Apart from experiencing homesickness and loneliness, accessibility to the right kind of food is a very important element in an international student's daily life. The main difficulties that students face with food in Australia, is that they often find it too bland, oily or that the portions of meat served are too large, combined with lots of potatoes and salad. This is where ASA steps in to assist these students. We realize that each Asian country has its own traditional cooking style, yet they all share a passion for flavoursome dishes, with an emphasis on using fresh ingredients. Rice for example is a daily essential requirement and soup is an important accompaniment in most Asian cusines and at ASA. Meal times are held in a happy and friendly atmosphere. The students always look forward to dessert after their evening meal each night.
At ASA the students get to taste dishes from different countries of the world, under one roof. They get exposed to various types of food and they learn to connect and socialize with people from other cultures much easily. Cooking becomes a welcome opportunity and a cherished avenue for Mano's creative expression, rather than just a chore. The tender loving care she puts into food preparation daily, makes a big difference in the quality of flavors and in the presentation, lending depth and soul to the various dishes served.
There may be many varied reasons where, an international student may require separate, special, dietary needs. For example: Due to religious background, student does not eat beef Due to religious background, student does not eat pork. ASA is able to cater for this request, at an extra cost.