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Say no to sad sandwiches: load up lunchboxes with global flavors

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By Robin Donovan

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Back to school got you down? Jazz up those lunchboxes with a global twist! From samosas to shawarma, we’ve curated a delicious world tour that is anything but boring Ready for a midday global getaway? These 29 exciting recipes are perfect for lunch on the go.

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Samosas

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Take a trip to India every lunchtime with Samosas, a hand-held delight suitable for your lunch box. The crispy pastries are filled with a combination of potatoes, peas, and spices, providing a savory escape during school breaks.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Beef Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Travel to Latin America with Beef Empanadas made in an air fryer. Using store-bought pie crusts, these empanadas encase a savory beef filling, making them a lunchbox favorite with global flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Low angle shot of vietnamese summer rolls with edible flowers.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls are a passport to refreshing global flavors. Encasing rice noodles, pickled carrots, veggies, and herbs, they’re a nourishing and visually appealing lunchbox choice.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Thai Curry Puffs

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.
Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transport to Thailand with easy homemade Thai curry puffs. These flaky pastries contain a blend of chicken and potatoes seasoned with traditional Thai spices, perfect for a lunchtime getaway.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Pork Belly Banh Mi

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Experience Vietnam at lunchtime with Pork Belly Banh Mi. The sandwich’s mix of textures and flavors transforms any lunchbox into a culinary journey.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Indian Frankies

Hand holding a frankie roll with two more rolls in the background.
Indian Frankies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The veg frankie recipe introduces India’s vegetarian street food to lunchboxes. Spicy chutney, potatoes, and onions wrapped in flaky paratha promise a flavorful lunch.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies

Chicken Tikka Wrap

low angle shot of 3 filled chicken tikka wraps.
Chicken Tikka Wrap. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Wrap provides a taste of North India. Filled with chicken tikka and veggies, it promises a flavorful midday meal with an international flair.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elevate your lunchbox with Chicken Kathi Rolls. Soft roti encases yogurt-marinated chicken, chutney, onions, and herbs, offering a gourmet Indian touch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Paneer Rolls

Hand holding paneer roll.
Paneer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Celebrate the vibrancy of Indian street food with Paneer Rolls. They combine baked paneer, roti, cabbage, onion salad, and Cilantro Mint Chutney, making them a lunchbox delight.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls

Yum Woon Sen

Yum woon sen salad on a white plate with a green napkin.
Yum Woon Sen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Add Southeast Asian flair with Yum Woon Sen, a Thai Glass Noodle Salad. It merges meat, shrimp, veggies, and tangy dressing for a refreshing lunchbox meal.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps bring Middle Eastern tastes to the lunchbox. Paired with Lemon Tahini Sauce, they’re a quick yet authentic midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Onion Samosas

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Explore India’s flavors with Onion Samosas. These pastries hold spiced caramelized onions and are ideal when paired with tamarind or cilantro chutney for a complete lunchbox experience.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosass

Chicken Yaki Udon

chicken yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks beside a wok.
Chicken Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the warmth of chicken and cream cheese wrapped in a golden crescent, offering a comforting global meal kids will adore.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Yaki Udon

Burger Mini Bites

Mini burgers with parsley.
Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Burger Mini Bites infuse lunchboxes with fun, global flavors. These no-bun bites packed with veggies offer a wholesome international touch.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites

Sesame Crackers

Sesame Keto Crackers in a white jug.
Sesame Crackers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Explore global gourmet with Sesame Crackers. Their crispy texture and almond flour base showcase a delicious international snack perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Crackers

Cloud Egg Crisps

Cloud Egg Crisps on a plate with wine in the background.
Cloud Egg Crisps. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Cloud Egg Crisps introduce a global snacking sensation. Free from gluten and grains, they’re the pinnacle of international lunchbox delights.
Get the Recipe: Cloud Egg Crisps

Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga Fries serves in a glass.
Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Change up your fry routine with Rutabaga Fries. This healthier alternative brings a global twist to lunchtime, ensuring a flavorful choice.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Hummus stuffed pretzel bites.
Stuffed Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dehydrated strawberries add global excitement to lunchboxes. Crispy and sweet, they can be made in multiple ways, ensuring a delightful midday snack.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Turkey Burger Sliders

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Journey to Japan with Chicken Yaki Udon. The stir-fry with udon noodles and chicken offers a unique international touch to lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Air Fryer Drumsticks elevate lunchboxes, introducing the global joy of crispy chicken. They’re a convenient and exciting international choice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Banana Coconut Muffins bring the tropics to lunchtime. Handheld and easy to eat, they add a global touch to any midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks

Banana Coconut Muffins

Stack of banana coconut muffins on a white plate with chocolate chips scattered around.
Banana Coconut Muffins. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Salad Wraps offer a global alternative to sandwiches. Packed with flavor, they allow for international creativity in lunchtime choices.
Get the Recipe: Banana Coconut Muffins

Chicken Salad Wraps

Chicken salad wrap cut open on a blue plate.
Chicken Salad Wraps. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience the joy of Ham and Cheese Biscuits with a playful international twist. Bite into fluffy biscuits to discover a world of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Wraps

Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Ham and cheese biscuits cut in half with mustard dipping sauce.
Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crescent roll bagel dogs introduce global fun to lunchboxes. Perfectly delicious, they’ll have classmates envious of the international touch.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Blend Italy and America with a lasagna pizza bagel. Its cheesy goodness offers a unique global taste to school lunches.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Lasagna Pizzas

Image shows a close up of a Lasagna Pizza Appetizer topped with freshly grated parmesan sitting on a white plate with another one in the background.
Lasagna Pizzas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy global snacking with crispy pretzel bites. These bite-sized treats are an international crowd-pleaser for all lunch occasions.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas

Pretzel Bites

Image shows a bowl filled with homemade Pretzel Bites.
Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Puff pastry beef empanadas offer a Latin American bite. Combining beef and pastry, they’re an international treat for any lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sink your teeth into the savory goodness of puff pastry beef empanadas, a delectable summer appetizer that combines tender beef and flaky pastry for a satisfying bite. These handheld treats are perfect for any gathering or party.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

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