With the start of another semester come new classes, schedules, extracurriculars, and assignments. But that’s not all. A new semester also offers an exciting lineup of food trends for you to try. This semester will be filled with new courses and flavors like every other academic session. From comforting local cuisine to explanatory dishes from around the world, finding a meal satisfying any craving is easy.

It doesn't matter if you're looking to grab a quick snack in between classes or a grand spread to take your friends out, something out there is perfect for every student. This guide will help you keep up with and try some of the popular food trends. These delicious options are as pocket-friendly as they are diverse and will keep any college student well-fed without breaking the bank.

Empanadas: The Handheld Favorite

Empanadas have swiftly become a top choice for students with packed schedules, and it's not hard to see why. These compact pastries blend portability, flavor, and satiety, making them ideal for anyone managing a hectic timetable or needing a quick study break snack. This makes Empanadas the go-to choice for college students looking for food trends that fit their fast-paced lifestyle.

Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food, but they also come in various flavors that cater to any palate, mood, or restaurant standards. Classics like chicken or beef empanadas are as beloved as cheese and vegetable empanadas. Still, some restaurants, like Empanada Mama have succeeded in innovating this classic. We offer fun fillings pepperoni pizza and even dessert empanadas filled with Nutella banana, making it easy to switch up your order every time. An NYC favorite, we are now ready to serve you right here in University city. Place your order online at Empanada Mama now!

Empanada's and burgers — A colorful spread of empanadas and a burger.

For a college student, time is of the essence, and finding a meal that's quick, satisfying, and easy to eat and carry with you is the ultimate culinary win. Empanadas check all those boxes, providing a convenient solution for anyone looking for a grab-to-go meal that can be eaten anywhere, from a study table to a campus lawn. If empanadas are nearby, it's easy to see why many students would want something that is both delicious and convenient, offering a moment of relief in their busy schedules.

Plant-Based Options: Embracing Sustainable Eating

In recent years, plant-based eating has become quite a phenomenon among college students keen on making more sustainable food choices. The growing popularity of plant-based meals is driven by increasing interest in both their health benefits and environmental impact.

Since the early rise of plant-based eating, unique food options that champion innovation and resourcefulness have become staples of this trend. Jackfruit tacos, Vegan sushi, and Oat Milk lattes have become go-tos for students seeking unique and delicious meals. These foods offer exciting new flavors, making plant-based eating feel fresh and satisfying and sparking students' excitement and intrigue.

Now it's easier than ever for students to switch to plant-based meals. Cafes and campus dining options have stepped up to offer plant-based selections, allowing busy students to find a nutritious meal amidst their hectic schedules. Finding such options is as easy as checking local hot spots for trending meals or locating plant-based fast food outlets to keep it affordable and quick.

If you are looking for a sustainable icon for a tasty, flavorful snack, don’t forget to check out our veggie corn flour empanadas filled with steamed potatoes, carrots & Lima beans.

Global Flavors: Exploring International Cuisines

The food habits of a culture is a cheatsheet to their history. As college campuses become increasingly multicultural, students eager to taste food from all over the universe generate more base calls for international flavors that platform many cultures. Sampling various cuisines opens doors to other cultures, one meal at a time.

Ramen, Bao, Dumplings, Empanadas and Gyros are among the global favorites popular among students of University City. Each dish—the rich Ramen broth, the soft steamed Bao, or the flavored spices in Gyros– brings something unique. Each meal is a marriage of taste and tradition, making it quite an excellent choice for students anytime they wish to try something new.

Balancing a budget is an ever-present concern for students. A few international cuisines near campus offer amazing deals and student discounts, allowing diners to sample some of the hit items at a pocket-friendly price. Street food vendors and vehicles selling food are also excellent places to find affordable student meals with an international influence.

