After a long, seemingly inescapable fourth period, students leave their classes, into the brightness of the noon sun, and file directly into the school lunch lines, ready to take advantage of the free lunch the state provides. Some students debate furiously every day in the lunch line as they wait to punch in their student ID and receive their lunch, with the same question taking up all of the space in their minds: What should I eat today?

It may seem quite silly, dedicating so much time to weighing the pros and cons of each entree. But deciding what will fuel you through the day is a serious matter. As a dedicated school lunch eater, trust me when I say I can confidently judge what the cream of the crop is when it comes to lunch. So, allow me to alleviate the pressure of making decisions for all the indecisive students out there and inform you precisely of the food items that are a must-have.

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Pizza (Everyday)

This item is undoubtedly an Ayala lunch staple. Every day of the week, it is always a simple item to fall back on whenever you are not quite sure what you are craving. (Because, believe me, you will always be craving a slice of pizza.) Pepperoni, cheese, veggie, or even jalapeño pepperoni pizza are readily available, with flavorful toppings and the perfect crunchy crust at the end.

Chicken and Cheese Tamale (Monday and Thursday)

Though the tamale is a relatively new addition to the menu, it was instantly added to my lunch rotation. Wrapped in warm corn husk, the masa-to-filling ratio is simply perfect. Then, you add some Tapatío to the mix, and the party really gets started. They always taste fresh and come out piping hot, garnering anticipation among the student body for the item.

Spicy Chicken Sandwich (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday)

This sandwich was there for me at my lows and stayed with me at my highs. It is the principle of what school lunch is meant to be: easy to eat, with little to no mess, and, most importantly, really, really yummy. The crispy chicken patty squished between the toasty buns never gets old, and the spice level is just the right amount to not be too overwhelming.

Loaded BBQ Cheeseburger (Thursday)

This menu option comes with a special, and very much welcomed, surprise. The idea of biting into what seems to be a regular, boring cheeseburger quickly unravels upon closer inspection as the barbecue sauce and onion rings add a burst of flavor that dances on your tongue. Balancing the necessary crunch of the onion rings and the softness of the patty, it’s perfect to eat as you wind down at lunch.

Mango Habanero Wings Box (Friday)

This is a no-brainer. I am sure every student at Ayala has witnessed the fanatics this box causes as some students run full throttle to the closest lunch line with the hopes that they can have the treasured wings, biscuit, and tater tots combo for themselves. It truly is a treat to end the week by biting into the moist bread after devouring the savory tater tots and wings.

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Throughout the years, as lunch items come and go, there are always some foods that truly stick with you, making eating not just a bodily function but a thoroughly enjoyable task. However, keep in mind that these are strictly my opinions, and of course, everyone’s tastes vary, so always explore what will make your day a little better.

Hopefully, next time you wait in a ridiculously long lunch line, watching as, tragically, ten students cut in front of you, you think of the reprieve of the cool apple berry juice, finding the perfectly ripe apple slices, the sweetest orange, and one of these food items that will power you through the rest of the school day.