Spanish
Spanish Tortilla
Just potatoes, onion and eggs — slow-cooked into a thick, golden tortilla that is wonderful warm…
Lunch Recipes
A handpicked collection of lunch from Tara’s Kitchen — every recipe original, tested and written for everyday cooks.
Spanish
Chinese
Egg Fried Rice
The fastest way to turn leftover rice into something brilliant — fluffy grains, soft egg and…
Egyptian
Egyptian Koshari
Egypt’s beloved street food — rice, lentils and pasta layered with a spiced tomato sauce and…
Pakistani
Daal Chawal
A simple yellow lentil daal with a sizzling spiced ghee tempering, served with fluffy rice —…
Indian
Aloo Paratha
Soft flatbreads stuffed with a spiced potato filling, cooked on a hot pan until golden —…
Mediterranean
Roasted Vegetable Couscous
Fluffy couscous tossed with sweet roasted vegetables, lemon and fresh herbs — a no-fuss vegetarian lunch.
Mediterranean
Spicy Chickpea Soup
A warming chickpea soup with cumin, paprika and tomato — a quick, filling lunch with very…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Beef Banh Mi
Crisp baguette stuffed with quick-pickled vegetables, herbs and seared beef — bold, fresh and impossibly satisfying.
French
Quiche Lorraine
A buttery pastry filled with a silky custard, smoky bacon and Gruyère — France's most beloved…
Mediterranean
Quinoa Buddha Bowl
Fluffy quinoa topped with roasted vegetables, avocado and a tangy tahini dressing — a beautiful, balanced…
French
Croque Monsieur
A toasted ham and cheese sandwich smothered in béchamel and grilled until golden — French café…
Italian
Vegetable Frittata
A baked egg dish loaded with vegetables and cheese — great hot or cold, and brilliant…
British
Tomato Soup
A smooth, comforting tomato soup with a hint of basil — far better than anything from…
British
Carrot and Coriander Soup
A velvety, lightly spiced carrot soup with fresh coriander — bright, warming and very easy.
American
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine with a creamy, garlicky dressing, croutons and parmesan — the salad everyone secretly loves.
Mediterranean
Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous with chickpeas, cucumber, tomato and a lemony dressing — a bright, packable lunch.
Persian
Persian Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi)
A vibrant green frittata packed with fresh herbs — fragrant, light and wonderful warm or cold.
Peruvian
Peruvian Quinoa Salad
Fluffy quinoa with corn, peppers, avocado and a zesty lime dressing — fresh, colourful and nourishing.
Indonesian
Gado-Gado
An Indonesian salad of blanched vegetables, egg and tofu under a generous peanut dressing — fresh…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Vermicelli Bowl
Cool rice noodles topped with grilled meat, fresh herbs, pickles and a tangy dressing — light…
Mediterranean
Halloumi Wrap
Griddled halloumi with salad and a herby yoghurt dressing in a warm wrap — a quick,…
British
Cornish Pasty
A golden pastry filled with beef, potato and swede — the hearty hand pie of Cornwall.
Mexican
Quesadillas
Crispy folded tortillas filled with melted cheese and your favourite fillings — a fast, crowd-pleasing snack.
Mediterranean
Buddha Bowl with Tahini
A balanced bowl of grains, roasted vegetables, greens and protein with a creamy tahini drizzle.
Middle Eastern
Falafel Wrap
Crispy falafel with salad, pickles and tahini sauce rolled in warm flatbread — a satisfying vegan…
Indian
Vada Pav
A spiced potato fritter in a soft bun with green chutney — Mumbai's most beloved street…
Indian
Chole Bhature
A spicy chickpea curry paired with puffy fried bread — a Punjabi feast made for sharing.
