The number of food options at UBC’s Vancouver campus can be a little intimidating, but if you know where to look there are plenty of healthy options out there.
Whether you’re looking for a meal on the go or a place to eat after a long day of studying, here are the best places to find healthy meals on campus:
1. The Point
The Point is a great place to find healthy and delicious food. They have a variety of nutritious soups, salads, and wraps. One of our favourites is their seasonal greens salad, loaded with seasonal veggies and fruits on a bed of mixed greens and a splash of their delicious vinaigrette. This salad is a tasty source of folate, vitamin C, and fibre.
2. Smoothies at Place Vanier, Totem Park and Orchard Commons
Looking for a meal you can pick up on the way to class? Try the smoothie bars at Gather at Vanier, Totem Dining Room and Hero Coffee + Market. Made from with whole food ingredients with no added sugar, the smoothies are a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack.
3. Simply Local at Gather
Nestled in the back corner of the Gather dining room, the station Simply Local serves up simple home-cooked meals. The simple flavourful ingredients, like UBC Farm veggies, shine at this station and everything served here is free from most of the top allergens – there is something for everyone to enjoy!
4. Open Kitchen
From custom stir fries to sandwiches, Open Kitchen at Orchard Commons offers it all. Choose your favourite fresh ingredients and let the chefs do the work! With vegetables like baby bok choy, daikon, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and bean sprouts along with a variety of meat or vegetarian protein options, it’s easy to eat a balanced meal at this UBC eatery.
5. Perugia Italian Caffè
Located in the Life Sciences Centre, Perugia Italian Caffè serves an Italian-inspired menu filled with fresh, mouth-watering ingredients. Next time you need a study break, stop by and order the mushroom flatbread, one of their must-try menu items. Not only does this dish use wild mushrooms and mouth-watering truffle oil, if you pair it with a salad it also provides you with an extra serving of vegetables.
6. Harvest
Not only is their central location conveniently located at Ponderosa Residence, but Harvest grab & go items can be found in cafes all around campus – including many that are on this list! From irresistible, protein-rich pulse-based salads to fresh sandwiches and blueberry chia pudding, Harvest items make the perfect on-the-go snack when your only time to eat is while sitting in class.
7. Pacific Poke
Pacific Poké serves up a West Coast twist on classic Hawaiian poké with 100% Ocean Wise seafood. Pacific Poké is a great place to grab a tasty meal on-the-go while sneaking a serving of fish into your week. Try one of their set bowls or create your own combination for a flavourful lunchtime treat! Opt for brown rice, cauliflower rice, kale salad or any combination of those as a base to boost the nutritional value. If you’re looking for poké but are closer to the northeast side of campus, our dining room Gather at Vanier has awesome poké bowl and poké burrito options too.
8. Ike’s Café
Located conveniently inside the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Ike’s Café serves up sandwiches, hot daily soups and stews, and their classic hearty chicken, rice and salad entrée. This is a great spot to grab a balanced meal between classes or before hitting the books in the library.
9. Seedlings
This classic sustainability-focused UBC eatery produces mouth-watering and affordable vegetarian meals that are worth the trek to the north end of campus. Be sure to stop by to try their all-day breakfast.
10. LFS Wednesday Night Dinners
Every Wednesday at 5pm, the LFS Wednesday Night Dinner team offers hearty 3-course vegetarian meals for only $5 in the cozy Macmillan Building basement. Wednesday Night Dinners are a great time to share a meal with friends amidst a busy schedule. Be sure to follow their Facebook page to get the latest updates on the weekly menu. Bonus: bring your own container and you can skip the line!
