It was the reliable Tianjin series. I had been looking forward to trying the Tianjin Kimcheese since I heard it was being offered for a limited time. Tianjin never disappoints in terms of deliciousness, and it paired well with the Kimcheese. However, despite being called Kimcheese, I felt like there was a small amount of cheese (maybe it's just my taste buds), and I could only occasionally taste the cheese. Nevertheless, it was delicious, so I would like to have it again for at least one more meal. Thank you for the meal!

I am on a business trip in Osaka for training. One of my daily pleasures is exploring different foods. With the easing of emergency declarations and other preventive measures due to the new coronavirus, my fieldwork has increased gradually. During this time, I have visited Osaka University a few times for academic and research purposes. Osaka University has three main campuses - Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh. The engineering departments are located in Suita and Toyonaka, and I had the opportunity to visit both. One day, before heading to Toyonaka campus, a colleague excitedly told me about the famous dish there called "Tianjin Mapo Tofu," or simply "Tenma." I was intrigued by this university having a signature dish in its cafeteria. Private universities sometimes outsource their cafeterias, like when I visited Nihon University's Fujisawa campus where there was a restaurant called Bashamichi. Toyonaka campus is accessible by the Osaka Monorail and Hankyu Railway, with the engineering departments mainly on the monorail side. On a visit to the campus, I discovered a cafeteria in the library basement called "Library Basement Cafeteria" that had a special section for "Tianjin Mapo Tofu." However, I learned that they only serve it at night, not during lunchtime. But during a visit in mid-November, I saw a poster announcing that Tianjin Mapo Tofu would be available during lunchtime at the Toyonaka Welfare Hall on the 3rd floor. This confirmed the dish's popularity. I had a chance that week to visit Toyonaka campus for lunch. The campus was bustling with students, and there was a long line for the Tianjin Mapo Tofu. I joined the queue and noticed that I was one of the few women among mostly young male students. After a 10-minute wait, I reached the serving counter, where I saw a notice saying that they were not serving curry that day, only the special dish. This experience made me appreciate the history and tradition behind this beloved dish at Osaka University.

The university cafeteria in April is very crowded, so please avoid going during lunchtime if you are not a student! Access information to the 3rd floor cafeteria dining hall at the Co-op: The nearest stations are Ishibashi Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line and Shibahara Station on the Osaka Monorail, both about a 15-minute walk away. It is located inside the Osaka University Toyonaka Campus. The Co-op building called Fukuri Kaikan houses the cafeteria. The entrance to the dining hall is here. You enter from the 3rd floor entrance, up a slight slope, not on the 1st or 2nd floors where stationery and books are sold. Once inside the 3rd floor dining hall, wash your hands first and pick up a tray. It is a cafeteria style, so choose what you want to eat, place it on the tray, and pay at the register. The menu for today's main dish is written near the entrance. The university cafeteria is indeed cheap. In addition to the main dish, there are side dishes, salads, desserts, etc. They also offer Halal options. From the counter, pick what you want to eat. You can choose the size of the rice as well. Finally, pay at the register. If asked, "Do you have a card?" they are referring to the university Co-op membership card. If you don't have it, there will be a 5% surcharge. Utensils like chopsticks and spoons are available at the register, so don't forget to take them. Sit at your favorite seat. Water, tea, salad dressings, and sauces are available outside the register area. After finishing your meal, return the tray and dishes to the designated area. On your way out, take a different route down the stairs before the entrance, as it is the proper way. I will find a less crowded time to visit the university cafeteria again!