Ways to De-Stress: Local Edition
Written by: Aditi Sharma, Pre-Health Peer Advisor
Pursuing a pre-health track can be stressful and draining. All the deadlines, tough classes, and extracurriculars can be overwhelming at times. While focusing on your studies is a top priority, so is maintaining a balanced social life that’s filled with reserved time for yourself. It can look like many different things: watching a movie, hanging out with friends, going for a walk, or listening to music. For me, I love hitting up some local spots in town to try their specialty food and drinks. Over the years, I’ve gotten a long list of places that are tried and true favorites of mine. Some of you may be new to town and don’t know what places are worth trying or others may just enjoy trying new places - you and me both! Below are just some of my favorites with menu recommendations I swear by. I hope you find these helpful and check out a couple!
Chapbook Cafe: Located right in Schuler Books, this is a great place to wander around with a drink in hand - my personal favorite is their hazelnut latte! They have a great selection of books and knick knacks. Be sure to check out their used book section in the back. With their cozy fireplaces and great coffee, it’s one of my favorite study spots.
Coffee Barrel: This one’s a little further out from campus, but totally worth the drive. A local coffee roastery with the best flavored coffee beans in town… perfect for gifts or just to treat yourself. I highly recommend their blueberry cinnamon crumble latte. I wasn’t sure about the blueberry while ordering, but I was proven wrong the second I took a sip. So good, trust me.
Koala Bakery: Super cute bakery with a large drink (fruit tea, milk tea, boba), food, and baked goods menu! I try something new each time I go there… Everything looks so good. I love their taro milk tea, stir-fry spaghetti, and cheese bread. If you’re still not convinced, check out their Instagram to see their gorgeous cakes and desserts. Side note: the location on MAC offers a smaller menu than their Grand River location but both are worth checking out!
Blondie’s Barn: As a special shoutout to my hometown, I must let you know about Blondie’s Barn in Haslett. A great breakfast and lunch joint with a large menu, you’ll be sure to find something you love here. For anyone who’s a fan of Gilmore Girls, I’d compare the service and food to Luke’s Cafe. Personally, I’m a big fan of their raspberry truffle latte. A hot drink that’s sweet and chocolatey with a pink hue, it’s hard not to love.
Sultans, Siraj Bakery, and Jerusalem Bakery (Mediterranean spots): These are three of my most favorite places in town… ever. If you’re wanting some authentic and delicious Mediterranean food, check out any of these spots. Sultans has the best falafel wraps in town! Siraj Bakery is a little further out in Lansing, but definitely worth it – amazing grape leaves, falafel, and hummus. My go-to order at Jerusalem Bakery is their spicy cheese pie, spinach pie, and spicy hummus with pita bread. The best thing is, all of these places have exceptional service. You’ll feel right at home every time you enter.
New Thai Kitchen: There are several Thai restaurants in the area, but this one is my most visited. I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of the food and service. My absolute favorite on their menu is the tom yum soup - perfect to warm you up on those cold winter days or honestly, any time of year.
Soup Spoon Cafe: Another Lansing favorite, but only recently discovered by me, this cozy little spot is always busy (seriously… be sure to plan ahead when eating here, usually a 30 min wait). With a wide selection of breakfast, soups, entrees, and drinks you’ll find something new to try each time. I’ve been dreaming of their french toast made with homemade bread and a sweet and tangy strawberry cream cheese sauce and pure maple syrup. Definitely the best french toast I’ve ever had.
Sushimoto: While a little further out in Lansing, Sushimoto has the best Japanese food in the area. A great place to stop on the way to Horrocks or while doing some shopping at the Lansing Mall. Their udon noodles with tofu and crunch crunch rolls are my personal favorites.
I know this was a lot of recommendations, but I hope you get a chance to visit some of them them! Most importantly, make sure to take care of yourself during finals season. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but your wellbeing should always be the priority.
Wishing you all the best on your studies!
Aditi