Ditch dull sandwiches: 27 recipes to globalize lunch

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Tired of the same old sandwiches? If lunchtime has become a predictable parade of the usual suspects, and your taste buds are pleading for a change of pace, then you’re in luck. These recipes promise to refresh your lunchbox with exciting global flavors.

It’s high time we gave our lunchboxes a passport to global cuisine. With these 27 recipes at your fingertips, you’ll find flavors from various corners of the world, making midday meals anything but mundane.

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.

On your next lunchbreak, enjoy Samosas, a hand-held delight from India that’s suitable for your lunch box. These crispy pastries are filled with a mix of potatoes, peas, and spices.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Beef Empanadas

Beef Empanadas offer Latin American flare. These are made in an air fryer using store-bought pie crust, making them unbelievably easy to whip up. The savory beef filling makes them a lunchbox favorite with global flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Vietnamese Summer Rolls make a perfect lunch. A rice paper wrapper holds rice noodles, pickled carrots, veggies, and herbs, they’re a nourishing and visually appealing lunchbox choice.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

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.

The classic vietnamese sandwich gets a serious glow up with a filling of hoisin-glazed pork belly. The sandwich’s mix of textures and flavors transforms any lunchbox into a culinary journey.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Chicken Tikka Wrap

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

Thai Curry Puffs

These homemade Thai Curry Puffs will transport you to Thailand. A flaky pastry crust contains a mix of chicken and potatoes with authentic Thai seasonings, perfect for a lunchtime getaway.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Indian Frankies

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

Veg Frankies are a popular Indian street food and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them here. Spicy chutney, potatoes, and onions wrapped in flaky paratha promise a flavorful lunch.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Chicken Kathi Rolls are another popular Indian street food wrap. Soft roti encases yogurt-marinated chicken, chutney, onions, and herbs, offering a gourmet Indian touch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Paneer Rolls

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

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Chicken shawarma wrap with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. 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

Yum Woon Sen

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

Onion Samosas

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

Vegetable yaki udon in a white bowl.
Vegetable 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

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

Cloud Egg Crisps

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

Sesame Crackers

Sesame Keto Crackers in a white jug.
Sesame Low Carb Crackers Recipe. 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

Rutabaga Fries

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

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 platter.
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

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

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

Chicken Salad Wraps

Chicken salad wrap cut open on a blue plate.
Asian 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

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

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

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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