BAME Students' Guide to Bristol
Students are often worried they might not be able to find their home comforts in their new city. After all, moving to a new city means you might be wondering where to buy your favourite foods, shop in familiar shops, or where you can find places of worship. With Bristol's diverse and rich culture we hope that this won’t worry won't be too much of a problem. We have been working with the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network and Network chair to produce this guide, making your life easier when you move here. Take a look through to find out what kind of food, shopping, and more, Bristol has on offer and where to go for all your home comforts and essentials.
The BAME Network exists to provide a safe space within the University of Bristol Students’ Union for self-identifying BAME students on campus and encourage empowerment for these communities through BAME-led programmes and campaigns. You can find out more about the network here, and check out their guide right here:
Cultural Food Spots✨
Chilli Daddy
Located in Baldwin Street, this Chinese restaurant offers Szechuan-style Chinese food and beverages inspired by family recipes. Its city centre location makes it a great place to meet with friends.
Real Habesha Restaurant
Down on Stapleton Road, you'll find traditional Ethiopian food at Real Habesha restaurant! They bring authentic Ethiopian dishes to Bristol and provide a great, bustling atmosphere. With both meat and vegetarian dishes on offer, this is a great place to go.
Jean’s Bistro
If you are looking for a relaxing venue, serving up traditional Thai food, then this is the place for you. It was recently described as serving the ‘best Thai food in Bristol’ due to its extensive menu, affordable prices and delicious taste.
Caribbean Croft
For a taste of the Caribbean, head to Stokes Croft where you will find Caribbean Croft. This restaurant serves comfort dishes and draft beers in an intimate and relaxed environment. They also have an extensive list of rums on the menu!
Cafe Cuba
Whilst you’re in Stokes Croft, you should check out Cafe Cuba too. Visitors have praised the restaurant for its generous portions and flavoursome food.
The Viet Kitchen
Our final Stokes Croft restaurant delivers classic Vietnamese noodle soups, sandwiches, snacks, salads and curries. Booking is recommended for this small but welcoming restaurant. You don’t want to miss out!
Shopping✨
Wah Yan Hong
Open from 11 am until 7 pm daily, you’ll find this grocery shop in the city centre. Across 3000 sq feet you will find oriental and exotic delights ranging from cooking utensils to noodles.
Malik Supermarket
This Afro-Carribean food store on Stapleton Road has everything you need and now stocks wigs, hair products and additional fresh produce. If you don’t fancy a walk, you can get a train direct from Clifton Down or Redland stations to Stapleton Road in a matter of minutes.
Papadeli Catering, Deli and Cookery School
This multi-award-winning deli in Bristol is full of the finest foods, cheese, cakes, gifts and Mediterranean produce. As it is located in Clifton, it is easily accessible and a great place to pop into after a lecture.
Hairstyling Services✨
Roots Hair and Beauty
Roots Hair and Beauty can be found on Gloucester Road, specialising in Afro-Caribbean and multicultural hairdressing. Visit their Instagram to find out prices, promotions and how to book.
Ljtouch Hair Afrohair and Makeup Specialists
This expert loctician and salon has over twenty years of experience in both hair and makeup. The salon is slightly out of central Bristol (Kingswood), so taking a bus is recommended.
Lochan HK Hair Stylist Bristol
This Hong Kong hair salon is right on your doorstep, with their salons being located on Nelson Street and Park Row. Their Instagram provides full details on prices, treatments and their locations.
Places of Worship ✨
Sikh Temple Easton Bristol
A local Gurdwara accessible to all students via a 20-minute bus ride from Baldwin Street specifically known for delicious langar food and a peaceful, welcoming community.
Bristol Buddhist Centre Triratna
Bristol Buddhist Centre is a Centre of the worldwide Triratna Buddhist Community which was founded in 1967 by Sangharakshita. It offers mindful practices including guided meditation and cultural celebrations.
Assahaba Centre (Mosque)
A conveniently located Islamic Center in Bristol catering to the diverse Muslim community with a beloved reputation among Uni students as a hub for prayer, learning and communal gatherings.
