Eating out in Finland

Yesterday we ate out for the first time. We went to one of the cafeterias at the university in Joensuu. Anyone is welcome to eat there. Students receive a subsidy on the meal by showing their student ID. They serve 5-6 hours daily and offer four choices. The meal includes main dish, drinks, bread and butter (This is Finland remember!), and salad bar. The breads, of course, are amazing. The salads are, of course, european style. The drinks are milk, juice, water, etc. Yesterday, the choices were (1) beetroot soup and something else that I didn't try to read because the soup didn't interest me, (2) tomato meat sauce that was served over potatoes, (3)curried vegetable couscous wrap, and (4) beefsteak and vegetables. The prices ranged from 4-6,15 euros. I can't imagine a better food value for travelers unless you carry bread, cheese, and fruit in your bags. I assume it is possible for travelers to eat at any university in the country. There seems to be a university in virtually every medium to large city. The only other European country I've been to is Germany. So maybe university food service is available all over and I just didn't know it, but this is great for us. We can walk over there in about 10 minutes and the price is great--less than a meal for two at McDonald's in USA. Well, wait, it's less than the cost of a meal at McDonald's or Hesburger's here in Joensuu too. Next week is Indian food week at the university. We'll be there. David ate the beef. I had the couscous and am feeling slightly morally superior in the food department. I'd give the food three stars out of five and five stars for the food value. Oh yes--and the tables had tablecloths on them and fresh flowers as well.