The vegetarian diet is becoming more and more accessible and accepted in mainstream dining options. According to Jonathan Safran Foer in his book Eating Animals, it’s been estimated that almost 18% of of all university students are vegetarian, and this number is constantly on the rise as more people switch to a diet that doesn’t include meat. McGill tends to do a good job of making vegetarian options accessible in dining halls with their main course plates as well as the establishment of Meatless Mondays. However if you’re like me, you tend to get bored of the same rice and steamed vegetables cycled around every few days. That being said, there are a number of quite good vegetarian options in campus dining halls that you may or may not be aware of, so here are five vegetarian dining hall options that deliver on both taste as well as nutrition.
5. Dumplings
Where: BMH
The vegetarian dumplings at BMH can be a little inconsistent. When done wrong, they can be tough and plasticky. But when done right, they are so, so right- crispy but tender and steaming on the inside. Make sure you get them with a side of salad or vegetables to increase the nutritional content, and a little bit of hoisin and Sriracha sauce never hurt anyone!
4. Pizza
Where: New Residence
Okay, well this is definitely not the healthiest thing on this list, but it is vegetarian, and it is consistently good. I’m sure I’m not the only first-year student who has wished for the New Res pizza oven to be turned into a 24-hour operation for all those late-night pizza cravings. It’s good to have every once in a while, but make sure to include something such as fruit and a yogurt cup to ensure your meal doesn’t just consist of pure carbs.
3. Grilled Hummus Wrap/Grilled Vegetable and Feta Cheese Sandwich
Where: RVC / New Residence / BMH
The grilled vegetable sandwich with eggplant, zucchini, pepper, and feta is usually pretty consistent from dining hall to dining hall, and is quite tasty if served warm. If you’re looking to switch things up, BMH and RVC also offer customizable sandwiches and wraps. My personal favourite is a whole wheat wrap, with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, hummus, and pesto or chipotle mayo, mustard, and cheddar cheese. This wrap delivers most of your major food groups in a delicious package. Snag a side of fries if you’re feeling especially sinful.
2. Burrito Bowl
Where: BMH
This isn’t an actual menu item, and you can only make it on the days when BMH has the right ingredients in place, but it never fails to tantalize the tastebuds on those days when you really, really miss the familiar comforts of Chipotle. Ask for a side of rice, then put some of this rice in the bottom of a large salad bowl. Proceed to add various toppings from the salad bar, such as lettuce, tomato, beans, corn, tofu, guacamole or avocado and a little bit of hot sauce. While nothing will ever compare to the real thing, this is a good option when you’re looking to switch things up.
1. Stir-Fry
Where: BMH/RVC
As a vegetarian, there is nothing I love more than having choices. And with stir-fry, choice is what you get. Stir-fry is the dish that understands that no two vegetarians are alike, and with a choice of vegetables, starches, proteins, and sauces (only at RVC), you can customize your stir-fry to fit your exact standards. Not to mention that it features a healthy serving of important food groups, meaning you can feel good about what you’re eating. My personal favourite: Tofu Noodle Stir-fry with peppers, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, orange-ginger and teriyaki sauces topped with a bit of Sriracha.
Of course, these are just some of the many vegetarian options you are free to try within our McGill dining halls. We are lucky to be able to eat at a school that has so many vegetarian choices, a good amount of which come from our very own Macdonald Campus. So go forth and enjoy everything the dining halls have to offer.
Images obtained from: http://www.mcgill.ca/foodservices/files/foodservices/styles/wysiwyg_larg…