Written by: Monika Terzic
The best meals are found in the most unexpected places, yet in the heart of everything! An often overlooked eatery on campus is tucked away in South Campus Hall, home to the WStore, The Writing Centre, Velocity Start, and a beloved Canadian classic—Tim Hortons. Just up the steps, a world of flavour hides behind two big blue entryway doors. An aroma of soups and spices from The Whet Noodle and hot curries from Masala fill the air. Lining the Marketplace, you will also find Pizza Pizza, Paramount Lebanese Kitchen and Ah-So Sushi. There is always a good variety of Village One Bakery fresh items, Smart Snacks for students with allergies and dietary restrictions, and other offerings available at cash. A colourful display of refrigerated beverages, hot coffees and teas are also up for grabs, perfect for a quick early morning drink.
The Southside Marketplace prides itself on being a classic eatery that offers local high-quality food, welcoming service and character. There is a mixture of signage including rotational digital menu screens and chic chalkboard menus with beautiful designs. My favourite touch is the design of The Whet Noodle logo which depicts a red-cheeked cat slurping up some delicious noodles. How cute is that? Another perk of the Marketplace is its relaxing sensory-friendly atmosphere which is perfect for those, like me, who dislike bright lighting and loud settings with crowds.
Upon exiting the eatery, there’s an updated seating area with natural lighting, beautiful student murals, and tables with ample seating including chairs, bar stools and cushioned armchairs. In the space, people can gather and socialise to enjoy delicious food and drink in a relaxing atmosphere. I love bringing my coworkers along with me to grab a bite to eat and chat. A dish return area is situated at the exit doors for bowls, plates and trays along with waste sorting bins for compostables, recyclables and garbage.
My Top 3 Picks from Southside
1) Fattoush Salad with Falafel from Paramount 
Coming at number one, Paramount Lebanese Kitchen has a colourful and flavourful menu. Offerings include shawarma and shish tawouk skewer wraps, tabbouleh salad, moutabal, lentil soup, spicy potato balls, baklawa boxes, and more! My go-to is always the Fattoush Salad which has customizable toppings and sauces and runs for a low $8.49. You get mixed greens with yellow and red peppers and seasoned onions served with fried pita chips for an extra crunch. An authentic Middle Eastern vinaigrette dressing is layered on. You can also add other toppings from the salad bar too! I usually add sliced pickles, tomatoes, extra onions, and a garlic sauce drizzle with lots of freshly chopped parsley. Sometimes, I’ll add pomegranate molasses for some sweetness. And finally, the most important touch: the falafel. Getting some extra protein in doesn’t hurt and for an extra $4.99, you get 3 large pieces of some of the best falafel you’ll have in the region. It’s crispy on the outside with a soft, well-seasoned interior—plus, it’s vegetarian too! Pair this meal with some of Paramount’s fresh mango juice, and you’ll be thanking yourself later.
2) Beef Korma from Masala
Second on my list, but not far off from Paramount is Masala: Flavours of India. With another cute logo design of an orange elephant, this eatery serves up the warmest comfort meals from butter chicken to chana masala along with other familiar favourites including chicken and beef kormas, beef tikka masala, aloo gobi, and mung bean coconut curry entrées which are on rotation each week. You can treat yourself to add-ons such as naan, raita, mango chutney and samosas. My classic order is the Beef Korma which comes with rice, naan, raita and chutney for a reasonable $12.99. The texture of the beef is soft and chewy, but melts in your mouth. Servers will ask if you want a side salad, garlic butter on your naan, and whether you want a garnish of cilantro or parsley. I usually get it with lots of cilantro to elevate the dish. The best part about the meal is the large portions so you can save your meal for later, or eat it all in one go depending on your appetite that day.
3) Shrimp Noodle Bowl from The Whet Noodle
Everytime I feel a cold starting up, I know I’m taking a pit stop at The Whet Noodle. Their noodle bowls are something else entirely and feel like a warm hug by the time you finish your last bite. Again, fully customizable, you fill your bowl with all the veggies and spices you want and a staff member will pan fry, add your protein, a soup base and noodles of your choice. You can choose a noodle bowl with beef, chicken, shrimp or tofu for $19.98, or you can get a vegetable noodle bowl for $14.99. Veggies include white cabbage, baby shanghai bok choy, peas and carrots, edamame beans, baby corn, red onion, minced ginger, and chopped garlic. You can choose between soba noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles and for garnish, there’s hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, coriander, togarashi, sesame seeds, green onion, hot chilli sauce, lime, and nori. Everytime I come here, I try a different combination depending on what I’m feeling like that day, but I’ll always reach for the udon noodles because I love their texture. I love pairing a Pineapple Aloe drink or a jasmine green tea with this meal, so if you’re feeling like trying something new, I highly recommend it!
Have you been to Southside Marketplace before? Can’t find it? Check out this reel on our Instagram page @uwaterloofood here!
