Need to plan that rib “pig out”? Not sure which days to ask the freshmen for that coveted swipe into the dining halls? When is Feast actually good? We got you covered! Sometimes the dining halls are hit or miss but with a few tips, we can help you make the most of your foodie experiences this fall quarter.
For starters, UCLA’s Residential “Hill” has four primary dining halls:
Bruin Plate or “BPlate”:
Locally sourced. Organic. Unprocessed and preservative-free. Every vegan and vegetarian’s paradise and the one way stop for healthy living (cue the kale vinaigrette, mizuna, arugula). However, when BPlate does meat, it does meat well. Don’t miss out on their growing selection of fresh, house grilled or steamed seafood dishes.
Grilled Wahoo
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
This sustainably caught white fish with a flaky, buttery flesh from the “Simply Grilled” stand is served on most Tuesday nights.
Cioppino Flatbread
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Well known for their selection of quick fired flatbreads, BPlate whips up this delicious and protein rich seafood abundant delicacy on most Friday nights.
Grilled Persian Lamb Chop
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Arguably BPlate’s and maybe even the Hill’s finest meat dish, this lamb chop has the longest queue of all and it’s all worth it. 200 of these lamb chops were gobbled down by three hungry students last year who proceeded to stack their finished plates. #smallportions. Offered on most Friday nights.
Whole Wheat Penne with Lamb and Spinach
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Delicious and simple – one of my favorite pasta dishes at BPlate – generous helpings of lamb – if you are extra nice, the servers will give you more! Offered most Wednesday nights.
Whole Wheat Linguine with Fennel Pork Meatball
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
It may not come near mom’s spaghetti and meatballs classic but it sure is a tasty and healthy alternative! Find this on Thursday nights.
Tofu Cranberry Bar
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
BPlate makes this work. It’s absolutely delicious. There isn’t a consistent day that it’s at the sweet bar but when you’re lucky enough to find it, have at it!
Vegan Brownie
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Almost as good as De Neve’s Deep Dish brownie and probably about 1000 calories less. These are delicious, not too heavy and are choc-full of those chocolate chips that BPlate always seems to be mysteriously running out of at the froyo bar. Offered on most Wednesday lunches and weekend brunches.
De Neve:
The king of all things greasy, fried and drenched in sugar, ketchup or both. Not that that’s always bad. Home of big beefy athletes, people who miss mom’s Mac and Cheese, and those who claim BPlate is not “real food.”
Pork Ribs with BBQ Sauce and Baked Beans
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Easily one of the tastiest meat dishes on the hill. The meat is wonderfully tender and fatty although it is overwhelmed by the sauce. Definitely a guilty pleasure. Tip: Some nights they serve the ribs with Mac n Cheese instead of beans for that extra guilty indulgence! Offered on Monday nights.
Linguine with Clam Sauce
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Served the same night as ribs, it is the right carb complement to end the night with a deep sigh of foodie happiness on those horrible Mondays. Pomodoro sauce is not overly heavy and the clams are delicious too. Tip: For you vegetarians, the linguine with tomato sauce is a tasty option as well!
Deep Dish Brownie
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
The dessert to end all desserts. Fudgy, gooey, crispy exterior. ‘Nuff said. Also served Monday night. Kill that meal.
Farfalle with Turkey and Garden Vegetables
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
This hearty and yummy pasta dish offered on Tuesday afternoons is just what you need for your daily carb fix. Tip: The veggie option with sundried tomatoes hits the spot too. Plus, who can say no to bowties?
Taco de Barbacoa de Borrego
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
This braised lamb taco dish may not look as fancy as the name but “este taco es delicioso!” Tip: The veggie option is also yum and both taco options can be topped with all the toppings you could find at Chipotle (except guac) at the salsa bar.
Covel:
Quickly growing in the ranks. Formerly known as the pasta hall, it has now adopted a Mediterranean theme as they once so aptly put it, “give chickpeas a chance.” It also arguably boasts the hill’s best and most diverse fruit bar.
Beef Tri-Tip
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
This is some of the juiciest and most delicious beef I have had on the hill. Topped with mashed potatoes, Worcestershire sauce and cilantro and offered on Wednesday nights.
Manicotti
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Another cheese-lathered guilty cannelloni like pleasure, this ricotta stuffed manicotti is a solid vegetarian pasta option. Covel knows how to do tomato sauce right. Offered most Wednesday nights.
Rigatoni with Roman Style Meat Sauce/ Rigatoni with Tomato Cheese Sauce
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
These fat tubes of carbolicious goodness are paired with light, simple meat and tomato sauces that taste and smell like home and the first time you ever tried making pasta alone. Except this one is good…and not under cooked. Also, there is something about rigatoni – bigger pasta, bigger portions. Offered most Wednesday nights.
Fruit Bar
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
As previously mentioned, this is undoubtedly the best fruit bar in all the dining halls. The canteloupe, honeydew, watermelon and grapes are fresh, colorful and succulent and the bar is constantly refilled throughout the meal period. Best, the fruit bar is available every day! Tip: Cut up these fruits and pair them with yogurt or soft serve for a healthier dessert option.
Feast:
For that once every so often dim sum, sushi or ramen craving, Feast has what you need. As well as a killer green tea ice cream to end that 2000 calorie meal with a bang. Is it even Feast if you don’t get a side of rice with every dish?
Spicy Tuna Roll or Spicy Spinach and Seaweed Roll
Photo taken by UCLA – FEAST at Rieber
Sushi at FEAST! For a dining hall, FEAST excels at the sushi game. The tuna is super pink and fatty as it should be. Wasabi and soya sauce are self serve and sometimes they give you extra if you’re nice and there isn’t a long line… but there usually is. Served Mondays for lunch.
Kung Pao Chicken
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Their most popular dish without a doubt. Lines usually start near the front entrance. Once again, it’s worth it. The flavors have the right tinge of spice to it. Look out for it every other Wednesday night.
Curry Noodles with Chicken
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
The chicken is tender and juicy and curry noodles complement the dish well. Like ramen but with real meat and less broth for those of you who like your curry fix! Look for this on Tuesday nights.
Shrimp and Pineapple Flatbread
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
Feast is really good at killing the flatbread game and this is one of their best. For those of you who know that pineapple, shrimp and peanut sauce is the perfect mix, this is the closest you will get to Hawaiian pizza. Absolutely yum and offered on Tuesday nights.
Polbochae (Eight Treasure Seafood Stir Fry)
Photo taken by Disha Samaiyar
A blend of shrimp, calamari, shitake mushroom and scallops, this dish is surprisingly well balanced . Offered on Tuesday nights.
Don’t forget to download the UCLA Mobile app to check the daily dining hall menus and nutritive information!
Want to know more about dorm and dining hall secrets and tips? Read more at:
5 Products Every Foodie Needs to Properly Cook in Their Dorm Room
3 Flavor Combos Your Dining Hall Doesn’t Want You to Know About
Your Go-To Guide for College Dining Halls Across North America