A guide to nutritious breakfasts under five yuan at ZJU canteens

As the quiet of dawn still blankets the campuses of Zhejiang University (ZJU), the university canteens are already bustling with activity. From kneading dough and simmering porridge to steaming buns, the kitchen staff work diligently to prepare a wide array of breakfast options, ensuring that students and faculty do not have to rush through their mornings on an empty stomach.

Nutritionists emphasize that a balanced breakfast is essential to replenish energy after a night's sleep. Skipping breakfast can lead to poor concentration, low blood sugar, and a tendency to overeat later in the day. To help the ZJU community start their day right, the university's Dining Service Center has released a guide featuring 15 nutritious breakfast combinations, all priced under five yuan (approximately 0.7 USD).

These budget-friendly combinations are categorized into three main styles to suit different dietary preferences:

Light and Healthy: This category focuses on balanced nutrition with low sugar. For instance, a combination of a vegetable bun, sweet corn, a boiled egg, and unsweetened soy milk provides a mix of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and dual-source proteins (animal and plant). Another popular option is millet porridge paired with a steamed roll, a boiled egg, and freshly stir-fried vegetables, offering a gentle start for the stomach.

Savory and Filling: Designed for those who need a quick energy boost, this category includes local favorites. Students can enjoy scallion noodles paired with a pumpkin egg pancake and soy milk, or a combination of pan-fried pork buns, a brown sugar steamed bun, side dishes, and jellied tofu (doufuhua). These savory options provide ample carbohydrates and proteins to power through a busy morning of classes.

Whole Grains and Light Diet: For a low-oil, low-sugar option, this category features steamed sweet potatoes, carrots, sweet corn, and a boiled egg. This combination offers rich dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic load. Alternatively, a bowl of preserved egg and pork porridge paired with steamed pumpkin and a boiled egg offers a warm, easily digestible savory option.

In addition to these classic combinations, ZJU canteens have recently introduced several new breakfast items to bring fresh flavors to the morning routine. The Dining Service Center is also conducting a survey to gather feedback from students and staff to continuously improve the quality and variety of campus dining.

Source: Dining Service Center
Translator: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering)
Editor: JIANG Chenqi, DING Chenwei