At lunch, you're supposed to eat like a king or queen. And we can do that especially well on campus. There is something for every taste and every diet: Whether vegan, vegetarian or with meat, especially healthy or rich soul food, sweet or savory dishes, international flavors or local classics - the offers leave nothing to be desired for and are as diverse as we are. No matter what you're craving, there's guaranteed to be a meal to suit your needs! So that you don't lose track of the many offers, we have put together a small food guide for your next lunch break.

The Mensa on the main campus

Every day, countless hungry stomachs flock to the cafeteria on the main campus - no wonder, because this is where you'll find the largest selection. During the pandemic-related closure at the beginning of 2020, the canteen has become the "FrischeWerkstatt". Wherever possible, fresh food is cooked and no convenience products or flavor enhancers are used. In addition to the large salad bar, there are four main dishes to choose from every day - including classics such as cheese schnitzel and burgers; but vegan and international dishes such as tofu, one-pot curry, quinoa-pea meatballs and moussaka are also on the menu. And for all cake fans, there's a different favorite cake every day baled by the canteen team itself - here, too, there's everything from vegan carrot cake to Magdeburg butter-sugar cake or oven-warm rhubarb crumble cake.

(Photos 1 - 3: In the dining hall of the canteen on the main campus of the University of Magdeburg there is a lot of activity - pardon - food at lunchtime. Besides classics like burgers with fries, there is also vegetarian or vegan food like tofu with vegetables and rice [photographed by Hannah Theile / Uni Magdeburg].)

The canteen of the medical faculty

In the canteen on the campus of the medical faculty, it is difficult to decide on a lunch dish - especially with an empty stomach. In addition to canteen classics such as meat rolls or goulash and a lavishly stocked salad bar that can score points with chickpea or couscous salads as well as fresh leaf salads, there is a vegan and a vegetarian dish to choose from every day. If the big appetite is satisfied, the palate can be pleased with Greek yogurt, red fruit jelly or a cheese cake cream with strawberries. And if the sun is shining, lunch can even be taken outside on a large terrace.

(Photos 1 - 3: On the roof terrace of the cafeteria on the campus of the Medical Faculty, the lunch break can be enjoyed especially well in the summer. At the salad bar, the decision is really hard and you have to be careful not to overload your plate with fresh leaf salads, chickpeas or couscous. If you cannot make a decision on the available dishes, you can also choose ready-made dishes like pasta with salmon and carrots. | photographed by Hannah Theile / University of Magdeburg)

The Dolce & Caffè Bar at the G40

Small, fine and delicious. This is the best way to describe the Dolce & Caffè Bar in the foyer of building 44 on the Zschokkestraße campus. Here, you can expect not only soothing tea and coffee specialties, but also an always cheerful owner - with a lot of love Arianna conjures up a Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato or Superfood Latte and motivates you to persevere after the midday slump. For the small appetite there are sandwiches with avocado and tomato, pretzel sticks and in the lecture-free time a few larger delicacies such as couscous salad. As the name "Dolce & Caffé Bar" suggests, you can also enjoy sweet treats like cookies, puff pastry bites or homemade cakes.

(Photos 1 - 3: In the Dolce & Caffé Bar in building 40 you can have a relaxed coffee break in a cozy and open atmosphere. You can also enjoy sweet treats such as chocolate muffins, brownies or apple strudel. And tea drinkers also get their money's worth at the Dolce & Caffé Bar. | photographed by Jana Dünnhaupt / University of Magdeburg)

The coffee bar in G29

With their coffee skills, Christian and his team make the hearts of true barista fans beat faster. You can enjoy freshly tapped coffee in any form from the portafilter: black as night, as a smooth latte or creamy cappuccino, with cow's, oat or soy milk, refreshingly cool on hot days as an iced coffee or frappé - and all that decaffeinated, too. Enjoy a cinnamon-flavored French roll or a delicious brownie and your day is saved. And if you forgot your lunch box with the slice and the little cocktail tomatoes at home, you can treat yourself to a slice of pizza with mozzarella and pesto here.

