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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When it comes to college with the best foods, it always follows some factors such as dietary needs, fresh ingredients, and excellent cooking skills. While school meals worldwide receive poor comments, some higher education institutions offer various in-house foods that may pass as a gastronomical party.
10 Colleges with the Best Foods
According to the US News, Bowdoin College and Cornell University become one of the top colleges with the best foods in the United States, with other names as follows:
1. Bowdoin College
Ranked first as the college with the best foods, Bowdoin College has a longstanding tradition of welcoming its students in the fall with a lobster bake. Later in the spring, graduating seniors and their families are treated to the same iconic menu before commencement.
Interestingly, aside from serving this menu, Bowdoin College also grows herbs, vegetables, and fruits across its organic garden. In addition to its five meal plans, there is a compulsory program of “21 Food Plan” for first-year students to purchase.
2. Cornell University
Cornell's culinary scene is filled with a wide array of cafes, food courts, and coffee shops around its 10 dining rooms. In maintaining their food quality, Cornell enforces a mystery food shopper program where shoppers eat and give anonymous feedback at the three campus dining areas per semester. Its sustainability pledge has also been effectively demonstrated through initiatives like the number of plant-based meals and the use of reusable takeout containers.
3. Duke University
Duke University has more than 50 dining spots, signifying its position as one of the colleges with the best food. Some of the must-try eateries within the institution include Zweli’s Cafe which serves braised oxtails, piri piri chicken, and stewed goat. Other than that, Duke University also offers themed dinners, cooking classes, meal plans, and chef demos throughout the academic year.
4. Hendrix College
Using mainly local ingredients, Hendrix College’s meal plans prioritize sustainability among other factors. Notably, the school encourages students to put their food directly on the tray to promote recycling affairs. They also held a weekly tradition of “Sundae Thursdays” among other commemorations like birthdays.
5. James Madison University
As one of the colleges with the best food, James Madison University currently offers more than dining places, with two-buffet style dining halls. Beyond its popular eateries, James Madison also provides food delivery services by a Starship robot for students around the library or cozying up in their dorm rooms.
6. St. John Fisher University
Fedele Bauccio, the CEO and co-founder of a food service provider, Bon Appétit Management Company shared that young people have certain concerns regarding their diet such as ‘where does the food come from?’, ‘does the kitchen support the community?’, or even about climate change and animal welfare. St. John Fisher University takes these issues with precautions of practicing sustainability in many areas of their eateries like food waste reduction by 50% as well as reusable takeaway containers.
In terms of favorable flavor, the school is recognized for its turkey burger by multiple Buffalo Bills players. Additionally, there are numerous dining options available at the school’s cafeterias, from soups, sandwiches, and late-night snacks, to Latin American cuisine.
7. St. Norbert College
With its ranging options of dining experiences, St. Norbert College deserves a spot on the list of colleges with the best foods. Aside from the school’s residential meal plans that include a variety of meals per week, students can also choose their desired food venues. Starting from Ruth’s Marketplace, a buffet-style dining hall to Phil’s Grill and C-Store, a combined convenience store and restaurant, to Dale’s Sports Lounge which provides boneless chicken wings.
8. University of Massachusetts– Amherst
Offering a world-class accessible education, UMass Amherst also doesn’t slack in the students’ gastronomical needs. Across its 12 eateries at the campus center, over 20 cafes, and two food trucks, four residential dining areas, the school is committed to sourcing 30% of its produce locally. Notably, UMass Dining has its campus community garnering family recipes annually to be served in the dining commons as well as be featured in the school’s yearly cookbook.
9. University of Oregon
A culinary delight at the University of Oregon, one of the best colleges with the best foods, transcends beyond multiple cuisines, from ramen, and bao buns, to Indian curries. The school’s dining venues present mouthwatering foods that are locally sourced from over 170 tons of food scraps and 25 farms. Enrolled students living on the campus have the option to choose between five meal plans.
10. University of San Diego
Serving healthy global flairs, the University of San Diego steps up their food scene with the addition of La Gran Terraza and its California classics. While meal plan costs depend on each student's residential status, the school often hosts interesting events like strawberry and avocado festivals offering food samples.
For students seeking a flavorful and satisfying university experience, these colleges with the best foods are sure to make every meal memorable. If you are currently based in the United States, check also the country’s least expensive colleges here.
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