lunch Recipes
23 delicious lunch recipes from around the world
Authentic Cornish Pasty
A traditional Cornish pasty, a hearty and portable meal consisting of a rich shortcrust pastry filled with tender beef, potato, swede (rutabaga), and onion, crimped along the side. Originally a miner's lunch.
Bifana (Portuguese Pork Sandwich)
A beloved Portuguese street food classic, the Bifana features thinly sliced pork marinated in a flavorful blend of white wine, garlic, and paprika, then quickly cooked and served in a crusty roll, often with a generous smear of mustard. The bread is typically dipped in the flavorful pan juices for an extra burst of taste.
Croque Monsieur
A classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich, elevated with a rich béchamel sauce and topped with melted Gruyère. For a Croque Madame, simply add a fried egg on top.
Galette Bretonne (Savory Buckwheat Crêpe)
A classic Breton savory crêpe made from buckwheat flour, traditionally filled with ham, Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly cooked egg. This rustic dish is a staple of Brittany and a delightful, hearty meal.
Italian Frittata
A rustic Italian open-faced omelet, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. This versatile dish features eggs baked with your choice of vegetables or leftover pasta, and is finished with savory Pecorino cheese and fresh herbs.
Prego no Pão (Portuguese Steak Sandwich)
A classic and incredibly simple Portuguese steak sandwich, featuring tender, garlicky steak nestled in a soft bread roll. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Quiche Lorraine
The original French savory tart from Lorraine - a silky egg custard with crispy lardons baked in a buttery, flaky pastry. Simple perfection.
Smørrebrød (Danish Open-Faced Sandwiches)
Smørrebrød are a beloved Danish classic, featuring thick slices of dense rye bread generously buttered and elaborately topped with a variety of ingredients. These open-faced sandwiches are not just a meal but a work of art, typically enjoyed with a knife and fork.
Dürüm Döner (Turkish Döner Wrap)
A classic Turkish street food, this Dürüm Döner features thinly shaved, flavorful döner meat, fresh vegetables, and optional sauces, all wrapped tightly in a soft lavash bread. It's a quick, satisfying, and delicious meal.
Khao Moo Daeng (Thai Red Pork)
A beloved Chinese-Thai staple, Khao Moo Daeng features succulent, tender pork shoulder marinated in a sweet and savory red sauce, then roasted to a beautiful char. It's typically served sliced over steamed rice, accompanied by Chinese sausage, a hard-boiled egg, and a generous drizzle of the rich, sweet gravy.
Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Authentic Thai fried rice featuring fragrant jasmine rice wok-fried with scrambled eggs, your choice of protein, crisp vegetables, and seasoned with savory fish sauce and a bright squeeze of lime. This dish is a staple of Thai street food.
Lontong Sayur
A beloved Indonesian dish featuring compressed rice cakes (lontong) served in a rich and fragrant coconut milk-based vegetable curry, often with fried tofu and tempeh. This version is inspired by the Betawi (Jakarta) tradition.
Samgak Kimbap (Korean Tuna Mayo Triangle Kimbap)
Samgak Kimbap, often found in Korean convenience stores, is a delightful and portable rice ball shaped into a triangle, similar to Japanese onigiri, but with distinctly Korean flavors. This version features a classic tuna mayo filling.
Arepas
Venezuela's staple - griddled corn cakes split open and stuffed with endless combinations of savory fillings. These arepas are naturally gluten-free and a versatile base for any meal.
Classic Club Sandwich
A quintessential triple-decker sandwich featuring layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato, all nestled between perfectly toasted bread and slathered with creamy mayonnaise. Originally invented at the Saratoga Club.
Loco Moco
A hearty Hawaiian comfort food classic featuring a bed of steamed rice, topped with a juicy hamburger patty, a perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk, and smothered in rich brown gravy. Often served with a side of macaroni salad.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
A delightful sweet and savory sandwich featuring layers of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, dipped in an egg batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. It's like a savory French toast sandwich!
Sincronizadas
Sincronizadas are a popular Mexican street food, essentially a 'synchronized' grilled quesadilla. Two flour tortillas are layered with ham and melty Oaxaca cheese, then griddled until golden brown and the cheese is perfectly gooey. It's the ultimate Mexican grilled cheese, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Spam Musubi
A beloved Hawaiian snack, this Spam Musubi features a savory slice of grilled Spam glazed with a sweet and salty sauce, layered over seasoned sushi rice, and wrapped in a crisp sheet of nori.
Virado à Paulista
A quintessential São Paulo mixed plate featuring tutu de feijão (a creamy bean paste), tender pork chop, a perfectly fried egg, sweet fried banana, and sautéed collard greens. A true taste of Paulista tradition.
Bobotie Pies
Delicious individual bobotie pies, featuring a flavorful spiced mince filling encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a light meal.
Eggah (Egyptian Omelette)
A hearty and flavorful Egyptian omelette, similar to a frittata, packed with vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
Quanta Firfir (Ethiopian Dried Beef Firfir)
A hearty and flavorful Ethiopian dish featuring dried spiced beef (quanta) rehydrated and tossed with torn injera bread and a fragrant spiced butter (niter kibbeh). Traditionally a traveler's meal, it's now enjoyed widely.