(Photos 1 - 3: In the coffee bar in the building of the Faculty of Computer Science you can get freshly brewed coffee and many other delicacies. Owner and barista Christian creates a very personal atmosphere and often stands behind the counter himself. For your afternoon coffee you should definitely try the delicious cinnamon rolls. | photographed by Hannah Theile / Uni Magdeburg)

The café “Kaffee Kanne” of the medical faculty

Stuffed doesn't mean no more ice cream. That could be your motto during a visit to the “Kaffee Kanne” in House 60 of the Medical Faculty. After you have tasted your way through the large selection of rolls, pretzel sesame bagels with grilled vegetables, pizza or the changing lunch offer, you can stroll back to your office or lecture with an ice cream in your hand and enjoy la dolce vita for a moment. And even on cold days, a sweet treat is provided: the café also includes a small mini-market with numerous sweets, or you can treat yourself to a croissant with fresh strawberries.

(Photos 1 - 3: With appetite you better not go to the café on the campus of the Medical Faculty: The counter is abundantly filled - there one can decide only with difficulty. After the meal, however, an ice cream fits in any case. Or two. | photographed by Hannah Theile / Uni Magdeburg)

The cafeteria in the university library

A visit to the cafeteria in the library on the main campus feels a bit like coming home. Because here the owner always greets his guests with a smile and a witty comment. In addition, you will find home-style cooking reminiscent of childhood days: eggs with mustard sauce, fricassee or stuffed cabbage create homey feelings. To top it off, you can treat yourself to a good piece of cake or other sweets. And if you need a bite to eat before lunchtime, you've come to the right place: the cafeteria opens at 8 a.m., right on time for prime breakfast time.

(Photos 1 - 3: If you like down-to-earth cuisine, you will find it in the cafeteria of the University Library: Here you can find cakes like grandma's, the classics from childhood days and rolls with toppings for every taste. | photographed by Hannah Theile / Uni Magdeburg)

The Primo Cafe Bar in G22

If you are in the mood for a “strength-builder”, “sense-maker” or “freshener”, you should visit the Primo Cafébar in building 22, because here you can get exactly these and other uplifting teas. Even the coffee deserves such a creative name, because it is roasted in-house and is even Fairtrade. Good conscience when drinking coffee included. For the hearty appetite, there are crispy sticks in tarte flambée style or with vegetables, the good classic pretzel and, of course, a wide variety of sandwiches. And for those with a sweet tooth, there are brownies, cookies and biscottis in the display case.

(Photos 1 - 3: Whether it's a pick-me-up coffee or vitalizing tea: In the Primo Cafébar you can get both in the best quality. The sweet cookies, brownies or biscottis and of course also small savory snacks like the crispy sticks in tarte flambée style go well with it.)

The Keller Café in building 40

If you are studying or working on the Zschokkestraße campus and would also like to enjoy the cafeteria cuisine, it is best to visit the “Keller-Café” in G40. Here, hungry mouths can choose from three of the daily dishes, as well as a lavishly stocked bar with crisp salad ingredients, which can be put together to every heart's content and appetite. If you just need a little snack in between meals, you'll be well served with freshly made rolls. And of course, all dessert lovers get their money's worth here, too: The display is guaranteed to have just the right thing, from chocolate muffins to vanilla pudding with berry fruit.

(Photos 1 - 3: Sounds more brittle than it is: In the “Keller-Café” on the Zschokkestraße campus, there are three daily specials from the main dining hall and a full salad bar that leaves nothing to be desired. | photographed by Hannah Theile / University of Magdeburg)

The Pier 16

Since the renovation of the bistro in building 16 on the main campus, lunch tastes even better there - and the best thing: On sunny days, the way for a lunch break on the pallet furniture is not far. Pier 16 is part of the university’s Studentenwerk and gets two to three cafeteria meals delivered every day - always including a vegetarian or vegan dish. If you prefer a small cold snack on warm days, you'll find the ever-popular sandwiches and pretzels here. And depending on the day, you can enjoy a Greek yogurt with nuts and honey or muffins, donuts and cakes for dessert.

(Photos 1 - 3: In the immediate vicinity of the campus tent you will find Pier 16, where you can grab a snack and eat on the campus lawn or dine in the newly renovated bistro on cold days. In addition to sandwiches and the best yogurt on campus, you can choose from two to three dining hall dishes every day. | photographed by Hannah Theile / Uni Magdeburg)