Ohio Cincinnati Grad’s Local Food & Fun Guide

Area: Dayton – CincinnatiSchool: Miami University After 4 years of college in the U.S., I know this “small-town vibe” area like the back of my hand! Whether you’re a new student here or a traveler passing through, this guide is for you—let’s dive into the best eats and activities 📝! 🍴 Food Comes First! (The Most Important Part 😋) 🍱 Japanese Eats 1. Mei Japanese Restaurant (Cincinnati) The owner is Chinese who lived in Japan for 20 years—so the food is authentically Japanese. Don’t miss: Sukiyaki (hot pot with tender beef and veggies, perfect for cold days 🥘) Curry Katsu Don (crispy pork cutlet over rice with rich curry—so comforting!) Sashimi (super fresh, melts in your mouth 🦪). 2. Ariake Sushi Bar (Dayton) Sadly, I didn’t save any photos—but trust me, this spot is a hidden gem! My go-to is their Unagi Don (eel rice bowl)… they pile three whole pieces of eel on top of rice. No skimping here! 🐠 3. Cloud 9 (Cincinnati) A tiny, local-favorite spot with amazing sashimi. Pro tip: Order unagi as sashimi (no rice) to save money—it’s just as delicious! But the real star? Their fried rice—it’s so good for Chinese taste buds 🍚. I’m from Guangdong, and I can handle their “Spice Level 5”; Northern friends can go for Level 10 or even 15 (warning: it’s fiery!). (P.S. I grabbed a blurry pic from my Instagram Stories—sorry for the quality, but the food tastes way better than it looks!) 🇨🇳 Chinese Eats 1. Kong Fu Noodles (Dayton) Authentic Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles! The owner is from Lanzhou, and the noodles taste exactly like what I had in Lanzhou. Don’t just stop at the signature beef noodles—try their Northwest-style grilled skewers (so flavorful 🍢) and liang pi (cold skin noodles, perfect for summer)! 2. Hunan Bistro (Cincinnati) Located near the University of Cincinnati, run by two super nice owners. It’s a bit far from my place, but I still go once a week—that’s how good it is! Must-orders: Spicy Diced Chicken (classic Hunan dish, crispy and numbing 🌶️) Braised Pork Belly (tender, sweet, and melts in your mouth) Scrambled Eggs with Ham and Cucumber (tastes just like home-cooked food 🍳). Prices are also super affordable—total student-friendly spot! 🇰🇷 Korean Eats 1. Yung‘cafe (Dayton) It’s a bit out of the way, and the decor is simple—but the food is 100% authentic Korean. Most customers are Koreans, which says it all! You can order anything without worry—no bad dishes here 🥢. 2. Asianan (Cincinnati, spelling might be off—sorry!) My favorite here is Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles). The sauce is loaded with seafood, and the portion is huge—two girls can split it as a main dish! Their Budae Jjigae (army stew) and Dwaeji Bulgogi (spicy grilled pork belly) are also must-tries 🥘. ✨ Fun Activities to Explore 1. SkyStar Ferris Wheel (Cincinnati) Go at night for the best views—you’ll see Cincinnati’s skyline all lit up 🌃! Buy tickets right below the wheel, and it spins three times—perfect for dates or taking cute photos. 2. Cincinnati Museum & Art Museum Tons of exhibits here, plus guides who explain U.S. history and artworks in detail. It’s a great place to relax on a lazy day—wander, learn, and snap photos of the beautiful displays 🎨. 3. Kings Island Amusement Park Every holiday has a special theme (Halloween haunts, Christmas lights—super fun!). There are so many roller coasters—some even require a $15 insurance fee at the entrance (worth it for the thrill! 🎢). They also have a kids’ area and a water park in summer—fun for the whole family. #StudyAbroadUSA #OhioTravel #CincinnatiEats #DaytonGuide #MiamiUniversity #LocalTravel #GradLife