When one thinks of culture, many things come to mind — music, sports, clothes — but also food.
For MSU, a university with more than 7,000 international students, a place where this comes into major play is the dining halls.
And from Brody Square to The Edge at Akers Hall, many things have been done across campus to appeal to different cultures.
“The international experience at MSU is not just about interacting with multiple cultures in classrooms, at work or in residence halls — it extends into the dining halls,” MSU Culinary Services Communications Manager Jenna Brown said. “Culinary Services is committed to incorporating authentic international cuisine to encourage all students, faculty and staff, and guests to explore new cultures and lifestyles.”
East Neighborhood Dining
Tandoori: authentic Indian and global cuisine (The Edge at Akers)
Sticks and Noodles: stir-fry and Asian cuisine (The Edge at Akers)
Halal items (Holmes Dining Hall)
South Neighborhood Dining
S2: Salads and hand-rolled sushi (South Pointe at Case)
Pangea: international cuisine (Holden Dining Hall)
Veg Out: vegetarian and vegan menu options (Holden Dining Hall)
Southwestern Fare: tacos and more (Wilson Dining Hall)
Kosher Cuisine: kosher meals (Wilson Dining Hall)
Brody Square and North Neighborhood dining halls near West Circle Drive
S2: salads and hand-rolled sushi (Brody Square)
Pangea: stir-fry and international cuisine (Brody Square)
Cayenne’s: southwestern fare (Brody Square)
Veg Out: vegetarian and vegan menu options (Brody Square)
Kosher Cuisine: kosher meals (Brody Square)
Global Flavors: casserole-style dishes with international flair (Heritage Commons at Landon)
Sizzle: fusion cuisine (Heritage Commons at Landon
Rivertrail Neighborhood and The Gallery at Snyder-Phillips
Latitudes: international entrees (The Gallery at Snyder-Phillips)
Garden Wok: vegetarian, vegan entrees and Pan-Asian dishes (The Vista at Shaw)
Garden Wok Express: global and Asian cuisine (Riverwalk Market at Owen)
Education freshman Tianjia Jin, a native of China, says that the Pangea and Sushi stations in Brody Square aren’t quite up to par with what she remembers in China.
And, although she did say she’s had some good Asian food in the dining halls at Akers and Shaw halls, she’d still like monthly cultural nights put on in the dining halls — much like the ones Brown pointed out.
“Culinary Services strives to meet the needs of students with any cultural background,” Brown said. “The department does not consider one culture more than another, but rather develops menus to appeal to a variety of tastes.”