Talented, smart and bubbly Ishita Ranka shares her dog Theo’s favorite food, about college life and favorite places to eat around Boston.
How are you liking Boston? What do you find special about it?
Boston is always going to have a special place in my heart. It is a home away from home. Walking down Quincy Market during the evening when it is lit up with musicians performing on the streets is just a beautiful feeling after a stressful day.
What is your favorite food in Boston?
The SeaPort and Financial district are one of the areas with the best restaurant. Any place you go to here will have mouth-watering dishes. My personal favorites are Empire, Red Lantern, Ruka, and Rosa Mexicano.
What is your number one tip as a college student?
Eat! Do not skip any meal. During the first few months of college, I was so busy adjusting to the lifestyle and making new friends along with studying, I would skip meals in the day and would not even realize. So if you are a college student who is reading this, make sure you have every meal in the day.
What is your vision?
After graduating, it is my dream to take over my father’s business and make it a globally known company. Studying in a business school, I am currently working towards achieving this dream.
What do you miss about India?
One of the things that I miss most is home food. I would do anything to have a freshly cooked meal by my mother’s hand. The dishes I miss the most are bhindi, roti, vada pav, and pani puri. These Indian delicacies make my mouth water even while writing about them.
Tell us about your dog Theo?
My Shih Tzu, Theo, is a fluff ball and my favorite cuddle buddy. He is easily the most beloved member of the family. When my sister and I left for college, he was the one that filled the gap for my parents. Never have I ever seen a dog be so naughty, he is either chewing on something he isn’t supposed to or running around the house coming in the way of people. His favorite food is mango and corn and it is extremely amusing to see him drool just at the sight of it.
What is your favorite HOT sauce?
I love Sriracha. I feel like I could eat with anything! Sometimes, when there are barely any options to eat at the dining hall, I add Siracha to plain rice and that becomes a meal for me.
Top five favorite restaurants?