Telex described Umami as the coolest and the most special canteen in Hungary which opened in 2021 at the University of Pécs Medical School. It expands the boundaries of traditional catering and also plays an active role in building the international community at the university.
The article mentions that, thanks to the English and German programmes, 5600–6000 international students study at the University of Pécs, the majority of them study at the Medical School.
The manager, Katalin Nagy, aimed to offer dishes mainly focusing on international cuisine when Umami opened in the summer of 2021, while she also wanted to welcome guests having food sensitivities and also those who follow special diets. The canteen’s menu was significantly shaped by a cookbook, several dishes were added to the menu. These courses also serve an educational purpose as they help guests to taste new ingredients, spices, and culinary techniques, while at the same time they make eating meals easier for international students in Pécs. This openness is mutual, because many international students taste Hungarian dishes here for the first time and Hungarian guests are also introduced to flavours and specialties from world cuisines.
According to Telex, this approach is one of the key elements of the canteen’s success since Umami does not only provide meals but actively builds community, as well. Thanks to its affordable prices and conscious organisation, it is popular among Hungarian and international students. It also sets an example of how high-quality, diverse, and community-building gastronomic experiences can be delivered within the framework of mass catering.
Inspired by recipes from international students
The article points out that the dishes at Umami are partly inspired by cookbooks representing recipes from international students arriving from different parts of the world. These cookbooks add a lot to the menu at Umami, and they also help to strengthen intercultural dialogue. It is well-known that the first English–Hungarian cookbook of the University of Pécs, “50 Delicacies on Earth”, was published in 2019 with the active contribution of the students. The cookbook has become a great success, so another cookbook consisting of another 50 recipes was released in 2023.
.jpg)
The canteen at the Medical School has been featured in “444 best places in Hungary” gastronomic guide
Umami received national attention at the end of 2024 as it was included in “444 best places in Hungary” gastronomic guide, where it was mentioned as the best university canteen in Hungary.
„In its appearance and the system regarding standing in line with a tray, Umami might remind visitors of the well-known Hungarian canteens, but that’s where the similarities end. The menu includes the Hungarian classic dishes, it also offers vegetarian options to satisfy contemporary student taste. Visitors can also try more exotic dishes, ranging from South Slavic cevapi to Indonesian rice specialties. It’s not fine dining, just a good, fast food restaurant, but the colourful group of international students adds a lot to the experience there.” – the publication noted.
Source:
Photo: