Written by Ali san
It would seem a difficult to digest that Natto-Rice is the favorite quick meal of an international student. Or, a spicy bowl of Thai Green Curry is the all time favorite of a Japanese student. Well, atop the sea-facing cafeteria of the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Oita Japan, it is a no shocker everyday thing.
Home to students from over 80 countries, this cafeteria at the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Beppu in Oita Japan is class apart. It is here that students from over 80 countries everyday come close over cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Indonesia etc. Best of all, everything being at student friendly prices.
The APU cafeteria serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all week long with fulfilling meals ranging from 300-500 yen a meal. Being in Japan one might assume that the cafeteria serves only Japanese dishes. Indeed, the vast menu includes Japanese dishes such as Fried Egg Plant or Tofu in soy sauce, Japanese styled fried chicken served with a choice of dressing, Japanese styled curry, Ramen (noodles) etc. But, apart from that, it is the international flavors that make APU’s Cafeteria stand out, like the Thai Green Curry which is a major favorite amongst students, the Indian Tandoori Chicken, Italian Spaghetti, Nan – Curry, Nasi Goren (Indonesian fried rice), Cheese Wedges and a splendid salad bar for the health conscious, desert – bread bar, all the more adds to the cafeteria’s charm.
The cafeteria has been endeavoring to satisfy the APU student’s needs and likings. For that there are several provisions in place. Recently, there is also a proposed plan to make the APU’s cafeteria “Muslim Friendly”. However, concrete details are still unknown.
At present as well, the APU cafeteria serves Halal food menu. The major motive is to cater to the needs of the students but on the other hand, the APU’s cafeteria through the Halal menu, has been introducing the Japanese Cuisine to the world as well. Imagine, Muslim students from all around the world savoring not just the Sushi but also liking the Chicken Nanban/Teriyaki (Japanese styled friend chicken) or comparing the Japanese Chicken Curry with an Indian Curry. All of this is possible at APU’s cafeteria where Halal-Japanese food, international food is prepared for all. Not just that, there are several dishes for the vegetarians coming from different countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal Etc.
In this way, the APU’s cafeteria has been contributing immensely to the multi-international environment of APU. The students who never had a chance to enjoy the Japanese food can now – at APU Cafeteria, enjoy the taste and introduce Japanese cuisine to others back home. Moreover, during the Multi-Cultural Week the APU’s cafeteria serves traditional food from various countries. This June-July of 2015, the cafeteria will be serving Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Philippines, Thai, and Vietnamese etc. flavors.
The cafeteria at APU, everyday serves as a link to connect students to the world flavors and introduce them to the world’s myriad cultures. After all, it is food that brings the world together. All of this is done everyday in the sea view cafeteria atop a mountain at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu, Oita Japan. So, if you want to savor the international flavor or Halal Japanese flavor in Japan, APU Cafeteria is a must try spot.
