BYUH students say a trusty wheel of quick and easy college meals carried them through hectic days
For BYU–Hawaii students, college meals don’t always have to be instant noodles, takeout or a five-minute walk to the Banyan Dining Hall, especially when they’re short on time. They said a little creativity and smart planning could get them a long way and pump them with enough fuel to power through nightmarish all-nighters and busy finals season. The most important lessons are learned outside the classroom, they said, so take a look at how some students get crafty in their kitchens—especially when all they have to work with is a microwave, a single pan or a few ingredients.
Spam and pancit canton
Summer Rain Depasupil
Sophomore
Psychology
Philippines
For Depasupil, the fusion of salty, crispy spam and savory Filipino-style noodles proves that simple ingredients can hit hard, especially on busy days and late-night grinds. The bowl of delight only requires under 15 minutes of preparation, and it is way more satisfying than it should be for the time and effort it took!
Bacon, asparagus and egg
Rachel Chab
Senior
Communication, media & culture
United States
Chab said this recipe is perfect for when you want something quick but still feel like you cooked a “real” meal. Smoky bacon, crisp asparagus, and soft eggs, combined into a medley of hearty yet balanced flavors. It’s like a small act of self-care during hectic seasons in the university.
Spam and egg on rice
Zachary Cruz
Junior
Psychology
Australia
After a long day of classes, Cruz goes home to the comfort of warm rice topped with pan-fried Spam slices and fluffy egg. It’s simple and dependable whenever you want something filling and endlessly customizable.
Fried rice
Losaline Uliha
Junior
Hospitality, tourism and management
Tonga
Uliha’s go-to college meal is the ultimate leftover remix! Toss together cold rice, some vegetables, perhaps an egg or protein, and you end up with a golden, savory dish that always turns out better than expected. It’s a dish that’s very flexible and perfect for whatever you have on hand.
Pancakes
Reuben Campbell
Sophomore
Accounting and business finance
Australia
Whether it’s for breakfast, dinner or a midnight craving, a stack of soft, fluffy pancakes equates to joy for Campbell. He considers it a perfect snack that’s easy to whip up and pair with syrup, fruits or chocolate. Its pillowy texture turns any stressful day into a cozy and comforting one.
Pancit canton and egg
Jethro Sumiran
Sophomore
Computer science
Philippines
Sumiran weathers stressful semesters with his dependable roster of go-to easy meals, and he said this list is dominated by his trusty bowl of Filipino-style pancit canton and egg. It’s a 10-minute versatile dish that offers nostalgia and convenience for busy lifestyles.
Air-fried bacons
Cayenne La Torre
Sophomore
Hospitality, tourism and management
Philippines
For La Torre, nothing beats the scent of smoky bacon wafting through the air. When you’re especially short on time, you can simply toss a few strips of bacon into your air-fryer—pan-frying works too—and you’re set with the perfect quick meal or add-on! It delivers a flavor that shows even the simplest food is very satisfying.
Pad thai, butter chicken & naan, lumpia
Neelima Spandana Mungamuri
Sophomore
Social work and Intercultural peacebuilding
India
For Mungamuri, this trio is a mini feast that washes away the exhaustion of a busy school day. She is drawn to the sweet and tangy taste of pad thai, rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken, and the satisfying crunch of lumpia. It’s a combination of flavors that’s perfect for celebrating one’s hard work.
Upgraded ramen
Keira Wu
Senior
Biochemistry
China
Wu’s go-to dorm meal is something quick but does not sacrifice comfort. Her instant ramen goes through a glow-up by adding eggs and fresh vegetables like bok choy.
For her, this is perfect for when you want something easy but warm, hearty and nourishing.
Aubergine crisp with flaked tuna
Kate Ashley Pedroso
Sophomore
Social Work
Philippines
Pedroso said her current go-to college meal is passed down to her by her father. By combining chopped eggplant and flaked tuna with a dash of soy sauce and lime juice, you get a delicious dance of flavors that feels like home. For Pedroso, this dish is especially comforting during hectic days.