If your lunch routine has become a predictable parade of boring sandwiches, it’s time for an upgrade. We’ve curated a slideshow of 25 inventive, packable lunches that span a range of international flavors, from Asian-inspired bites to Latin American classics. Trust us, these recipes are so good, you’ll look forward to lunchtime like never before.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Middle Eastern flavors come alive in these wraps. Chicken is marinated in Shawarma spices and cooked in an Air Fryer for a healthier take.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Samosas
A beloved Indian snack, these pastries add diversity to your midday meal. Filled with potatoes and peas, they’re a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly choice.
Get the Recipe: Samosas
Paneer Rolls
These Indian rolls offer a non-meat alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. Paneer and veggies wrapped in flatbread create a satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls
Chicken Pakora
Fried chicken gets an Indian makeover in this dish. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for snacking or as part of a more substantial meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Chicken Potstickers
A Chinese classic, these potstickers elevate your lunch game. Easy to prepare in batches, they offer a handheld alternative to the basic sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Mochiko Chicken
An Hawaiian delight, Mochiko Chicken brings a touch of the islands to your lunch. The marinated fried chicken is surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Air Fryer Taquitos
This Mexican dish brings crunch to lunch. Prepared in the Air Fryer, they’re a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos
Chicken Tikka Wrap
A portable version of the Indian classic, this wrap spices up your lunch routine. Chicken tikka is enveloped in flatbread for easy eating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap
Yum Woon Sen
This Thai glass noodle salad is far from your average greens. A mix of seafood and veggies keeps it diverse and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen
Thai Curry Puffs
Forget sandwiches, these puffs offer a rich, Thai-flavored alternative. They’re filled with a savory mix of potato, chicken, and spices.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs
Indian Frankies
Essentially India’s answer to wraps, these are packed with flavor. Spiced meat and veggies rolled in flatbread take lunch to a new level.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies
Chicken Kathi Rolls
Another Indian classic, these rolls pack a punch with marinated chicken and fresh veggies. They’re ideal for a mess-free, flavorful lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls
Air Fryer Empanadas
Latin America meets your lunchbox in these Air Fryer Empanadas. They offer a mouthwatering blend of meat and spices within a crispy shell.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas
Pork Belly Banh Mi
This Vietnamese sandwich delivers a satisfying lunch without the usual monotony. Layers of flavorful pork belly are balanced by pickled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi
Onion Samosas
These triangular delights are a crispy break from the norm. Stuffed with spiced onions, they’re a vegetarian option that’s big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas
Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Pretzel bites meet lunchtime in a fusion of fun and flavor. They’re stuffed with ham and cheese, offering a twist on the classic sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
For those who prefer a finger-food lunch, these drumsticks are a solid choice. Prepared in an Air Fryer, they deliver crunch without excess oil.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Chicken Yaki Udon
Japanese noodles offer a hearty alternative to sandwiches. Stir-fried chicken and veggies make this dish both satisfying and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Yaki Udon
Turkey Burger Sliders
Small in size but big on flavor, these sliders are a Western delight. Ground turkey offers a leaner meat option without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Stuffed crescents offer a buttery escape from sandwich mediocrity. Filled with chicken and cheese, they’re an indulgent yet easy lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Think of these as elevated ham and cheese sandwiches. The biscuits add a layer of comfort that turns lunchtime into a small feast.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Chicken Salad Wraps
A lighter option, these wraps still deliver on taste. The chicken salad combines fresh ingredients and mayonnaise for a creamy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Wraps
Lasagna Pizzas
A blend of Italian favorites, these small pizzas are layered with lasagna ingredients. They offer a creative solution for lunchtime doldrums.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas
Burger Mini Bites
If you miss burgers but want something lunchbox-friendly, try these mini bites. They encapsulate all the flavors of a full-sized burger.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
These empanadas take puff pastry to a new level. Filled with spiced beef, they bring a taste of Latin America to your lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas