Tofu with vegetables and coconut sauce, seitan and oyster mushroom stew or couscous with roasted vegetables: these are examples of vegan meals that students will now regularly find on the menu of all Masaryk University canteens. They are available for pre-ordering via WebKredit or MobilKredit.
This innovation is MU’s response to modern trends in gastronomy and its attempt to attract students to healthier choices and meals with reduced carbon footprint. “Currently vegan dishes are not in high demand in our canteens. But this is largely due to the fact that students do not expect them in the first place. Now we want to show them that, in addition to poultry, fish or salads, they can order gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan dishes,” says Canteen Management Department Head Tomáš Kala.
As MU’s priorities include sustainability, 90% of all ingredients used come from regional suppliers. “Our goal is zero waste, which we want to ensure thanks to the pre-ordering system via WebKredit or MobilKredit. By doing so, we can guarantee our students the availability of vegan dishes even shortly before closing time. We use single-use recyclable packaging, such as bamboo boxes. And students can of course bring their own boxes and dishes,” Kala explained.
Velký důraz kladou univerzitní menzy také na sezonnost. Třeba po celý květen nabízejí chřestové speciality. „Na jídelníčku najdete vždy jednu týdenní gastro specialitu. Teď je to třeba chřestový salát s cherry rajčaty a baby mozzarellou. Chřestová nabídka se promítla také do sushi setů, které připravujeme denně v různých kombinacích. Aktuálně jde o chřestové maki,“ naznačil Tomáš Kala.
For six years now, vegetarian and vegan dishes, along with raw specials, are offered by the Veggie bar on the first floor of MU Rector’s Office as part of the Academic canteen at Moravské náměstí. Other canteens are available as well: Academic Restaurant across the street from the Bohunice campus, Vinařská buffet and Vinařská canteen close to the Faculty of Economics and Administration, or the recently renovated Veveří canteen in the Faculty of Law building, Faculty of Science canteen or the most recent Faculty of Education canteen. All canteens guarantee reduced prices for MU students.