What do non-Americans pack their kids for lunch?

[Anonymous]

Was just looking at the post about lunchables. People generally seem to pack similar things, and I was wondering what parents from other countries pack instead of PBJ, cold cuts, hummus, etc. Looking to expand my repertoire.

[Anonymous]

School cafeteria on France provided balanced, hot meals. Normally included things like grated carrots, followed by chicken, veggies and rice, followed by a piece of cheese or yogurt, then a piece of fruit.

[Anonymous]

family is colombian you could try empanadas, you can buy the discs, in frozen section of international or latino store and fill them with virtually anything, and bake (or fry).

i love naan bread and sometimes make a pizza

or quesadillas/burritos are good can make with cheese and veggies beans rice or salad on side

my son loves rice (coconut rice-sub coconut milk for half the water) and beans topped with a little sour cream salad on side

veggie/hummus wrap with olives cucumbers Mediterranean style and falafel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was just looking at the post about lunchables. People generally seem to pack similar things, and I was wondering what parents from other countries pack instead of PBJ, cold cuts, hummus, etc. Looking to expand my repertoire.

I'm American and I don't pack sandwiches, lunch meat or hummus ever.

The lunches I send in consist of:

1. A fresh fruit of vegetable (Apple, berries, banana, peach, cherries, celery, carrots, cucumbers, etc)

2. Main entree (Mac n cheese, pasta, sliders, hot dog or corn dog, chicken, pizza etc)

3. A treat (string cheese, yogurt, cookies, crackers, chips, piece of candy etc)

4. A drink (juice, water or milk)

This may change based on what he asks for. He just started eating lunch last year. He used to never touch any of the food I sent in. I'm thrilled that he will actually eat now, so I try to keep a good variety/balance to encourage him to continue eating lunch at school. I also let him buy from time to time.

[Anonymous]

I haven't started packing lunchboxes yet (still in preschool), but I plan to do a mix of Indian/American. For example:

Brown rice and quinoa mixed with corn, green beans (sauteed in butter) with a side of black bean soup and fruit.
Masala Oats mixed with vegetables with a side of plain yogurt and fruit.
PB&J sandwich with a side of vegetables and a piece of fruit.
Chicken Salad Sandwich with a piece of fruit.
Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas with a side of vegetable and a piece of fruit.
Home made pizza.


So yeah, I don't see non American menu in my examples above. Also, I have to figure out how much they will be able to finish in 30 minutes and convenience factor. A lot of this is what I think NOW, depending upon real experience I could be planning a different menu. Also, my kids eat Indian food all the time but in the day they have lunch with their nanny, so lunch is delicious but never Indian.

[Anonymous]

Also, cold cut meats are processed and not a good option f you want to eat meat.

[Anonymous]

In my country there was no idea of a "packed lunch". at lunchtime we would go outside and pick fruits and vegetables from the surrounding school farm for our lunch. Once a week, from middle school onward, we would participate in the slaughter of a lamb or sheep, which we would process and would provide our protein for the week.

I was 23 the first time I saw a zip-lock bag. I will never forget just opening and closing it, again and again. Such a wonder!

[Anonymous]

I'm Puerto Rican and used to be embarrassed by the flan and leftover rice and beans in my lunches.

[Anonymous]

My H is Italian and it is running joke in their family about their lunches being huge Italian meals.

[Anonymous]

I'm Indian and I just pack leftovers from dinner. Most of the food I make is vegan so it's not a big deal if it's at room temp until lunchtime.

[Anonymous]

Do you send meals that are meant to be eaten warm even though the kid can't heat them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my country there was no idea of a "packed lunch". at lunchtime we would go outside and pick fruits and vegetables from the surrounding school farm for our lunch. Once a week, from middle school onward, we would participate in the slaughter of a lamb or sheep, which we would process and would provide our protein for the week.

I was 23 the first time I saw a zip-lock bag. I will never forget just opening and closing it, again and again. Such a wonder!

Wow. That's really interesting. Where are you from??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you send meals that are meant to be eaten warm even though the kid can't heat them?

I send meals that are usually eaten warm, but it's not a big deal if they aren't warm. It's like how you can eat pizza or fried chicken cold as well as warm. If you have a kid who won't eat warm items cold, then of course you have to figure something else out.

[Anonymous]

Rice, seaweed packet, and whatever leftover meat we had the night before, plus other things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm Puerto Rican and used to be embarrassed by the flan and leftover rice and beans in my lunches.

Lol ha I know what u mean my kid is 3 so I think I can get away with it this year. : )