Korean school meal event serves culinary treats and tunes in Opinmäki

Opinmäen koulu comprehensive school in Espoo was buzzing with excitement as Korean-style flavours were served at the Korean school meal event.

In March, 1st–4th graders from Espoo International School and Olarin koulu school, operating in the Opinmäki campus, had the opportunity to sample new flavours at school. The lunch menu included Korean-style chicken stir-fry, tofu and noodle stir-fry and an extensive salad bar with mango, radish, red cabbage and pickled Oi muchim cucumbers, among others.

The school restaurant was brightly decorated with paper lanterns, table runners and pennants by the joint efforts of the kitchen staff, pupils and Espoo International School parents' association. Espoo International School’s own band raised the roof by playing Korean hits such as APT. and Gangnam Style while the pupils dined. Some of the diners even broke into dance!

Eighth graders Nivedhya (left), Liza and Aliisa all agreed their favourite dishes were the chicken stir-fry and the sesame-chili mango served at the salad bar.

The pupils were asked to give feedback on the food and its suitability for school restaurants. School meal events are an excellent opportunity for pupils to have their say in the meals served in Espoo schools. The Korean-style chicken stir-fry made it to the top among primary school pupils, while the lower secondary school pupils voted the extensive salad bar as their favourite. The spicy mango and pickled cucumber, in particular, received a lot of praise. As a result, Espoo Catering will be including some of the favourites on their menu already this spring! Next autumn, all Espoo pupils served by Espoo Catering will get to enjoy Korean-style stir-fries.

First grader Urwa (left picture) enjoyed the Korean-style tofu and noodle stir-fry the most, while eighth grader Elina preferred the chicken stir-fry. Elina and Ametha (8th gr) also enjoyed the sesame-chili mango.

After lunch, 9th graders went wild over the Dalgona challenge from the popular Korean TV series Squid Game: pupils and teachers attempted to break off shapes from the delicate candy without breaking it.

The event was a huge success with staggering 98 per cent of all pupils attending school lunch! Requests were made for more theme events at school restaurants. Sixth grader Ojas would like see theme dishes for various holidays, such as Valentine’s Day. Nivedhya and Liza were inspired to come up with more theme events for various cuisines.

Ojas (left) lists chicken nuggets as a school meal favourite, while 5th grader Arin mentions spicy veggie nuggets.

Many thanks to Opinmäen koulu school and kitchen staff for a lovely event! A special thank you to all pupils for the great atmosphere and the interviews! Paulig PRO teamed up with Espoo Catering in organising the event and developing the products served.