By Audrey ’27
The Harvard-Westlake experience is marked by a rigorous commitment to academic excellence and diligent studying. The demands of this challenging environment require students to stay focused, energized, and ready to meet daily challenges head-on. A crucial component in maintaining this level of energy and focus is access to healthy and diverse food options on campus. With a demanding academic schedule, eating well-balanced meals becomes essential to ensure students have the nutrition they need to fuel both their bodies and minds. The school’s dining options play a significant role in supporting student life by offering a variety of nutritious and delicious meals, helping students remain engaged and motivated throughout the school day.
The campus cafeteria and dining areas provide a wide range of options that cater to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of the student body. The cafeteria staff goes above and beyond by offering dishes that reflect the diverse cultures represented at Harvard-Westlake. Students can enjoy a variety of international flavors, including Chinese dishes and noodles, Thai fried rice, and Mexican enchiladas. These offerings not only provide a taste of different cuisines but also ensure that students have the opportunity to try something new and exciting each day.
Among the favorites on campus, freshly baked cookies stand out as a beloved treat for many students. After a long day of classes or a challenging study session, nothing beats the warm, gooey sweetness of a cookie straight from the oven. It has become a comforting indulgence, providing students with a moment of joy and satisfaction. Beyond the cookies, there are many other popular menu items, including the orange chicken, a savory dish loved by many, and the tostada bowls with a topping bar, allowing students to build their own perfect meal with fresh ingredients. This flexibility ensures that students can customize their meals according to their preferences.
For those seeking lighter, more customizable options, the school provides a salad bar and a sandwich station where meals are made to order. The salad bar features an assortment of fresh vegetables, greens, and dressings, allowing students to create their ideal salad while ensuring they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. The sandwich station, on the other hand, provides a variety of fresh breads, meats, cheeses, and vegetables, so students can craft their perfect sandwich, whether they prefer something simple or a bit more adventurous. In addition to cafeteria food, the upper school hosts monthly food trucks from a wide variety, ranging from soul food to poké bowls or shaved ice.
In conclusion, the food options at Harvard-Westlake are a vital part of student life. With an emphasis on healthy, diverse, and customizable meals, the school ensures that students are well-nourished, energized, and ready to take on the academic challenges of the day. From indulgent treats like freshly baked cookies to nutritious, made-to-order meals like tostada bowls, the dining experience on campus enhances the balance between hard work and well-being, helping students thrive academically while also supporting a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
