In the centre of Campus East, the recently renovated Ron Cooke Hub is hiding the newest and most exciting Campus Cafe. There’s something for everyone whether you’re running to a 9am, catching up with coursemates or settling into a study session. We couldn’t resist checking out Campus’ newest cafe.
Sriracha Prawn Okonomiyaki (£5.20)
We started off with Okonomiyaki, a recently viral Japanese pancake, it’s the most unique item on the menu. Similar to a fritter, its batter holds together grated vegetables and is cooked until the outside is crispy.
We opted for the Sriracha Prawn topping (£5.20), however the classic variety is relatively inexpensive at £4.25. The sauce was mildly spicy and great at helping to pair the pancake with its toppings. Quick and filling, it would make a perfect lunch between lectures or snack on a busy day.
Shakshuka (£5.10)
Next on the menu was Shakshuka – a rich blend of harissa, onions, peppers and tomatoes topped with eggs. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, this beloved North African dish is becoming popular worldwide and has finally found its way to York. We added feta cheese and spinach for an extra 10p (£5.20) and we’d definitely recommend this addition if you want to balance out the strong tomatoey flavour.
Smoked Tofu Ramen (£5.25)
Ron Cooke is offering its own version on this timeless student favourite. With a range of options including Chicken, Sriracha Prawn and Tofu there’s something for everyone whether you’re vegan or a die-hard meat eater.
We chose the Tofu option, the broth had a slightly smoky flavour and a warming mildly spicy aftertaste which will be ideal in the freezing winter months. The udon noodles were mixed with shredded vegetables and topped with firm tofu and oyster mushrooms, making a healthy, hearty lunch.
While over half the menu options are vegetarian this is the only vegan option on the menu aside from a falafel sandwich (£4.10), this is definitely something to bear in mind before visiting. We would recommend the Vegan Tofu Ramen and hopefully more options will be made available.
Biscoff Crumble Pot (£4.25)
In recent years Crumble Pots have become a hit on social media, being sold across the country including in York’s own Shambles Market. Ron Cooke’s varieties include Oreo, Nutella and a Classic Apple Crumble but we chose the Biscoff. The warm cinnamon flavours, perfected crumbly topping, and soft apple filling all make this an instant autumn favourite you’ve got to try.
Bubble Tea (£4.75)
The cafe menu advertises a variety of boba flavours to choose between – all fruit syrups with popping fruit pearls. Unfortunately, when we visited the cafe was running low on stock. The only flavour left was Pineapple with Strawberry pearls but regardless this was a refreshing combination which went amazingly with our meal.
Although quite pricey for a drink, it comes in a regular sized cup. Making Ron Cooke a little cheaper than many of the bubble tea shops in the city centre and a great option for when you’re looking to treat yourself.
★★★★★
Aside from those living and studying there, most of us rarely make the trek over to Campus East. However, could this be about to change? The renovations have established East as the perfect spot for a study date. Open from 8.30 am-3.30 pm (serving food until 3 pm), the cafe itself is in the building’s atrium sectioned off by bookshelves to help create the cosy study atmosphere we all need as semester drags on. With beautiful views and student friendly prices, Ron Cooke sets itself apart from many of the silent study spaces across campus and we’ll definitely be heading back soon.