Chinese
Hot and Sour Soup
A tangy, peppery Chinese broth with mushrooms, tofu and egg ribbons — restorative in every spoonful.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Bun Cha
Grilled pork patties with rice noodles, herbs and a tangy dipping sauce — Hanoi's most famous…
French
Salade Niçoise
A composed French salad with tuna, eggs, green beans, olives and potatoes — a fresh, balanced…
Greek
Pork Gyros
Marinated pork strips in warm pita with tzatziki, tomato and onion — Greek street food at…
Turkish
Turkish Lahmacun
Thin Turkish flatbreads topped with spiced minced meat and herbs — quick, vibrant and made for…
Japanese
Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Triangles of seasoned rice wrapped in nori with savoury fillings — Japan's ultimate portable snack.
British
Scotch Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs wrapped in herby sausage meat and crispy breadcrumbs — a brilliant picnic classic.
American
Philly Cheesesteak
Thinly sliced beef and melted cheese piled into a soft sub roll — Philadelphia's most-loved sandwich.
American
Greek Yoghurt Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken in a creamy Greek yoghurt dressing with celery, grapes and herbs — light but…
Mediterranean
Mediterranean Bowl
Quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, feta and olives with a lemon-herb dressing — a packed-lunch dream.
Mexican
Vegan Burrito Bowl
A vibrant bowl of rice, black beans, corn, avocado and salsa with a lime-coriander drizzle —…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Goi Ga)
Shredded chicken with cabbage, herbs and a tangy fish sauce dressing — bright, crunchy and packed…
Chinese
Cold Sesame Noodles
Chilled noodles tossed in a creamy peanut-sesame sauce with cucumber — refreshing and ready in fifteen…
Pakistani
Pakistani Bun Kebab
Spiced lentil-and-meat patties in a soft bun with chutney and onion — Karachi's favourite street sandwich.
Middle Eastern
Lebanese Kibbeh Nayyeh-Style Bowl
A cooked, family-friendly take on Lebanese kibbeh — bulgur and seasoned lamb with herbs and tahini…
Peruvian
Venezuelan Arepas
Soft cornmeal cakes split and stuffed with cheese, beans or shredded meat — Venezuela's daily bread.
Peruvian
Peruvian Causa
Layers of tangy yellow mashed potato with chicken and avocado — Peru's elegant cold layered dish.
Caribbean
Jamaican Beef Patties
Crisp golden turmeric pastry stuffed with spiced beef — Jamaica's most beloved handheld snack.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Tuna with white beans, olives, capers, tomato and lemon — a Mediterranean store-cupboard lunch in five…
Mexican
Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl
Roasted sweet potato, black beans, avocado and a chipotle-lime crema over rice — a wholesome bowl…
American
Crispy Fried Chicken Burger
Buttermilk-marinated chicken in a shattering crisp coating with slaw and pickles in a soft bun —…
African
South African Bunny Chow
A hollowed loaf of bread filled with spicy curry — Durban's most famous street food and…
Indian
Ragda Pattice
Crispy potato patties drowned in a white pea curry with tangy chutneys — Mumbai's sit-down street…
American
American Reuben Sandwich
Grilled rye sandwich with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing — a classic deli…
British
British Welsh Rarebit
A rich molten cheese sauce with mustard and ale, grilled on toast until bubbling — proper…
Greek
Zucchini Fritters
Crispy courgette and feta fritters with dill — a quick, healthy vegetarian snack or light lunch.
Mexican
Mexican Quesadilla
Crispy folded tortilla stuffed with melted cheese, beans and peppers — a quick, satisfying Mexican classic.
Venezuelan
Venezuelan Arepa Reina Pepiada
Soft arepas stuffed with creamy chicken and avocado salad — Venezuela's most-loved breakfast.
Chilean
Chilean Empanadas de Pino
Large baked empanadas with seasoned beef, onion, olive and a wedge of egg — Chile's national…
Ecuadorian
Ecuadorian Llapingachos
Cheesy mashed potato patties pan-fried until golden — Ecuadorian street food at its best.
Cuban
Cuban Sandwich
Pressed Cuban bread filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard — Miami's most…
Lebanese
Lebanese Fattoush
A bright Lebanese salad of cucumber, tomato, radish, herbs and crispy pita with a sumac-lemon dressing.
