Come check out the Southeast Asian cuisine in Cafeteria

To enrich campus dining experiences and promote multicultural exchange, the Chengyue Canteen at Zhejiang University’s Zijingang Campus launched a new Southeast Asian-themed menu this April. By introducing iconic regional flavors, the initiative aims to provide students and faculty with more international culinary options and foster a sense of global community through daily life.

Southeast Asian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of tropical ingredients and diverse ethnic influences. Centered around aromatics like lemongrass, galangal, lime, and coconut milk, it is characterized by a complex balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet notes. Many dishes on the menu carry significant historical narratives. For instance, Hainanese chicken rice evolved from traditional techniques brought by immigrants to the tropical coasts, while Bak Kut Teh, a herbal pork rib soup, reflects the historical integration of culinary arts and wellness.

The new collection features a wide array of representative dishes, carefully balancing traditional authenticity with local preferences to ensure the flavors appeal to a broad campus audience. Highlights include the sweet and fragrant Mango Sticky Rice, the rich and savory Coconut Curry Shrimp, and the refreshing Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Other vibrant offerings include zesty Dai-style Fried Eggs, classic Pad Thai, crisp Vietnamese Spring Rolls, and a refreshing Coconut Chicken Soup. Completing the menu are the Singaporean-style Bak Kut Teh, known for its mellow and warming profile, and the Coconut Curry Chicken, which beautifully blends aromatic spices with smooth coconut milk for a multi-layered tropical experience.

These dishes have been available during lunch hours on the first floor of Chengyue Canteen since April 13. As part of the university’s commitment to enhancing campus services, these themed culinary events do more than just improve the dining experience; they serve as a practical platform for cross-cultural understanding. By using food as a medium, the university continues to transform campus spaces into inclusive environments where global cultures are shared and celebrated.

Looking ahead, ZJU’s dining services will continue to explore more international themes to meet the growing demand for diversity and maintain an open, welcoming campus atmosphere.
Adapted and translated from the article written by XUE Ziying
Translator: WU Jingying ('2027,Communication)
Photo: the interviewees
Editor: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering), HAN Xiao