita.
Mom’s Magical Masala Mission: Packing Like a Pro
My mama, bless her heart, spent eight years prepping me for this moment — curry queen status, achieved! We packed a suitcase full of pre-made meals, lentils, and spices (you can peek at my epic masala stash here: [link to the spreadsheet below]). Basically, I was a walking pantry ready to whip up a feast anytime.
The Great Eat-In Debate: Pros & Cons
Eating In: The Struggle is Real (But So is the Nosh)
- Pros: Divide and conquer! Groceries get cheaper when you split them with roomies. Plus, homemade food = ultimate taste bud control. Not a fan of bland? Crank up the spice! Tired of tiny portions? Make a vat of pasta!
- Cons: Let’s face it, after a long day of lectures, the last thing you want to do is battle the stove. Dishes? Don’t even get me started. Fresh produce can be pricey at the farmer’s market, and cooking isn’t everyone’s forte. In our squad, we had a dream team — two chefs, a cooking apprentice, and a motivational cheerleader.
Eating Out: Ciao Kitchen, Hello Freedom
- Pros: Forget the stress of chopping, sizzling, and scrubbing! Indulge in a flavor explosion with all sorts of new cuisines (think beyond butter chicken!). Plus, it’s prime time to explore Milan’s hidden foodie gems.
- Cons: Budget blues! Eating out adds up quickly, with the cheapest options around €7 per person. Sure, pizza and falafel kebabs are delish, but after a while, your stomach craves variety. Vegetarian options can be scarce, with most menus catering to our meat-loving friends. And speaking of kitchens, yours might be lacking in essential tools. Pro tip: pack a pressure cooker — it’s a dal-making lifesaver!
The Final Verdict: Finding Your Foodie Flow
The answer? It’s all about balance, my friends! Feeling burnt out from classes? Treat yourself to a restaurant adventure. Budget feeling tighter than your skinny jeans? Whip up a delicious (and cheap!) home-cooked meal.
Bonus Tip: Ditch the bulky clothes! You can score trendy threads in Milan for the same price you’d pay back home. Free up that suitcase space for more spices and lentils — your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!
So, fellow vegetarian explorers, what are you waiting for? Pack your passports, your appetites, and maybe a sprinkle of garam masala. Milan awaits!