Fusion Foods: Mixing Cultures for Unique Flavors

Fusion foods are a thrilling blend of two or more culinary traditions in a wild and remarkable act of creation, rich and unique in flavor. These meals often surprise and excite through combinations of unexpected ingredients that give an ordinary ingredient a new spin. For students, fusion brings an adventure to a meal.

Fusion foods that have become popular among students include Korean Tacos, Sushi Burritos, and Birria Pizza. These dishes blend ingredients and techniques shared by immigrant communities, creating something unexpected and exciting. This fusion of cuisines is also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for foodies looking to try something new.

Finding fusion spots near campus is as simple as a quick online search with ‘best snacks near me’ or asking around for recommendations among friends. Trendy cafes and food trucks are usually the places to look for and shouldn't be too hard to find in diverse districts like University City.

A plate of plantains with a side of rice. — A vibrant plate of plantains and rice.

Nostalgic Comfort Foods

Comfort foods bring back childhood memories of home-cooked meals or of your favorite snack-time treats. With the stress of classes and assignments, it’s no surprise that comfort foods are making a comeback as a go-to option. These meals offer the perfect mix of nostalgia and satisfaction.

Trendy comfort food is adding creative twists to the classic. Upscale touches like truffles or gourmet cheese blends are taking traditional mac and cheese dishes to a new level. Grilled cheese can be found with artisanal bread and various fillings, contemporizing these comforting dishes.

DIY Meal Kits and Customizable Bowls

Busy schedules and different dietary needs lead students toward DIY meal kits and customizable bowls. A boost of personalization allows you to build meals to match your tastes and nutritional needs.

Popular customizable meals, like Poké Bowls, Salad Bars, and Taco Kits, allow flexible, ingredient-specific choices. They are quickly prepared and invite students to play with ingredients and flavors. Sounds enticing? Luckily, plenty of spots near campus offer DIY or customizable meals. These options allow students to enjoy a meal tailored to their tastes without requiring cooking skills or much time. This helps keep up with the ever-evolving food trends on your plate!

A slice of tres leches cake with whipped cream and lime zest. Indulge in a cloud of sweetness. — Indulge in a cloud of sweetness.

Sweet Treats with a Twist: Must-Try Desserts

For students who have a sweet tooth, dessert trends are fascinating. Unique dessert alternatives, like Bubble Waffles, Rolled Ice Cream, Mochi Donuts, and Coco Tres Leches, have all found rising popularity within their ranks. Not only do they boast mouthwatering flavors, but they also have attractive visual appeal, raising interactive possibilities for social media.

Unique shapes aside, flavors like Matcha, Black Sesame, and Ube have proven especially popular; they add another level of interest to already eye-catching desserts. Each would offer a hint of the exotic for dessert while searching the web for ‘best snacks near me.’

Many dessert places around campus offer treats like these to give popular foods for students to satisfy their sweet-tooth urges. Local dessert spots are perfect for sweetening any study break or satisfying slip into a night out.

A modern brick building with a black facade and yellow accents, housing Fair Foods Co.

Empanada Mama: A Must-Try Spot in University City

Now, the wait is over! The exciting news is only for you!

We are delighted to announce our new cloud kitchen store opening in University City!!

The variety of hand pies on our menu perfectly suits the unpredictable student lifestyle. Our classic and creative filling options make the following food trends a new Empanada favorite, offering excellent news for anybody who fancies trying them out.

Our menu offers a dazzling variety of flavors, from savory to sweet. Every empanada is made with high-quality ingredients, making them top favorites for students looking for satisfying, flaky, and easily portable quick bites!

Consider this semester's food trends: global flavors and fusion foods, nostalgic bites, and plant-based meals. If you are looking for unique food options, hit the ground running at Empanada Mama's new cloud kitchen that promises delicious empanadas in the heart of University City. So go out, try something new, and make this semester as tasty as possible–the more delectable, the better! After all, food is one of the best things about college. So what are you waiting for, explore our menu now!

Food Trends to Try This Semester: Empanadas and More!