If you dread the daily lunch trade-off during break time at school, Johandre Grobler, executive chef at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, has fabulous alternatives to bland sandwiches.
His five no-reheating-required meals are simple to prep, budget-friendly and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of palates.
Sushi-inspired tortilla rolls
What you’ll need: Tortilla wraps, cream cheese, thinly sliced cucumber, shredded carrots and smoked chicken or tuna.
How to make it: Spread cream cheese on the tortilla, layer with veg and protein, roll it up sushi-style, and slice into bite-sized rounds.
Why this is a great option: It is fun to eat, easy to customise and keeps fresh in a lunchbox.
Build-your-own mini tacos
What you’ll need: Hard taco shells (the mini ones), shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and cooked shredded chicken or beef (perfect if left over from your dinner the night before).
How to make it: Keep ingredients separate in little containers, letting kids assemble their own tacos during their lunch break.
Why this is a great option: It’s like a party in your lunchbox!
Savoury veggie pancakes
What you’ll need: Grated courgettes (baby marrows), carrots, cheese, a bit of flour, an egg and seasoning.
How to make it: Mix everything into a batter, pan-fry into mini pancakes, and allow to cool before packing.
Why this is a great option: Packed with veggies, easy to grab and munch – and they’re just as good cold as they are warm.
Cold pasta salad jars
What you’ll need: Spiral pasta, cherry tomatoes, cubed cheese, diced ham and a simple olive oil & lemon dressing.
How to make it: Layer everything in a plastic cylinder jar for easy transportation and mess-free eating.
Why this is a great option: A refreshing twist on plain pasta that feels gourmet without the price tag, and loaded with energy-fulling carbohydrates.
Sweet and savoury pinwheels
What you’ll need: Puff pastry, Nutella (or other choc hazelnut spread), banana slices for the sweet option – or pesto, grated cheese and ham for the savoury.
How to make it: Spread your filling of choice on the rolled-out puff pastry, roll it up, slice into pinwheels and air-fry or oven-bake until golden and crisp.
Why this is a great option: These freeze well, so you can make a batch and defrost as needed.
