From pocket money to pre-orders: the UAE school canteen we remember
Before the apps, there were a few dirhams and a long queue There was a time when going to the school canteen was a daily negotiation. Not with an app. Not with a QR code. Not with a notification telling you that your order had been placed. Just you, a few dirhams in your pocket and the hope that the samosa you wanted had not already sold out. For many students in the UAE, the school canteen was…
The school canteen in the UAE was once a lively hub of activity, where students would gather to purchase snacks, drinks and meals before recess. The experience was simple: students would carry a few dirhams in their pockets and anxiously wait in line, often mentally calculating their options. Coins, such as AED 1, AED 2 and AED 5, were collected and saved throughout the week, sometimes even surviving the entire week without being spent.
The school tuck shop was more than just a place to buy food; it was a daily social event. Students would see their entire friendship group, often including friends who had arrived before everyone else. Asking a friend for an extra dirham was almost a rite of passage, as the coins meant a lot in those days.
Today, school canteens in the UAE have evolved with technology. Students can use school apps or digital payment systems to pre-order their meals, making the process faster and more convenient. However, for those who grew up with the old system, there is a nostalgic charm to the experience. The sound of coins hitting the counter, the excitement of seeing what was available, and the feeling of finally reaching the front of the queue are memories that many cherish.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
