When most students describe “cafeteria food” they usually use the words “bland”, “gross”, and “overly greasy” to describe it. However, that does not seem to be the case here at Phillips Exeter Academy. The Elm Street Dining Hall is opened every single day, serving a variety of different food. Food is served buffet-style, giving students more freedom, and thus allowing them to make their own healthy food choices.

“People can choose how much they want to eat and what they want to eat.” said Angelica Quinto,17.

While many schools tend to serve only cheap junk food such as pizza, burgers, hotdogs and french fries, Elm Street serves a wide range of food, giving students healthier alternatives if they wish. The salad bar is served during lunch and dinner, allowing students to access fresh and healthy food throughout their day. 

Breakfast during weekdays starts at 6:45 a.m. and ends at 8:45 a.m. During this time, they serve bacon, waffles, and hash browns but they also serve healthier options such as yogurt, homemade granola and fresh fruit. 

The food at Phillips Exeter Academy is extremely varied, serving dishes from all around the world, such as but not limited to Mediterranean food, Asian food and Mexican food. 

Every Tuesday, the dining hall serves tacos during lunch. Students are free to put whatever toppings they want on their tacos, and most students really enjoy this. 

“I love taco Tuesdays!” said Rina Kawagishi, 17. 

At Elm Street, there is also an ice cream bar, where students are allowed to get as much ice cream as they want. Dessert is also served during lunch and dinner, and it ranges from cookies to macaroons to rice krispies treats. 

Although there is a variety of different food, it is generally designed for meat-eaters, therefore limiting the food options for non-meat eaters. “Some days there are a lot of options, others not so much. They should give more vegetarian options. “ said Cata Salter, 15.  

After comparing the food at Phillips Exeter Academy to the food back at their own school, most students said that they preferred the food here. 

“The food at my school is really unhealthy, but the food here is healthy and delicious,” said Rina Kawagishi,17.

“There are a lot of vegetables and tons of healthy choices, which I think is good.”   

“The food here is more flavorful and is better quality than at my school.” said Chantel Wong, 15. 

“The food at my school is very bad, so I genuinely prefer the food here.They also have a salad bar, which is cool.” said Julia Legakis, 15.