Food & Dining Guide

Your Complete Guide to Food Options Around UNSW

On-Campus Dining Options

UNSW offers a variety of dining options across campus to suit different tastes and budgets.

Main Food Courts

Mathews Food Court

Location: Mathews Building, Lower Ground Floor

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Options: Asian cuisine, sandwiches, salads, coffee

$

The Quad Food Court

Location: Quadrangle Building

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Options: International cuisine, burgers, vegetarian options

$-$$

Cafes and Quick Bites

  • Coffee on Campus: Multiple locations including Library, Business School
  • IGA Express: Convenience store for snacks and basic groceries
  • Food Trucks: Various locations around campus (check UNSW Food app)

Student Tip: Download the UNSW Food app to check real-time opening hours and daily specials.

Nearby Dining Districts

Kingsford

Known for its Asian restaurants and affordable student meals

Kingsford Food Street

Location: Anzac Parade, Kingsford

Cuisine Types:

Chinese Korean Thai Vietnamese

Price Range: $8-20 per meal

Randwick

Offers a mix of casual dining and cafes

The Spot, Randwick

Location: Perouse Road & St Pauls Street

Highlights: Cafes, restaurants, Ritz Cinema

Modern Australian Mediterranean Cafe

Price Range: $15-30 per meal

Local Tip: Many restaurants offer student discounts - always carry your student ID!

Grocery Shopping Guide

Major Supermarkets

Store Location Price Level Best For
Coles Randwick Plaza $$ General groceries, fresh produce
Woolworths Royal Randwick $$ Quality fresh food, wide selection
Aldi Kingsford $ Budget-friendly basics
IGA UNSW Campus $$ Convenience, quick supplies

Asian Grocery Stores

  • Thai Kee IGA: Asian groceries, fresh Asian vegetables
  • Korean Mart: Korean specialties and snacks
  • Asian Grocery Kingsford: Various Asian ingredients and snacks

Shopping Tip: Wednesday is typically markdown day at major supermarkets - look for reduced prices on items approaching their best-before date.

Money-Saving Tips for Food

Budget-Friendly Strategies

  • Meal Planning: Plan your meals weekly and buy ingredients in bulk
  • Student Discounts: Use your student ID for discounts at local restaurants
  • Loyalty Programs: Join supermarket reward programs (Woolworths Rewards, Flybuys)
  • Group Cooking: Share cooking duties and costs with housemates
  • Food Apps: Use apps like EatClub for last-minute restaurant deals

Weekly Food Budget Guide

Expense Type Budget Level Estimated Cost Notes
Groceries Basic $60-80/week Cooking most meals at home
Groceries Moderate $80-120/week Including some specialty items
Eating Out Basic $30-50/week 1-2 meals out per week
Eating Out Moderate $50-100/week 3-4 meals out per week

Saving Tip: Consider preparing and bringing your own lunch to university - this alone can save you $50-100 per week!

Dietary Requirements

Special Dietary Options

  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Many options available both on and off campus
  • Halal: Several certified options in Kingsford and Randwick
  • Gluten-Free: Most cafes offer gluten-free options
  • Food Allergies: Always inform staff of allergies when ordering

Important: If you have severe allergies, always check with staff about ingredients and cross-contamination risks.

Food Safety and Storage

Food Storage Tips

  • Check expiration dates when purchasing food
  • Store raw meat on the bottom shelf of your fridge
  • Keep your fridge temperature at or below 4°C
  • Use airtight containers for storing dry goods
  • Label and date leftovers

Kitchen Safety

  • Always wash hands before handling food
  • Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables
  • Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces regularly
  • Follow proper food reheating guidelines

Storage Tip: Consider investing in quality food storage containers - they will help your food last longer and save money in the long run.

Useful Resources