Dayton (OH) & Fort Wayne (IN): A Little "City Escape" 😂

After sticking around smaller spots, I finally headed to the “city”—and it was such a fun little trip! Here’s the lowdown on all the eats and good times: 🍜 Dayton, OH: Old Favorites & Sweet Surprises First stop back in Dayton? I had to hit up Kung Fu Noodle again—and it was just as amazing as I remembered! That authentic Lanzhou beef noodle soup with chewy hand-pulled noodles? Still hits the spot every single time 🥢. No matter how many times I go, I can’t get over how comforting that broth is—total soul food. Then, I made a huge discovery: Dayton actually has a Dippin’ Dots store! I’ve only ever had Dippin’ Dots at zoos or amusement parks before—where the portions are tiny and the prices are crazy. But this store? They had a jumbo-sized banana split option, and with tax, it was only around $9. So worth it—cold, creamy, and loaded with banana, chocolate, and sprinkles 🍦. I ate the whole thing by myself (no shame) and left with a huge smile. 📍 Dippin’ Dots Address: 2727 Fairfield Cmns, Beavercreek, OH 45431 🥪 Fort Wayne, IN: Pho, Sandwiches, and Friend Dates Next, I drove to Fort Wayne, Indiana—and the best part? Getting to hang out with friends! 🥳 We grabbed lunch at a spot called Banh Mi Barista, which is run by Vietnamese folks. Here’s how it went: Pho: They only had 3 types of pho (pretty limited!), and each was around $12. You pay first, and tipping is optional (nice for budgeting). The pho itself tasted good—rich broth, tender meat—but the portion was on the small side. Not the most filling for the price, but still satisfying. Chicken Banh Mi: The sandwich was $10, but it had a few misses—like the radishes weren’t pickled (a banh mi staple!) and some of the chicken was a little burnt 😬. That said, the overall flavor was decent—crusty bread, fresh veggies, and just enough sauce. Would I call it a “must-try”? Probably not— (value for money) is just okay. But hanging out with friends made the meal way better! They even treated me to bubble tea 🧋—sweet, creamy, and the perfect pick-me-up. Catching up with them while sipping boba? That’s the real highlight of the Fort Wayne trip. 📍 Banh Mi Barista Address: 5320 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 All in all, it was a simple but happy trip—good food, great friends, and a few little surprises (looking at you, jumbo Dippin’ Dots!). Sometimes the best days are just the ones where you wander, eat, and laugh with people you care about. #Dayton #Indiana #Ohio #FoodTrips #FriendHangout #StudyAbroadLife #BubbleTeaLovers