The CapU community talks lunch time and the options available to them
Mayumi Izumi (she/her) // Contributor
JJ Eng (they/them) // Illustrator
University students are always hungry, and the students at Capilano University are no exception. There are three main options on campus for satiating cravings during mealtimes at the university: the Birch Cafeteria, Good Earth Cafe in the Library building and the Cinema Cafe in the Bosa Centre. Although the operating hours change slightly during exam time, Birch is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Good Earth from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Cinema Cafe from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Each dining location has its go-tos. The cafeteria at Birch has yakisoba which they call stir-fry. The yakisoba—which means fried noodles in Japanese—that is served in Birch is quite popular. It is made to order on-site with both meat and vegetarian options and customizable ingredients. You choose what you want to add to your stir-fry. The cafeteria also offers authentic Japanese curry made by a Japanese chef.
According to vegetarian students like Luv, students need to arrive about an hour before lunch time to order the yakisoba to avoid the long wait in the line-ups. Luv is majoring in biomedical science, minoring in psychology and works as an ambassador at CapU Student Life.
When asked about her experience with the university’s food services, communications professor and faculty member, Alaa Al-Musalli said,”I’m vegan, so the only thing I’m able to eat at Birch is the ninja tofu bowl and the occasional fries when no one’s watching… Other than that, there’s nothing else that works for me.” Al-Musalli says that she does not usually eat lunch on campus because there are limited options for vegans, and, despite what a lot of people may think, veganism is not just pita bread, avocado and salad.
Sushi is another dish served at Birch and the cafeteria offers a variety of rolls, such as tekka maki (cucumber roll), california, dynamite, spicy tuna and salmon rolls. Although these entrees are fresh and healthy, there are members of the CapU community who would like to see healthier food and drinks available. Biology major and former CSU Education, Health and Human Development representative, Kimia Nikoonam, said she would like healthy drink options, “Most of the drinks are unhealthy, such as Coca-Cola, Monster and unnatural juices. I recommend the flavoured soda waters. They can easily replace unhealthy and sugary drinks.”
Concerns like Nikoonam’s have been brought to the university’s food and beverage committee in the past.John Umunna, Director of Student Housing and Food Services said they would consider serving healthier options, such as Kirk’s Probiotic Sodas, in Birch.
The team working with the university’s food services has put time and effort into upgrading their food fare. A committee dedicated to evaluating the food served on campus meets once a month and consists of two students from the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU), two MoveUP union members, staff, Shailesh Dalvi, the Chartwells manager and Umunna, who is chair of the committee and CapU Director of Student Housing and Food Services.
Good Earth Cafe, located right across from the library, has a great coffee selection and a tasty breakfast panini that contains bacon, eggs and cheese. During class changes you are almost guaranteed to be stuck waiting in a big line up, but it is a relatively quick stop otherwise.
Faculty have also shared concerns with food, such as Communication professor, Kym Stewart. “I have dietary restrictions, so I often cannot eat at cafeterias – there isn’t much for me to eat,” she said. Stewart usually brings her lunch and multiple bags to CapU, although she has on occasion picked up yogurt or coffee when staying late at her office.
It’s not uncommon to find long lineups during the campus’ universal lunch time between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., but during the summer months, Birch Cafe and the Good Earth are rather quiet.
With the Welcome Orientation, CapU Street Party, new classes and new students, all of the cafes and the cafeteria will likely be busy come the start of term. The busiest times to avoid are first thing in the morning before class, and lunch time between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. For students who need something to eat fast, the more unconventional the time, the better.