By Ellie Philpotts

International Eating 

Cardiff is a melting pot of a range of cultures, and with a range of cultures comes a range of great cuisine. If youÔÇÖve moved to Cardiff from another country, youÔÇÖre more than likely to find easy access to food thatÔÇÖll remind you of home, and if youÔÇÖre from round here anyway, itÔÇÖs the perfect chance to widen your palate… (and your waistline).

Juboraj ÔÇô Juboraj enjoys a glittering reputation that extends past Cardiff ÔÇô the groupÔÇÖs city centre branches can be found in Roath; Mill Lane; Cardiff Bay and Rhiwbina, as well as a street food cafe on North Road ÔÇôand itÔÇÖs easy to see why theyÔÇÖve won numerous awards and are among WalesÔÇÖ oldest Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants. They say variety is the spice of life, and so, it seems, is Juboraj. (Image credit: facebook.com/juborajrhiwbina)

Al Rayan – City Road has somehow managed to envelope the flavours of what feels (and tastes!) like every single country, and fortunately for us students, its location on the Roath-Cathays border means we donÔÇÖt have very far to waddle home. ItÔÇÖs hard to whittle down one ultimate, but Al Rayan is an impressive contender. Recently opened by a husband and wife duo seeking refuge from Syria, the charming business, which doubles as a takeaway, specialises in Kurdish, Iranian, Afghan and Turkish delicacies.

Irie Shack ÔÇô Anyone whoÔÇÖs ever walked down Woodville Road (which must be everyone whoÔÇÖs ever picked up a copy of Quench), will have at some point wondered if theyÔÇÖre dreaming upon hearing the unmistakable music of Jamaica, right here on a slightly grey Welsh street. Irie Shack are responsible, and I’m also singling them out for their colourful Caribbean dishes. Cardiff has plenty of restaurants from this corner of the world, including Turtle Bay and Mash Up, but theyÔÇÖre not all right here on one of the most central streets in Cathays are they… (Image credit: twitter.com/irieshack)

Cafe Minuet ÔÇô We all love Italian, and while the city does a commendable effort at replicating the MedÔÇÖs sunshine, snacks and style, with everything from chain restaurants to street food, Cafe Minuet is a clear winner in the Italian-in-Cardiff stakes. ItÔÇÖs family-run (since 1986, no less); itÔÇÖs rustic; and itÔÇÖs just really delicious. (Image credit: twitter.com/cafeminuet)

Feeling Fancy

As students, we all too often find ourselves thinking even the walk to the light of Cathays Terrace ÔÇô Tesco Express ÔÇô is too much. But sometimes itÔÇÖs nice to eat somewhere that less resembles your floor post-takeaway, or muddled contents of your fridge, and in fact has more in common with a nice restaurant. Because it is a nice restaurant.

Purple Poppadom ÔÇô While a little further out in the western suburb of Canton, Purple Poppadom is well worth the walk. One of the cityÔÇÖs best Indian eateries, it creatively revamps classic dishes in a modern, vibrant way, while retaining stunning decor, an ambient environment and the distinctive taste of authenticity. (Image credit: twitter.com/purple_poppadom)

The Potted Pig ÔÇô Alongside its sister branch Porro, found a short train journey (or walk, if youÔÇÖre feeling ambitious) away in Llandaff, The Potted Pig is reaping the benefits of its positive name around the city. Combining contemporary cuisine with a noticeable nod to all things French and traditional, The Potted Pig is perfect for whatever the reason youÔÇÖre splashing out, whether the fam are visiting from far and wide or you and the housemates have decided you need something big to commemorate exam season being done. Which may be too optimistic considering itÔÇÖs only October, but itÔÇÖs well worth waiting for… (Image credit: twitter.com/thepottedpig)

Bullys ÔÇô Nestled in the fashionable district of Pontcanna, Bullys has been well-regarded as one of CardiffÔÇÖs little gems, satisfying the cityÔÇÖs foodies since 1996. When some of you freshers werenÔÇÖt even born… Again incorporating French inspiration into dishes, Bullys is a delight come Friday evening, Sunday lunch and all the occasions in-between.

Moksh ÔÇô While Cardiff Bay has no shortage of places to eat, many of them are chains you can find anywhere, and as Cardiff is such a city of opportunity for independent businesses, it makes sense to support them. Amid these, weÔÇÖre not alone in thinking Moksh is a standout ÔÇô itÔÇÖs won multiple awards and even been regarded the ÔÇÿLady Gaga of Indian restaurants.ÔÇÖ While getting up there and showing off your best Just Dance impression may come only after a few glasses of wine, their vegetarian, a la carte, dessert and tasting menus continually prove Moksh not only has everything, but also does everything seriously impressively. (Image credit: twitter.com/mokshcardiff)