The opening of Locus’ doors this Thursday was greeted by loud cheers of the people waiting outside. They had stood in the rain for half an hour to secure one of the coveted spots for Ärtan, and within minutes all seats were filled. The air smelling vaguely of ärtsoppa, pea soup, had the crowd buzzing in anticipation of the meal to come.

Every Thursday, the native delicacy is served by volunteers of Medicinska Föreningen. For the student-friendly price of 35 kr you get a serving of soup with bread, Swedish pancakes with jam, whipped cream and ice-cream as well as unlimited coffee and tea. As a special treat for Premiärtan, attendees were also treated to a brownie bite, marking the kickoff of the season in style. While everyone enjoyed their lunch, questions regarding not only the experience of this opening but also the secret ingredient in the traditional MF pea soup arose. Some brave students dared to speculate on it.

Lindsay T2 Medicine

Among the buzzing crowd, we sat down with Lindsay, a second-term medical student. Having recently wrapped up her time as a fadder during the novice period, she was excited to relax with friends over a hearty meal. When asked what she thought of Premiärtan, Lindsay said she loved both the delicious food and the cozy atmosphere. Having attended Ärtan many times, she was no stranger to the concept but raved that Premiärtan was especially good. As for the secret ingredient? After a brief pause, she joked, ‘Bärfis,’ an inside joke among her friends.

Jan T1 Biomedicine

We had the absolute privilege to interview a local celebrity, Jan. He is not only a democratically elected Biomed Best Novisch 2024, but he’s also a pea soup connoisseur and, very clearly, a bread aficionado. 

How was your pea soup experience today? ”A-A-Amazing! (”Amazing” song from the Novisch period) I’d rate it even higher than the first one served only to the novisch!” (Is it the improved chefs? The enhanced vibes? Or maybe… a secret ingredient?)

What is the secret ingredient that makes pea soup so good? ”Jan didn’t hesitate for a second. “It’s cat hair,” he said with full confidence. Wait—what? Is the vegan pea soup… not actually vegan? Ärtan, we need answers!” Meow?

Simon T3 Medicine

Some people like to work and some like to enjoy the products of this work. Today, Simon is one for the second job. He states: „My friends are arranging the Pea Soup Thursday and it’s really nice to see them in action.” Also, he seems to be quite satisfied by their work, as he compliments the soup in several ways: “Fantastic, really! 10 out of 10!”

The question regarding the secret ingredient he answers in the only acceptable way for a proper and competent medicine student: “It must be opium!”

Lydia T1 Medicine

If you’re ever looking for a synonym for “lucky,” you should absolutely think of “Lydia”. After all, how else would you describe someone who managed to be one of the last people to enter Locus before the rest of the queue was left stranded—with somber faces and empty stomachs?

Here’s how she summed up her pea soup experience at PremiÄRT: “Overall, the food was delicious! Unfortunately, the Pea Soup Committee underestimated the demand, and quite a few of us were left soup-less.” (Ärtan, any comments? We still love you, though.)

And what about the secret ingredient? Lydia’s theory? “Ear wax,” she typed confidently. “That mushy texture has to come from somewhere!”. Well done – not only a possible answer, but it is backed up with some complex evidence! We think you might be onto something!

Ahmed T1 Biomedicine

In the end one burning question remains: After hearing many rumors and speculations about the secret ingredient including cat hair, ear wax, bärfis and opium, we’re all longing for the truth. So whom to ask, if not one of the cooks themselves: Ahmed from the Biomed Programme.

Ahmed describes his first ever work-experience for MF as follows: “It was so much fun and the three hours of work passed by in no time. I really liked, that everyone was helping everyone.” To make us jealous he adds: „Also: free pea soup for me from now on!”

Pea Soup, that contains – as he finally solves the big secret about the special ingredient – „a mixture of love and friendship and MSG!”

~Elsa, Tara & Maria