Most high school students don’t exactly look forward to school lunch. Soggy fries, greasy pizza, and mystery meat are hardly anyone’s favorite part of the day. However, after a new addition to the cafeteria, this certainly isn’t the case for NAHS students. The build-your-own ramen bar has turned lunch into a hotspot filled with steam, savory aromas, and students trying endless combinations. Lunch used to be a continuous routine of the same foods, but now the new addition of ramen has become a midday treat.
The process is simple yet satisfying. Students start with a base of noodles and broth, then pile on chicken, beef, eggs, vegetables, and sauces until their bowls are overflowing. No two bowls look the same, and part of the fun is trying new flavor combos each day. The ramen bar has transformed the cafeteria into a mini restaurant, where everyone gets to be their own chef. Sophomore Ansley Kirbo was one of the first people to try out the ramen and has been hooked ever since. “The line was insane on the first day,” she said. “I waited just for fun but I’m so glad I did. I actually might start getting the school lunch now.”
For many students, lunch has become something to genuinely look forward to. The smell of broth fills the air, and conversations about toppings have replaced the usual midday groans. Between spicy broth fans and veggie lovers, everyone has a favorite combination and strategy for making the ultimate bowl. Even students who usually skip lunch are stopping by just to see what all the hype is about. Sophomore Grace Peterson has been a lover of the ramen bar since day one, and that certainly isn’t changing anytime soon. “I haven’t gotten school lunch in forever,” she said. “Since they got the ramen, I think I’ve gotten it every day. It’s just that good.”
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Students are already imagining what could come next. Some are hoping for a rotating menu that switches things up every few months, while others want more options for different cuisines. After the ramen bar’s success, it’s clear people are ready for more variety on their trays. Sophomore Tomas Gambera is already dreaming of the next big hit. “The ramen is so, so good,” he said. “I hope they don’t get rid of it, but a sandwich bar like the one at Publix would be amazing.”
From the first spoonful to the last, the ramen bar has transformed the cafeteria into a flavorful hangout spot. With so many options and so much excitement, one thing’s certain: lunch with the Dubs just got a lot more interesting.
