Did you know that elephants spend an average of 16 hours of their days collecting leaves, twigs, roots and bamboos to eat? 

As Jumbos living up to our mascot’s name, we all love food and to eat, and probably spend most of our day either having meals or nibbling on some sort of food, and for a good reason. When I first came here, I realized an incredible decrease in the number of times I went out to eat – the dining hall food was always too good to miss. Indeed, Tufts Dining is famous for its great food, ranking among the best dining halls in the US.

However, there are some specific Dewick or Carmichael specialties that make the students go crazy. I ventured out to find out which foods are student favorites through Facebook surveys, talking to random diners and people from Tufts Dining. Let’s take a look at the most famous foods on campus. (All of the quotes are actual replies from the anonymous student survey, and a huge thanks to Tufts Dining for all the amazing photos!)

 

Soups and Appetizers

 

Butternut Bisque Soup 

“The butternut bisque is to die for; no wonder there's such a thing as "butternut bisque" alert. Even alumni went crazy when Tufts posted about it on social media last year.”

Need I say more?

 

Mozzarella Sticks

“It’s so sad when I see mozzarella sticks at Dewick and run to get them, only to realize that they are zucchini sticks. So, so sad.”

Tufts Dining’s mozzarella sticks are among the best, and I’ve seen numerous students have just mozzarella sticks for a full dinner. Not judging at all. Sometimes you just have to be a… college kid.

 

Spanakopita (mentioned as Greek Spinach Pastry Things, the Greek Spinach Puff Pastry Rolls, etc.) 

"they are yummy in my tummy"

Even though not many people were able to recall its actual name, the student body agrees that these golden brown, puffy, cheese and spinach filled triangles are from heaven.

 

Entrees

 

Pizza 

“A+ pizza.”

“omg pizza.”

Every college kid loves pizza, but Tufts Dining takes this late-night staple to a whole different level. Around our very own pizza oven, we are given four different types of pizza for every meal, and pretty much everyone loves the variety of pizza offered at the dining halls. Among the ones who specified which type they liked the best, Spinach & Feta Cheese, Buffalo Chicken and regular Cheese pizzas were the top choices. 

  

Ravioli 

“No words can describe the majesty of Butternut Squash Ravioli.”

Judging from their enthusiastic comments, students seem to love the different kinds of ravioli offered at the dining halls. Vegan, Sicilian cheese, mushroom and spinach kinds are among the favorites, but the butternut squash ravioli, adorned with delicious cranberries, is the clear winner. 

 

Thanksgiving Dinner

“Best mashed potatoes I've ever had.”

“THEY TASTE MAJESTIC.”

“The perfect combination of roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy – simple yet delicious.” 

 

General Gau’s Chicken

“Fried. Sticky. So good,” as multiple people very simply commented. This was by far the winner of this poll, and I can’t say I was surprised. Whenever there’s a long line in front of Dewick for dinner, you just know that it’s General Gau’s Chicken night. 

 

Chicken Nuggets & Vegan Chicken Nuggets

“Although would be better dinosaur shaped,” as someone commented, both vegan and regular chicken nuggets are among student favorites. But yes, they would definitely be better dinosaur shaped.

 

Stir Fry

Every Tuesday and Thursday is a stir fry night at Carmichael, and you can basically get your own stir fry prepared for you, with any ingredient you prefer. It’s so popular that during the rush hours you can expect to wait for 15-20 minutes in the line.

 

Cooked/Smoked Salmon

 

“One of these days you’ll turn into a huge pink salmon.”

This was what my friend told me when she saw the five huge pieces of salmon on my plate. Salmon is my favorite food, and Tufts Dining does not disappoint. Dinner starts at 5 PM at both dining halls. If there is salmon for dinner, usually half of the tray is gone by 4:55 PM. Firecracker salmon, miso marinated salmon and broiled citrus salmon are among student favorites.

 

Dessert

 

Carrot Cake

"The carrot cake is by far the best dessert. All that cream cheese frosting!”

"ITS SO GOOD OMG”

Tufts Dining’s Carrot cake is beautiful, delicate and has more delicious cream cheese frosting than you can ever imagine. Just perfect.

 

Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

 

“BECAUSE IT'S ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE” 

The day I started writing this article, coincidentally there was ultimate chocolate cheesecake at Dewick, and I hadn’t had it before. So as a cheesecake lover myself, I decided to try it. Taste test results: AMAZING. A+. WORTH THE HYPE.

 

Are you hungry yet? I am. Gotta go to Dewick, be right back.