As the sun hides and the winter solstice approaches, how do TRU students manage the first wave of winter blues? In this particular season, homesickness, heartbreak, and exhaustion may feel more overwhelming than ever. Wondering what places in Kamloops students have chosen to fuel their souls, The Omega walked TRU’s halls to get the answer.
Carlos O’Bryan’s
Location: 357 Victoria Street, Kamloops, B.C.
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Snapshot: Gluten-friendly; family dining
Carlos O’Bryan’s is a local hotspot traditionally visited before a night out with friends. Fernando Ferreira has found more than fueling his stomach for a night out. Turns out, his go-to order for the days when he needs it the most is their Guinness Beef Burger, stuffed with two patties, jalapeño jack cheese, and onion rings with Irish BBQ sauce. But no trip to O’Bryan’s is complete without an order of the staff’s favorite: pachos (potato-nachos, for the uninformed) seasoned with the restaurant’s signature spices, and topped with cheddar cheese and green onions.
KIMCHEE
Location: 1815 Rogers Place, Kamloops, B.C.
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Snapshot: Local; vegetarian-friendly; gluten-friendly; family dining
With a solid 4.9/5-star rating on Google reviews, Kimchi is often praised as one of Kamloops’ best spots for Korean and Japanese comfort food. International student Kotomi Miyakawa shared her appreciation for KIMCHEE’s Katsu Don, a traditional Japanese dish described by KIMCHEE as a “…pork cutlet simmered with egg and onions in a savory dashi-soy broth over rice.” What’s better than eating a well-deserved meal on a gloomy autumnal day, overthinking approaching finals while looking out KIMCHEE’s window? Nothing, some might say.
The Art We Are
Location: 246 Victoria Street, Kamloops, B.C.
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Snapshot: Local; vegan/vegetarian-friendly; gluten-friendly
Everyone loves a good cafe. As the weather gets colder, many cafes offer a cozy atmosphere that are virtually guaranteed to warm you up, and The Art We Are is no exception.
With a menu featuring homemade, hearty meals inspired by classic comfort dishes, it’s no wonder The Art We Are is a favourite destination for many TRU students. This cafe is truly unique, with an eclectic vibe.
According to TRU student Skye Bandura-Griffith, The Art We Are is a Kamloops treasure that has stolen her heart with its welcoming ambience of creative art and Thai green curry soup. Made with a variety of rich spice blends that enrich the soup and the noodles’ flavours, this option might leave customers with a sense of warmth and peace.
Himalayan Kitchen & Bar
Location: 765 Columbia Street W, Kamloops, B.C.
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Snapshot: Local; vegetarian options; family dining
Traffic can make accessing the Kamloops foodie scene a mission, but students can take comfort in knowing there’s an authentic Nepalese restaurant around the corner. This gem, offering satisfying meals made with fresh vegetables and whole grains, will fuel students to get through this winter with plenty of energy.
Tyron Varghese took time to share his thoughts with The Omega about this restaurant, claiming that the Himalayan Kitchen and Bar has the best traditional Nepali-style fried dumplings he’s had yet.
Madras Masala & Grill
Location: 120 3 Avenue, Kamloops, B.C.
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Snapshot: local; vegetarian-friendly; gluten-friendly; family dining
For those late nights when you’re overthinking to the point of mental exhaustion, Diya Thakkar told The Omega that her favourite way to calm her mind is through food. Out of a variety of Indian dishes, Thakkar finds comfort in Madras Masala & Grill’s extensive catalogue of Dosas. Offering more than one vegetable option in some of the sections in the menu, this might be your best option to find a vegetable-friendly meal.
For many visitors from other countries, finding a community can be mentally and emotionally demanding. What better way to connect with culture than by exploring the local food scene? Kamloops cuisine clearly has the breadth and depth to satisfy every comfort craving.