A Small Taste of The Correctional Culinary Experience
A prison is probably the last place you’d expect to have a good meal. And, in most cases, you’d be right. But despite any preconceptions you may have, you may be surprised to discover that many prisoners are probably eating better than you — while others are just downright suffering. So let’s take a quick look at 20 examples of what prison food looks like around the world.
1. United States
Although US prisons vary across different states, most inmates can expect to receive a decent albeit highly processed and bland meal. Often devoid of any fresh ingredients, US prison meals will generally contain a protein, a starch and a vegetable.
2. Denmark
Prisoners in Denmark’s Storstrøm prison are treated to delicious meals — that they cook themselves! About 65% of the inmates at Storstrøm work as cooks, where they carefully craft meals that are meticulously planned and budgeted for at the start of the week. From baking cakes for their loved ones to cooking up some succulent Greek meatballs with couscous and feta, Danish prisoners are getting a truly unique penitentiary experience.
3. Russia
Russia is infamous for having some of the most gruelling and treacherous prison systems in the world. The often over-crowded and decrepit prisons were all built during the Soviet era and the food they serve will generally consist of porridge, a boiled egg, and some fruit on special occasions.
National Cancer Institute on Wikimedia Commons
4. Norway
Norway’s lauded emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures extends to its prison food offerings as well. In addition to allowing inmates access to the communal kitchen where they can cook their own meals, many Norwegian prisons are catered by local retirement homes that deliver bland but balanced meals.
5. United Kingdom
UK prisons are generally well-maintained, often providing their inmates with hearty and nutritious meals. These typically balanced, albeit somewhat bland, meals may include items like macaroni and cheese, a frozen sausage roll, and a piece of fruit.
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6. South Korea
Although relatively carb-heavy, prisoners in Korea can expect to receive 3 meals a day, most of which mirror a typical Korean diet. Prison dishes may include Kongbap (an instant dish featuring rice and beans), kimchi, and bone marrow and veggie soup.
7. India
Although prisons vary across India, most inmates can expect vegetarian meals containing little to no spice. Often accompanied by a cup of tea, Indian inmates are given 3 meals a day that usually consist of rice, dal, and vegetable curry or roti.
8. China
A Chinese prison probably isn’t the first place you’d want to have a meal in. With limited quantities of protein and fresh ingredients, inmates in Chinese prisons are typically fed a meal of rice, turnips, and some pork fat.
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9. Germany
German prisons focus on providing inmates with nutritionally complete meals, even going so far as to accommodate dietary needs as well. Inmates can expect to receive food that mirrors traditional German cuisine with items like bread dumplings and gravy with a side of Brussels sprouts.
Photo by Jens Riesenberg on Unsplash
10. Mexico
Mexican prison food is a far cry from the cuisine the country is known for. For example, prisoners at the Reclusorio Preventivo Nort facility in Mexico City are typically fed an onion soup consisting of onions, meat, and soybeans.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
11. Thailand
Despite Thailand’s world-renowned culinary prowess, prisoners in their prison system are treated to anything but a decent meal. Horror stories emerging from the notorious prison system depict mess halls full of prisoners waiting in line for steamed rice husks and murky soups that even the cats throw up.
12. Lebanon
Inmates at Lebanon’s Roumieh prison are fed decently well — if you consider the fact that the prison is reportedly 300% over capacity! The Middle East’s largest prison regularly feeds its inmates a large shared plate of hummus with rounds of naan to dip.
Photo by Ludovic Avice on Unsplash
13. Sweden
Along with having their very own fully-equipped rooms as well as state-of-the-art athletic facilities, Swedish prisoners can also expect to receive nutritious and delicious meals. A typical Swedish prison meal will contain items like Swedish meatballs with gravy, steamed veggies, mashed potatoes and even a flavoured yogurt for dessert.
14. New Zealand
Despite reports of severe overcrowding, the New Zealand prison system has been able to provide its over 9000 inmates with balanced and nutritious meals. Although quite bland, a typical prison meal could be a plate with chicken sausage, steamed veggies, and plain crackers.
Nate Cull on Wikimedia Commons
15. South Africa
South African prisons aren’t known for their comfort and hospitality, but that doesn’t mean the food is all that bad. Prison food in South Africa is generally grown by inmates on farms in the prison itself and a common meal may contain over-roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob.
Photo by Denis Agati on Unsplash
16. Canada
Despite providing inmates with a varied and balanced diet, food in the Canadian prison system is not something you would describe as “tasty.” Although inmates are provided 3 meals a day of what seems like good food (i.e. eggs, burgers, fruit, etc), meals in the Canadian prison system are often described as bland, tasteless, and highly processed.
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17. Japan
Placing a heavy emphasis on simple yet nutritious meals, Japanese prisoners can expect to eat fairly well relative to their circumstances. A Japanese prison meal will typically contain a helping of rice with grilled fish, pickled veggies, and a portion of miso soup.
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18. Finland
Prisoners in Finland are treated to an experience that prioritizes rehabilitation rather than punishment. As such, you can find remarkable stories about prisoners who fish and forage their own food in places like Sulkava prison. Or Suomenlinna prison off the coast of Helsinki where prisoners can enjoy a salad bar and fresh rye bread.
Photo by Patryk Pastewski on Unsplash
19. El Salvador
El Salvador’s infamous mega-jail known as CECOT (Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo) is no joke. As one of the world’s most restrictive and controversial prisons, CECOT affords no comfort to its population of suspected gang members. Here, prisoners are given rice, beans, hard-boiled eggs or pasta, which they must eat with their hands as prison officials fear utensils could easily be fashioned into weapons.
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20. France
France’s prison system has been the subject of increased criticism over the years, particularly stemming from overcrowding and limited resources. Sadly, French prison food is a far cry from the cuisine France is known for. A typical meal might contain cheesy pancakes, boiled chicken, and some leafy greens served with a glass of milk.
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