Afghan
Afghan Bolani
Thin Afghan flatbreads stuffed with potato, leek and spices, pan-fried until crispy.
Uruguayan
Uruguayan Chivito
A stacked Uruguayan steak sandwich with bacon, egg, ham, cheese and salad — the country's most…
Israeli
Israeli Sabich
A pita stuffed with fried aubergine, boiled egg, salad and tahini — Israel's most loved street…
Colombian
Colombian Arepas
Thin grilled cornmeal cakes split and stuffed with cheese, or topped with shredded meat — Colombia's…
Chilean
Chilean Empanadas
Large baked beef empanadas with onion, olive, hard-boiled egg and raisin — Chile's most beloved snack.
Chilean
Completo Italiano
A loaded Chilean hot dog with avocado, tomato and mayo — the colours of the Italian…
Venezuelan
Venezuelan Arepas
Thick puffy cornmeal cakes split open and stuffed with cheese, shredded beef or eggs — Venezuela's…
Bolivian
Bolivian Silpancho
A layered plate of rice, potato, breaded beef, fried egg and tomato salsa — Cochabamba's most…
Uruguayan
Uruguayan Chivito
Uruguay's national sandwich — thin beef, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried egg and bacon piled into…
Peruvian
Peruvian Causa Rellena
Layers of bright yellow lime-and-aji potato with a chicken and avocado filling — an elegant cold…
French
French Croque Monsieur
A grilled ham and cheese sandwich elevated with béchamel and Gruyère — Paris's most beloved café…
British
British Coronation Chicken
Cold poached chicken in a curried mayo and apricot sauce — created for Queen Elizabeth II's…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Banh Mi Pâté
A crispy baguette stuffed with pâté, pork, pickled vegetables, herbs and chilli — Vietnam's perfect cross-cultural…
Lebanese
Lebanese Tabbouleh
An emerald-green parsley salad with bulgur, tomato, mint and lemon — Lebanon's most herbaceous, refreshing salad.
Argentinian
Argentinian Choripán
Grilled chorizo split into a crusty bread roll with chimichurri — Argentina's most-loved street sandwich.
Venezuelan
Venezuelan Reina Pepiada
Arepas stuffed with creamy avocado-chicken salad — Venezuela's most famous filling.
Uruguayan
Uruguayan Chivito-Style Sandwich
A loaded steak sandwich with ham, cheese, egg, bacon and lettuce — Uruguay's legendary national sandwich.
German
German Currywurst
Sliced grilled sausage in a tangy curry-tomato sauce, served with chips — Berlin's most iconic street…
Hungarian
Hungarian Lángos
Deep-fried Hungarian flatbread topped with garlic oil, soured cream and cheese — Budapest's addictive street snack.
Syrian
Syrian Fattet Hummus
Layered crispy pita, chickpeas, yoghurt and toasted pine nuts in spiced butter — Damascus's most-loved breakfast.
Afghan
Afghan Bolani
Crispy stuffed flatbreads with potato, leek or spinach — Afghanistan's most-loved street snack.
Nepalese
Nepali Dal Bhat Tarkari
A simple Himalayan plate of lentil dal, rice and seasonal vegetable curry — Nepal's twice-daily meal.
Ecuadorian
Ecuadorian Locro de Papa
A creamy Ecuadorian potato and cheese soup with avocado — Andean comfort in a bowl.
Scandinavian
Danish Smørrebrød
Open-faced rye bread topped with herring, eggs, prawns or roast beef — Denmark's most artful lunch.
Israeli
Israeli Falafel
Crispy fried herb-and-spice chickpea balls served in pita with tahini, salad and pickles — the Israeli…
Turkish
Turkish Lahmacun
Paper-thin Turkish flatbread topped with spiced minced lamb, peppers, tomato and parsley — Turkey's answer to…
Spanish
Spanish Tortilla Española
A thick, golden Spanish potato and onion omelette — the most-loved tapa in every Spanish bar.
