The idea of eating healthy is gaining popularity among young people, and the cafe Prepa, who recently opened their doors to the students of AUA, aims to serve the trend. Prepa offers balanced bowls, salads, sandwiches, cookies, but their prices might not suit every student’s budget.
Prepa positions itself as more than a cafe “a new form of lifestyle.” At first glance, the menu seems diverse, yet vegan and lactose-free options are limited. Senior EC student Meghrie Yaacobian shared her experience. “Usually the university cafeteria only offers buckwheat and rice, which are the only thing I can eat because I follow a plant-based lifestyle, but it gets boring,” she said. “At first, I was excited, by seeing Prepa opening at the university, until I saw that there weren’t many options for me, and the prices are a bit too high for a university student.”
Despite being expensive, some students like visiting Prepa and even have preferred dishes. Senior EC student Astghik Papikyan said, “My favorite food at Prepa is the ham and cheese sandwich. They offer it daily, yet limited. Although it’s my favorite sandwich, it is a little overpriced.”
She added that the same applies to Prepa’s drinks. “An iced cappuccino at Prepa costs 1300 AMD, but I could barely taste the coffee. It was mostly milk. Other drinks cost even more.”
Despite the high prices, Prepa remains to be a preferred spot for some students. Short breaks and long cafeteria lines make it a convenient choice for grabbing a quick, energizing lunch. “There is barely enough space for staff, faculty and students at the cafeteria,” Astghik said. Beyond the taste and availability of food options, Astghik thinks of Prepa as an aesthetic place with a pleasant interior. “I believe some people go there for the vibes or they have more money than others,” she added.
Prepa may not be the most budget-friendly alternative on campus, but it offers a fresh take on quick lunching and a welcoming space for students, faculty and staff.
