The average American or British student is used to omelettes, stews, sandwiches, burgers, and salads at cafeterias. Such dishes are quite tasty and satisfying so that anyone can get enough energy for half a day. But do you know what dishes are offered by student cafeterias worldwide? Some of them are quite strange and look very unusual. In some cases, you would not even understand how to eat such dishes. Here are the unique foods you can buy from some student cafeterias worldwide.
Lampredotto, Italy
Usually, Italy is associated with a culinary paradise where every dish is a real masterpiece. This statement is partly true because local chefs are real culinary magicians. But some recipes are quite strange and unusual for tourists. If you find yourself in some of the student cafeterias, you can buy a Lampredotto. This dish is a type of hamburger. Imagine two parts of a sesame seed bun, tomato, sauce, and spinach. At first glance, this recipe does not have anything unusual. However, instead of the classic cutlet or fried meat, Italians use pig intestines and finely chopped parts of the beef stomach.
Visually, the meat part looks a bit like brains. However, the taste of meat is quite tender, and you would certainly appreciate such a burger. Try to find Lampredotto in one of the Italian student cafeterias if you decide to go to Rome or Naples, as they serve the best Italian burgers. But students should not forget about papers, as a long trip isn’t a reason to forget about college assignments. Maybe you should pay for essays and not worry about grades. All you need is a good writing service. You can focus on tasting Italian dishes while travelling by delegating your assignments.
Jellied Minced Meat, Russia
Jellied minced meat or “Kholodets” is a traditional Slavic dish sold in some student cafeterias in Russia. The main feature of this delicacy is chicken fat and gelatin. Thanks to these ingredients, the overall structure is similar to jelly. Usually, jellied minced meat consists of chicken, boiled vegetables, and eggs. All ingredients are poured with broth and placed in the refrigerator. When the dish takes the form of jelly, it can be eaten. Surely the average American or European will be extremely surprised by this form of the dish. However, Slavic cuisine is quite strange for those unfamiliar with Russia’s traditions and historical features and the neighbouring countries.
Deep-Fried Sparrows, China
Many people are accustomed to chicken being the main ingredient for many dishes in student cafeterias. Such meat is cheap and nutritious enough that anyone can quickly get the required number of calories. However, you will certainly be surprised if you visit some traditional Chinese colleges. Local cafeterias sell deep-fried sparrows as a traditional dish and one of the main delicacies.
The fact is that sparrow meat is quite tender, and the correct temperature in the oven makes the crust dark and crispy. Such a dish looks like a typical meal of the barbarians. Imagine 3-4 sparrows strung on a wooden stick. However, if you ignore the strange appearance of such a dish, then you will surely like the delicate taste of meat which tastes almost like chicken.
Surströmming With Vegetables, Sweden
Swedish cuisine consists of hundreds of fish dishes, so you shouldn’t be surprised by the menu in your local student cafeterias. However, some delicacies will visually surprise you by having a strange smell. Have you ever heard of Surströmming? These canned fish have a very strong smell and a slightly chemical taste. A fermented herring is cut into pieces and placed on a baked potato with spinach and arugula. The main feature is that fermented fish smells bad. However, local chefs soak the filet pieces in water to eliminate the unpleasant odour and aftertaste. If you dare to try Surströmming, you will be very surprised. The fact is that the fish filet melts in your mouth and resembles an airy cream.
Torta, Mexico
Torta is a traditional sandwich that is made in most Mexican cafeterias. But what is so strange about such a delicacy? Why would the average American and European be surprised by this dish? The fact is that Torta is a huge sandwich with meat, fish, eggs, herbs, pickled onions, olives, and a very spicy sauce. You will need at least 20-30 minutes to eat such a dish.
In addition, the Mexicans are very hospitable, and foreigners will surely get a dish that is twice the usual portion. That is why you should visit your local cafeteria and order a Torta. Surely this dish will be enough to feed two people.
Conclusion
As you can see, culinary traditions in different countries can vary greatly. That is why you are sure to find unique dishes in student cafeterias worldwide. Each region’s historical and taste characteristics depend on many factors, so you should not be surprised that people eat very strange food. In addition, this is a unique chance to try something new if you want to travel. All you need is to be open to culinary experiments in student cafeterias.
