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FOOD AT UBC VANCOUVER

FOOD AT UBC VANCOUVER

Taste the Globe: 10 Plant-Rich Dining Hall Dishes Worth Lining Up For 

By Pauline Wong
/
All Access Dining,Nutrition

Craving global flavours? You don’t need to travel far—these 10 plant-rich dishes from our three dining halls are packed with vibrant, delicious ingredients that transport your taste buds without leaving campus. The best part? You can try multiple international flavours in one sitting, making every meal a culinary adventure worth lining up for. 

Join the Eat More Plants Challenge by submitting a photo of your plant-rich meal at the dining halls for a chance to win over $1000 in prizes!

Kale & Mango Fonio Salad with Spiced Cashews  

Ever tried fonio? This ancient West African grain, similar to millet, is naturally gluten-free with a light, fluffy texture and mild, nutty flavour. It pairs perfectly with kale, mango, red onions, and tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty ginger vinaigrette and topped with spiced cashews. Find this vibrant salad at Feast’s Clove station. 

Sesame Tofu Broccoli  

You can’t go wrong with this hearty, well-balanced dish. Crispy fried tofu and steamed broccoli glazed in a savoury teriyaki sauce topped with toasted sesame seeds and green onions and served alongside  brown rice. Enjoy this Asian-inspired favourite at Open Kitchen’s Square Kitchen. 

Chayote Tostada  

This crispy fried corn tortilla is topped with refreshing chayote salad, creamy avocado, refried beans, and fresh cilantro, all finished with a squeeze of lime for a bright burst of flavour. Ask for no feta to make it vegan! Find this delicious Mexican-inspired dish at Open Kitchen’s Square Kitchen. 

Greek Waygu Gyro  

A fresh take on a classic, this plant-based gyro features marinated Greek-style waygu made from umami-rich soy protein, wrapped in soft pita with roma tomatoes, cucumber, and white onion. Finished with creamy tzatziki, it’s a bold, satisfying bite of Mediterranean flavour. Try it at Gather’s Mezze station. 

Okonomiyaki  

A new favourite inspired by a previous Local Supplier Spotlight recipe, this dish is a vibrant explosion of textures and flavours. From the savoury okonomiyaki pancake to the hearty tofu steak and the rich sauces in between, it’s a must-try you won’t want to miss. Find it at Open Kitchen’s Vegetarian Kitchen. 

Chana Masala  

Chana Masala is a hearty and aromatic Indian dish featuring chickpeas simmered in a flavourful tomato-based sauce with spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, served with basmati rice. It offers the perfect balance of savoury, spicy, and tangy flavours. Try this comforting dish at Feast’s Clove station. 

Bibimbap  

Experience the bold flavours of Korea with this classic Bibimbap bowl. Brown rice is topped with sautéed spinach, pickled vegetables, kimchi, and spicy bibimbap sauce for a deliciously balanced meal. So popular, it’s served at two dining halls—visit Gather’s Fresh Fare station or Open Kitchen’s Vegetarian Kitchen to try it. 

Roja Tots Bowl  

A classic dish that’s stayed on the menu for good reason, this bowl features crispy tater tots topped with fajita-style vegetables, creamy guacamole, tangy roja salsa, pickled red onion, and crunchy corn tortilla chips. Try the Roja Tots Bowl at Feast’s Bueno and Gather’s Fresh Fare stations. 

Pro tip: Head to the salad bar to add extra plant-rich proteins like tofu, beans, hemp seeds, and more! 

Eggplant Tofu Laksa  

Warm up with this satisfying bowl of Eggplant Tofu Laksa—rice noodles in a rich, fragrant coconut curry broth, loaded with tender eggplant, tofu, bok choy, and crunchy bean sprouts, finished with fresh lime and cilantro. Find this soul-warming dish at Gather’s Good Noodle station—perfect for leaving you full and content. 

Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew  

This rich, spiced stew features red lentils simmered in a flavourful vegetable broth with aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, and fenugreek. Served with basmati rice, garlic naan, fresh cilantro, and creamy vegan yogurt, it’s a comforting, bold dish—perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. Try it at Feast’s Clove station! 

Plant-rich eating has never been more exciting—or more global. From spicy curries and comforting stews to fresh, vibrant salads and flavour-packed bowls, these dishes prove that campus dining can be both nourishing and full of adventure. And yes, they’re absolutely worth the wait in line. So, head to the nearest dining hall and get ready to taste the globe, one delicious bite at a time. 

By Pauline Wong

Pauline is the Food & Nutrition Coordinator at UBC Food Services and the go-to Nutrislice expert. A UBC alumna, she studied holistic nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Passionate about promoting healthy habits, Pauline enjoys supporting students in making positive choices for their well-being.

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We acknowledge that SHCS and UBC are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. We thank the Musqueam Nation for its hospitality and support of our work.

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