Call us childish, but we love packing our lunch. Sure, the cost has something to do with it (hey, it’s a shitty economy we’ve got here), but mostly we blame it on nostalgia triggered by the start of Fall. Some of the Poor Tasters are going back to class, some are sending their little ones off, and some of us are still rocking the 9-5 shift in front of our Macs. One thing we all have in common — even those of us who work from home in our pajamas — is a giddiness brought about by the recent influx of sleek bento boxes, shiny tiffins, and stylish lunchbags. We picked out the best vessels we could find for our mid-day meal breaks, and scoured our favorite blogs for tasty things to stuff ‘em with. We hope you view this as a guide to a better lunch.
Which ‘wich?
There are few things more satisfying than taking that first bite out of a classic sandwich. However, it seems the older we get, the more stale our old favorites become. Ham and cheese is for kids, and since we’re pretty certain that the addition of roast pork, pickles, and butter makes everything better, sign us up for a Cubano, like this one from More Than Burnt Toast. If you prefer to retain the simplicity of your ham and cheese, just add dough, like in these very adult (and very tasty) Ham & Cheese Pockets from Stolen Moments. While we’re on the subject of traditional sammies, we should address the tuna issue. Soggy, mayo-laden, and pretty stinky by the noon hour, tuna isn’t the best choice for a packed sandwich. That’s why we dig this crunchy version from The Kitchn, which we pack in a little container with a hunk of baguette on the side. The take-along-baguette idea also works well for chicken salad, like this fancy-pants tarragon version from Lottie + Doof. Finally, if you want some serious oomph in your sandwich, we can’t recommend steak highly enough. We’re really into this simple version from Smitten Kitchen.
Salad Days
There’s no need to be sad on salad day if you toss the weepy greens and get creative. Keeping with the indulgent theme of steak, this Steak and Mango salad from Our Best Bites is hard to top. To go power-house healthy (but still end up full), this Superfood Salad from Simply Cooked uses leftover chicken, spinach, quinoa, and heaps of seeds. Another option is to go grainy, like Pinch My Salt does with this minty Whole Wheat Greek Orzo Salad with feta.
Noodled
One of our favorite easy and satisfying lunches is a noodle bowl. A Japanese Hot Pot is a comforting option on a cool day, this mushroom and tofu take from Savory Sweet Life is perfect for slurping. If it’s still sweltering, opt for this cold noodle asparagus number from Not Eating Out in New York. If you’re craving comfort pasta but feel bad shoving mac and cheese down your throat in front of coworkers, try this cheesy baked pasta with collards and bacon from My Kitchen Addiction. The greens make it (kinda?) healthy, and there’s nothing like a mid-work bacon break. Also on the comfort tip — but cheap as hell to make — is this Noodle Kugel recipe from Simmer Till Done. For a sweet treat, make as is, but to go more savory ditch the pineapple and raisins and add more cheese. If you prefer to invent your own noodle dish, this Stupidly Simple Stir-Fry post from the Kitchen Wench makes a great reference.
Rice Bowls
While we’re talking about cheap lunch options, let us express gratitude for the humble rice bowl. Whether it leans Asian, Mexican, or even toward the Bayou, a bowl full of rice is hard to top (unless it’s with sour cream). For a hearty, cheap, and gluten-free red beans and rice, all hail Gluten-Free Girl. As Closet Cooking demonstrates well, deconstructing a burrito into a bowl is delicious (and cheaper than Chipotle). For simplicity with a touch of the exotic, a spicy Poha (beaten rice) is in order. You can make this one from Food Court in a big batch at the start of the week and munch on it through Friday. If you want the spice but also a little Fall flair, try this quick veggie curry with pumpkin from Atlantis Home.
Soup’s On
Speaking of Fall, how excited are you for soup? Tiffin lunch totes are perfect for soup, and we plan to take advantage starting with this seasonal corn chowder with plenty of herbs from La Tartine Gourmande. When you’re having a bum day, dipping a grilled cheese sandwich in some yummy tomato soup is bound to lift your spirits — this soup from the Reluctant Gourmet is easy as hell. Strange as it sounds, dipping that grilled cheese in some carrot soup also warms the soul, particularly if it’s this curry version from Simply Sugar and Gluten Free. And of course, it’s not really Fall until we’re on our billionth batch of butternut squash soup. White on Rice Couple breaks it down and truffles it up well.
Take a Dip
One of the greatest things about packing your lunch as an adult is you get to make important nutritional decisions, like “Dip is now a meal.” This black bean dip from Pinch My Salt packed along with some salsa and tortilla chips is aces. Want something a bit more refined? Try drowning your carrot sticks in this vegan lentil and walnut pate from the Post Punk Kitchen. Want more heat? Green Gourmet Giraffe adapted this muhammara from Chocolate & Zucchini. We’d tote it along as part of a Mediterranean grazing plate. The Stone Soup does a great job of breaking down homemade hummus and falafel.
Bento Fever
Ahh, the Bento Box. What was once only known to us as the lunch special at the corner sushi place is sweeping the nation. Moms everywhere have Bento fever, and we don’t blame ‘em. The rule of thumb is balance — be sure there are a variety of colors represented and you’ll usually be okay. Try mixing and matching recipes from Cooking Cute. If you want to get really creative, you can try making art out of your lunch. Note: we consider PacMan Bento to be a work of art. Adapting an Italian antipasto plate into a Bento works well — we swear by this antipasto guide from The Kitchn — just be sure there are many different colors involved. Think following the Bento school of lunch is going to leave you with too many veggies and not enough tasty junkfood? Try this Buffalo Chicken Bento from Just Bento on for size.
The Lunchboxes:
1. Bon Appetit lunchbox from Black + Blum’s
2. Retro Wave Bento Box Lunch Bag by uhreusable
3. Milano Insulated Lunch Tote in Abacus by Picnic Time
4. Bento Box Set Urara and Riceball Sashiko Bag by Ojami
5. Fall Dragonfly Insulated Lunch Bag Tote Zip by BonTons
6. Sifaka Lunch Tote in Tangerine by GreenSmart
7. Bento Box by Plastika
8. Eco Lunchbag Kit by Nubius Organics
9. The Lunchbox by Oots
10. Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote by Built
11. Classic 2-Tier Tiffin by To-Go Ware
12. Fukuro Bento by Bento & Co.