Peruvian
Peruvian Causa Limeña
A layered cold dish of yellow mashed potato with lime and chilli, sandwiched around chicken-avocado salad…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Banh Mi
Crusty French baguette stuffed with pork, pickled carrots, coriander and chilli mayo — Vietnam's most-loved sandwich.
Korean
Korean Kimbap
Korean seaweed rice rolls filled with seasoned vegetables, egg and ham — Korea's favourite picnic lunch.
French
French Pissaladière
A Niçoise flatbread topped with deeply caramelised onions, anchovies and black olives — Provence's answer to…
Spanish
Spanish Tortilla de Patatas
A thick Spanish potato-and-onion omelette with a soft, slightly runny centre — Spain's most iconic dish.
Thai
Thai Pad Krapow
Fast-fried minced pork with garlic, chillies and Thai holy basil — Thailand's lunch dish ordered nationwide.
Thai
Thai Larb Gai
A bright, spicy Northern Thai minced chicken salad with toasted rice powder, lime, fish sauce and…
Indian
Indian Tamil Sambar Rice
A one-pot Tamil rice mixed with sambar — comforting, complete and ready in 30 minutes.
Moroccan
Moroccan Khoubz Stuffed with Khlea
Soft Moroccan flatbreads stuffed with khlea (preserved beef), onion and tomato — Marrakech's street snack.
Chinese
Chinese Hot Dry Noodles
Wuhan's most famous breakfast — thick wheat noodles tossed with sesame paste, chilli oil, pickled vegetables…
Egyptian
Egyptian Hawawshi
Egyptian pita stuffed with spiced minced beef, onion and parsley, baked until the bread is golden…
South American
Venezuelan Arepas Reina Pepiada
Venezuelan corn arepas split open and stuffed with creamy chicken-avocado salad — the "Beauty Queen" filling.
Russian
Russian Pirozhki
Soft Russian buns filled with meat, cabbage or potato, baked or fried until golden — the…
Scandinavian
Danish Smørrebrød
Danish open sandwiches on dense rye bread with toppings like smoked salmon, prawn, pickled herring or…
French
French Croque Madame
A toasted ham and cheese sandwich smothered in béchamel, topped with a fried egg — the…
French
French Salade Lyonnaise
A warm Lyon salad of frisée lettuce with crispy lardons, poached egg and a tangy mustard-vinegar…
Mexican
Mexican Chilaquiles
Crispy fried tortilla pieces simmered in red or green salsa, topped with crema, cheese, onion and…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Fresh)
Translucent rice paper rolls filled with prawns, pork, rice vermicelli, herbs and lettuce — Vietnamese summer…
Polish
Polish Pierogi
Pillowy Polish dumplings filled with potato and cheese (or sauerkraut and mushroom), boiled and pan-fried in…
Spanish
Spanish Pisto
A Spanish vegetable stew of slowly-cooked tomato, pepper, courgette and onion in olive oil — La…
Spanish
Spanish Tortilla Española de Patata
A classic Spanish potato omelette with onion, cooked thick and golden — the iconic Spanish tapa,…
Mexican
Mexican Chicken Tacos
Soft corn tortillas with juicy spiced chicken, fresh salsa, lime and coriander — Mexico's most-loved taco.
Mexican
Mexican Tamales
Steamed corn-masa parcels filled with spiced pork, chicken or beans, wrapped in corn husks — Mexico's…
Common questions
Are these lunch recipes suitable for beginners?
Most are. Each recipe lists a difficulty level and clear step-by-step instructions, so you can pick something that matches your confidence in the kitchen.
Can I adjust the servings?
Yes. Ingredient quantities scale up or down easily — simply multiply or divide the amounts to suit how many people you are cooking for.
Are the recipes original?
Every recipe on Tara’s Kitchen is written from scratch and tested in a home kitchen, so you will not find them copied from anywhere else.