Students' satisfaction towards cafeteria foods: evidence from Malaysian public universities

This study intended to identify the factors that affect student satisfaction in campus cafeterias at public universities in Klang Valley region of Malaysia. The importance of culinary services as an element of nutrition influences the personal satisfaction of university students. Students' daily diets depend heavily on the canteens and cafeterias. A well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for industrious students, especially those with a demanding learning environment or class schedule. SPSS and Smart PLS were used to analyse data from a sample of 222 students. Food quality, variety, price, and cafeteria hygiene significantly influence student satisfaction in campus cafeterias. The study's findings can assist university administrators in making sound choices regarding cafeteria management, thereby enhancing the culinary experiences of students and boosting their overall satisfaction. The results indicated that the quality of food served in the cafeteria has the most significant impact on student satisfaction through its presentation and taste.