Food Around Tufts: Part 2 (Downhill/ near Powder House and Davis Squares)

These places are great spots to grab a quick bite around the downhill part of campus, near Powder House and Davis Squares! 

Prik Nam Pla

Prik Nam Pla specializes in delicious Thai fare with dishes ranging from Red Curry, stir-fried Kapow, and Pad See You to specials that include Khao Soi and Crispy Chicken Basil. Most dishes are quite customizable with regards to protein as well as spice level, which can get quite spicy if you so desire! Along with main dishes, the menu also features many appetizers such as Thai rolls, golden bags filled with chicken and veggies, and soups like Tom Yum and Tom Kar Kai. From Tue–Fri, a selection of items are available as lunch specials that are the perfect portion for a single meal. The restaurant is a bit cozy and better for smaller groups, but takeout is also available! 

Cristian Latin

Cristian Latin, located adjacent to the Powder House circle, is a relatively new addition to the area specializing in Salvadoran food. The menu features Salvadoran specialties such as pupusas with various fillings (zucchini and cheese is a highlight), carne asada plates, and tamales along with breakfast plates that come with eggs, beans, and a combination of additions including avocado, chorizo, and queso fresco. Burritos, tacos, empanadas, baleadas, and dinner plates are also available. Portions are great for the price, and the sauces are especially flavorful! A small amount of in-person seating (ideal for smaller groups) is available, along with takeout.  

Mint Indian Eatery

Mint, also located in Powder House Square, has a wide ranging menu offering multiple veg and non-veg Indian specialties. Options such as biryani, chicken tikka masala, and chana masala are available, but Mint especially shines with its kati rolls, an egg paratha filled with chicken curry or chili for example and rolled up. Other highlights include mo mos (Himalayan dumplings) and Indo-Asian dishes such as Crispy Chili Baby Corn, as well as more niche entrees such as Sweet Potato Masala and Kadai Paneer. Their mango lassi is also sweet and refreshing! Most entrees are available as lunch specials during the week, and both in-person seating and takeout are options! 

Mr. Crêpe

For—you guessed it—crepes, there’s no better place in the surrounding area than Mr. Crêpe, which features a large menu of both sweet and savory crepe options, as well as the option to build your own. Some especially intriguing combinations include the Super Pear (spice pears with crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh baby arugula) and the Super Salmon (salmon with baby spinach, homemade corn relish with peppers and red onion and balsamic syrup drizzle), while sweet crepes can include fruits, Belgian chocolate, ice cream, or all of the above. If you’re not feeling a crepe though, the restaurant also serves some soups, pastries, and bagel/croissant sandwiches, along with an array of hot and cold drinks (including hot apple cider!), smoothies, and a few flavors of ice cream. A good amount of seating makes this a solid study spot, but it can fill up around peak times; service is quick though, and takeout is also available. 

Dave's Fresh Pasta

Finally, Dave’s Fresh Pasta on the way to Davis is a standout for reasons other than their pasta (although amazing itself, not available as a dish to eat in or take out): their sandwiches! Options range from the Grilled Chicken #2 (with boursin cheese, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and greens) to the Sicilian (genoa salame, hot capocolla, local fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, basil pesto) and many in between. Multiple breads such as ciabatta, focaccia, rye, and baguette among others are available, along with a build-your-own option for those who can’t decide. Salads and pita wraps can also be ordered. While pastas, sauces, and wines are also available for purchase in store, the place is primarily takeout only, although there are tables that one could use a few minutes walk away in the center of Davis. 

Check out our Food Around Tufts: Part 1, where I highlight food spots uphill/ near Boston Ave.