Your contact for our gastronomy

We buy many foodstuffs from traders in the region, such as meat and sausage products, fresh fruit and vegetables or baked goods. For example, our potatoes (about 95 tonnes annually) come exclusively from local fields. In addition, we buy our products from wholesalers, because only here can we get the sizes and containers we need. Wherever possible, we use fair trade and organic products.

It is our declared goal to continuously expand the range of fair trade and organic goods. Sustainability and regionality are also a big issue. Currently, there is a continuous offer in the following areas:

• Fish: For fish dishes, we make sure to obtain MSC-certified goods wherever possible, i.e. products from fishing operations that meet the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) environmental standard for sustainable fishing. We have completely eliminated tuna from our menu because a lot of bycatch is destroyed when these already endangered animals are caught.
• Meat: Bratwurst that we use often comes from species-appropriate husbandry. Species-appropriate husbandry refers to a form of animal husbandry that is oriented towards the natural living conditions of the animals and, in particular, takes into account the innate behavioural patterns of the animals. Some of the meat at the barbecue counter in the main canteen also comes from species-appropriate husbandry. Depending on the market situation, we also purchase organic meat for certain dishes. These meals are specially marked in the menu.
• Vegetables: The majority of our vegetables come from the region. We attach great importance to local processing and, for example, prepare the salad in the main dining hall fresh every morning.
• Coffee and tea: Only fair trade products are available at the coffee and tea stations. All teas are also organic.
• Cold drinks: Our range includes organic lemonade and Fairtrade iced tea from organic farming on an ongoing basis. By buying the mineral water you can help to improve the drinking water supply in countries of the global south.
• Eggs: Our eggs come exclusively from barn-raised hens.
• Ice cream: Our range (also) includes organic ice cream.

Every day, there is at least one vegetarian menu in every student union refectory. You can also choose vegetarian/vegan dishes at the salad buffets or the hot buffets.

According to EU Regulation (EC) No. 41/2009, "gluten-free" food may have a maximum gluten content of 20 mg/kg. Unfortunately, we cannot offer gluten-free food, as a trace transfer of allergens cannot be completely prevented in our establishments for technical and organisational reasons, despite careful working methods.

If possible traces of gluten do not pose a problem, a selection is possible. Please note the information on the respective menus:

• Code 20 - for cereals containing gluten
• Code 20a for wheat
• Code 20b for rye
• Code 20c for barley
• Indicator 20d for oats
• Indicator 20e for spelt
• Indicator 20f for kamut

To the overview of all additives.

The "slaughter" (ritual slaughter without stunning) of animals is generally prohibited in Germany by the Animal Protection Act (TierSchG, para. 4a(1)). An exception is only granted under certain conditions. Therefore, halal slaughter in Germany is almost exclusively carried out with stunning. For this reason, we can only offer halal if a butcher specialises in it and fulfils the necessary conditions or if the products are produced abroad.

Only if a product has an explicit halal certificate do we indicate this on the menu. This is the case, for example, with the rotisserie with chicken meat. We get this product from the company Askerfood from Duisburg.

Quite clearly: No! Everyone is welcome in our refectories. For a range of products we do have reduced prices for students who can show appropriate identification. University staff are also welcome and so are external guests. For children, we offer free children's plates, high chairs and toys in many of our facilities.

If required, the Studierendenwerk also offers personal assistance for your visit to the main dining hall. To make use of this service, you only need to come to the InfoPoint in the foyer of the Mensa building. A tactile guidance system will take you directly there via the foyer. Our staff at the InfoPoint will report your visit to the kitchen management and accompany you to the lift. In the Hauptmensa, you will then be welcomed by a service staff member who will read out the menu to you according to your needs, for example, guide you to the desired counter or help you carry your tray and find a seat. This service also applies to a visit to the Galerie.

Yes, you can! Contact Catering and Events.

The display and/or distribution of flyers, the hanging of posters and the setting up of sales and promotional stands on the premises of the Studierendenwerk are subject to approval and may be subject to a fee. Permission is granted by the Head of University Catering.

In the refectories and cafeterias you can only pay without cash. All common means of payment are accepted (EC, credit card, apps, etc.).

We welcome your suggestions and are open to new ones! For praise and criticism, it is best to contact the person responsible for the facility or write us an email.