U.Va. Dine plans to extend the availability of meals at central dining locations for Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, according to U.Va. Dine Marketing Manager Andrew Smith. Ramadan began Tuesday and will end March 19 — U.Va. Dine’s plans include altering hours with a pre-dawn meal and an evening, fast-breaking meal for students observing Ramadan, and adding accommodating foods for the duration of the holy month.
During Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, days are structured around fasting from dawn to sunset and are designed for spiritual reflection, charity and prayer. Days during the holy month begin with the pre-dawn meal — Suhoor — to sustain energy for the day, and the evening fast-breaking meal — Iftar.
The Observatory Hill Dining Hall has increased both hours and dining options for students observing Ramadan. For Suhoor, food options such as omelets, fresh fruit and a waffle bar will be served at O’HIll. For Iftar, food options at O’Hill include chicken and cauliflower curry and ginger soy salmon.
Smith also noted that the U.Va. Dine chefs have developed a rotating menu to ensure there is a different selection of meals each day during Iftar. Specifically, the Iftar menus will vary daily, and dishes will include chicken and cauliflower red curry, ginger soy salmon and Thai red curry chicken.
“For Iftar, O’Hill will offer hot soup alongside a main vegetarian entrée and a halal animal protein option, complemented by a variety of sides,” Smith said. “Students are welcome to dine in or use a Reuse Pass container to take their meals to go.”
Specifically for Suhoor, students can expect the regular options for breakfast such as made-to-order omelets, a self-serve waffle bar, a bagel bar, fresh fruit, dates and more each day. These offerings are designed to provide a variety of nutritious meals to “support the health of students observing Ramadan,” according to U.Va Dine.
Smith added that many dining locations on Grounds offer halal-certified options, including Za’atar at The Castle and food offered from the grab-and-go restaurants at Crossroads — Hoos Hot Chicken, Twisted Tortilla and Rice Bowl Express. The other dining hall options at the University — Newcomb Dining Hall and Runk Dining Hall — will also offer halal options during Ramadan, but will operate on regular hours of operation.
In addition to the increased dining options at O’Hill, U.Va. Dine is also expanding hours to accommodate members of the University community observing Ramadan, according to Smith. Along with regular hours, O’Hill will be open from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. for Suhoor and 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for Iftar from Feb. 17 to March 7. The regular dinner hours at O’Hill are from 5 to 8 p.m.
The O’Hill hours during Ramadan will change slightly from March 8 to March 19 due to Daylight Savings. Suhoor will be held from 5 to 7 a.m., and Iftar will be held from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Though all dining changes were made with students observing Ramadan in mind, Smith said the food options will be available for everyone.
Finally, Smith added that in previous years, O’Hill has closed during spring break. This year, however, Ramadan overlaps with spring break, and the dining hall will continue to operate and accommodate students observing Ramadan.
“[Remaining open during Spring Break] ensures that Muslim students — particularly international students and those who are unable to travel home — continue to have access to halal Iftar meals and a supportive dining environment throughout the break,” Smith said.
Dining hall hours of operation and menus can be accessed through the U.Va. Dine website.
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