Is the food suitable for Japanese tastes?

Is the food suitable for Japanese tastes?

Yes—very much so. One of the biggest concerns for Japanese students when studying abroad is whether the food will be familiar, tasty, and nutritious. At 3D ACADEMY, we’ve taken this to heart.

Our meals are supervised by an experienced Japanese chef, and our kitchen team includes staff who understand not only Japanese cooking techniques, but also the flavor profiles and textures that Japanese people are used to. From the way the rice is cooked, to the seasoning of soups and side dishes, everything is designed to offer a taste of home—even in the middle of Cebu, Philippines.

Designed for Japanese students, loved by everyone

Because we welcome many Japanese students every year, our food service has evolved to reflect their preferences. The typical daily meals often include:

• Properly steamed white rice (not dry or undercooked)

• Light miso soup

• Grilled or simmered fish

• Chicken karaage or tonkatsu

• Stir-fried vegetables with soy-based sauces

• Egg dishes, tofu, and seaweed sides

We avoid overly spicy or greasy food unless intentionally offering Korean or Southeast Asian dishes. Even long-term students often remark:

“The food here is better than I expected—I never get tired of it!”

In fact, many of our graduates say the food was one of the most comforting aspects of their stay, especially during homesick moments in the first few weeks.

A rotating menu with international variety

While the base of the menu remains Japanese-style, we know that variety is key—especially for students staying long-term. That’s why the kitchen team works hard to rotate the menu regularly, so students don’t feel like they’re eating the same thing every week.

You’ll find:

• Japanese staples multiple times a week

• Korean dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi pancakes

• Chinese dishes such as mapo tofu, spring rolls, or chow mein

• Western/international meals including pasta, meatballs, fried chicken, and even tacos on occasion

The balance keeps things interesting, and the transitions between Japanese and non-Japanese menus are smooth. Nothing feels random or out of place—it all fits within a nutritional and culinary plan.

Comfort food that evolves with the seasons

Although Cebu doesn’t have four distinct seasons like Japan, we sometimes reflect seasonal changes in our food offerings:

• Summer months may feature lighter meals and cold noodles

• Around December, we introduce holiday-inspired dishes like roast chicken or Japanese curry

• Special celebration days (such as student birthdays or graduation events) often come with a festive meal

The kitchen also responds to student feedback. If a particular menu item gets rave reviews (like miso ramen or curry don), it may be added to the rotation more frequently. We also introduce new recipes every few months, so even students staying for 6 months or longer don’t get bored.

Bento or buffet—you choose, the quality remains

Japanese students usually receive bento boxes by default, though they can upgrade to the buffet option at any time. Both options reflect the same quality and planning:

• Bento meals come with a main dish, rice, side items, and soup. You can also request refills of rice and noodles, served fresh by kitchen staff.

• Buffet meals allow for more variety and volume—you choose what you eat and how much.

Some students begin with bento for structure, then switch to buffet when they want more flexibility. Others stick to buffet for the entire stay because they enjoy building their own plate each time.

Either way, the core flavors and dishes remain Japanese-friendly and student-approved.

Special support for Muslim students (Halal meals)

3D ACADEMY also hosts a number of Muslim students, and we proudly provide Halal-certified meals every day. These dishes are cooked separately with Halal-approved ingredients, and the kitchen follows strict preparation standards.

To ensure fair access:

• Halal meals are reserved for Muslim students during the first 15 minutes of each meal service.

• After that, other students are free to enjoy remaining Halal portions if available.

Interestingly, many Japanese students (especially those interested in global cultures) enjoy trying Halal dishes too, and often comment on how flavorful they are without being overly oily or spicy.

Student feedback drives our improvement

We believe in listening. Every few weeks, we collect informal feedback from students—through casual interviews, feedback cards, or just everyday conversation. Some examples of past suggestions we’ve implemented:

• “Could you serve curry more often?” → Added to Friday rotation

• “We’d love more cold dishes during hot days.” → Introduced hiyashi chūka (cold ramen)

• “The karaage is amazing, but can we get a dipping sauce?” → Added ponzu and mayo options

This student-driven approach helps us stay relevant and responsive, especially for long-term students whose needs evolve over time.

Food that fuels your study abroad life

Eating well is a huge part of feeling well—especially when you’re living in a new country, studying in a second language, and adjusting to new people and routines. That’s why 3D ACADEMY puts such emphasis on meals as part of the overall experience.

Our goal is to offer food that is:

• Familiar yet varied

• Nutritious and energizing

• Comforting when you’re stressed

• A small joy, three times a day

We’ve seen firsthand how students thrive when they’re well-fed and happy with their meals. It shows in their attendance, their energy levels in class, and even in their social lives on campus.

Summary: Why Japanese students feel at home with our food

✅ Japanese chef supervision
✅ Well-balanced, homestyle meals
✅ Daily rotation with global variety
✅ Rice and noodles are refillable (even for bento meals)
✅ Halal meals available and respectfully served
✅ Buffet upgrade available anytime
✅ Student feedback welcome and implemented

So, is the food suitable for Japanese tastes?
Yes—and then some.

For many students, the meals at 3D ACADEMY become a daily highlight, a source of comfort, and a shared experience with new friends from around the world. Whether you’re staying for four weeks or six months, we believe you’ll find the food here not only satisfying, but something to look forward to every day.

About 3D ACADEMY – A School Where Meals Matter

At 3D ACADEMY, we believe that good food is not just about nutrition—it’s about comfort, culture, and community. For students living far from home, especially on long-term programs, mealtime is a crucial part of daily life. That’s why we’ve created a dining system that is flexible, inclusive, and satisfying for students of all backgrounds.

Bento or Buffet – You Choose

Unlike most English schools abroad, 3D ACADEMY offers two meal options so students can choose what suits them best:

• Bento Box: Ideal for students who prefer structure and portioned meals. Each box is carefully designed under the supervision of a Japanese chef and includes a main dish, rice, side items, and soup. Plus, students can request free refills of rice and noodles, making it a great option even for those with big appetites.

• Buffet: Perfect for students who want flexibility and variety. Located in the 2nd floor Student Lounge, the buffet includes several hot and cold dishes, drinks, and side options. Students can take what they like and adjust their meal size each day.

Both options are delicious, nutritious, and available 3 times a day, 7 days a week.

Halal Meals Available Daily

We proudly offer Halal meals for Muslim students. These meals are prepared separately and meet Halal dietary standards. To ensure fairness:

• Halal dishes are reserved for Muslim students during the first 15 minutes of each meal period.

• After that, they may be shared with other students if portions remain.

This inclusive system has been praised by students from various cultural and religious backgrounds, helping them feel welcome and respected.

Designed for Long-Term Satisfaction

Whether you’re staying for 4 weeks or 6 months, the menu at 3D ACADEMY is designed so that students don’t get tired of the food. With a rotating menu, seasonal adjustments, and international dishes like Korean, Chinese, and Western meals, students can enjoy something different every day—without losing the taste of home.