15 crave-worthy lunches that will rescue you from your desk chair misery

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These 15 lunches offer a variety of tastes to keep your palate excited every day of the week. From hearty bowls to light, refreshing salads, each recipe is a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. They’re the ideal solution for anyone looking to escape desk chair misery and embrace a lunch hour that feels like a treat. Get ready to ditch the dull lunches and embrace these alternatives that you’ll look forward to devouring.

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ready to change up your lunch routine with something crispy? Chicken Pakora is your go-to. These aren’t just any fried snacks; they’re a game changer when it comes to beating those desk chair blues. Perfect for a quick lunch, they promise to add that much-needed spice and crunch to your day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Mulligatawny Soup

Bowl of mulligatawny soup with a hand lifting a spoonful of soup.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re searching for comfort in a bowl, Mulligatawny Soup has got you covered. It’s more than just soup; it’s a hug for your soul during those endless workdays. Loaded with flavors that warm you from the inside out, it’s the perfect rescue from the mundane. This dish isn’t your average lunch; it’s a ticket to a midday escape.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Green Papaya Salad

Overhead shot of green papaya salad in a black bowl.
Green Papaya Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who said salads are boring? Green Papaya Salad is here to prove them wrong. This dish is all about fresh vibes and bold flavors, making it an unbeatable pick-me-up during your lunch break. If you’re in need of a refreshing change from your regular meals, this salad is the answer, bringing tang and texture that’ll keep you going.
Get the Recipe: Green Papaya Salad

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Forget the usual sandwiches; Chicken Kathi Rolls are about to become your new lunch favorite. These rolls are a delicious twist packed with flavors that’ll make you look forward to your lunch break. Wrapped in an inviting layer, each bite is a mini adventure. It’s the ideal choice for when you’re craving something different yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Indian Frankies

Hand holding a frankie roll with two more rolls in the background.
Indian Frankies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ever wanted a lunch that feels like a street food fest? Indian Frankies are just that. They’re fun, flavorful, and fabulously filling, rolling all the excitement of street food into a meal that’s perfect for your lunchtime. With a mix of spices and textures, they’re here to break the monotony of your typical lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Overhead shot of spicy cucumber salad in a black bowl with a fancy serving spoon on the side.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those who love a bit of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad is a must-try. It’s light, it’s fiery, and it absolutely transforms your lunchtime into an experience. This dish brings together the freshness of cucumber with a kick, making it the perfect side or snack. If you’re after something that’ll wake up your senses, this salad is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

On those days when you can’t decide if you’re in the mood for something spicy or tangy, Chicken Hot and Sour Soup hit the spot. This soup is all about balance, offering a comforting blend that’s sure to uplift your spirits. It’s the perfect lunchtime companion, especially on chilly days or when you’re looking for a bit of warmth. Trust us, it’s a bowl of goodness that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Cucumber Kimchi

Cucumber kimchi on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks lifting a slice of cucumber.
Cucumber Kimchi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Want something unique? Cucumber Kimchi is a twist on a traditional favorite that’s sure to add intrigue to your lunch. It’s crunchy, spicy, and utterly refreshing, making it a fantastic side dish that pairs well with almost anything. If you’re keen on exploring new flavors and textures, this kimchi variation is a great place to start.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi

Instant Pot Pho

Overhead shot of bowls of pho.
Instant Pot Pho. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a comforting and hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace, Instant Pot Pho is the way to go. This dish brings all the rich and aromatic flavors of traditional pho in a fraction of the time, perfect for a cozy lunch break. It’s a bowl of soothing broth, herbs, and spices that promises a delicious escape from the daily grind. If you have an instant pot, this meal can be a game-changer for your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

There’s nothing like Watermelon and Feta Salad to bring a bit of summer into your office. This refreshing combo balances sweet and savory, creating a light yet satisfying dish that won’t weigh you down. If you need a quick lunch that’s both delicious and simple, this salad is it. It’s a great way to break free from heavy, sleepy afternoons with something that’s fresh and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Onion Samosas

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bored with the usual lunch options? Onion Samosas will switch things up. These tiny pockets of joy are crispy and packed with a punch of flavor that’s hard to resist. They’re perfect for snacking or as the main event, especially if you’re craving something different. It’s an inviting dish that’s sure to add a spark to your lunch hour, making every bite a tasty adventure.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

Pork Belly Banh Mi

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re in the mood for something with a little more character, Pork Belly Banh Mi has got your back. This sandwich is a festival of flavors and textures, combining juicy meat with crisp vegetables and soft bread. It’s not just lunch; it’s an experience that transports you with every bite. Ideal for those days when you need a fulfilling and exciting meal to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who knew comfort could be so simple? Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup is your answer to chilly days or when you’re just in need of something soothing. This dish brings all the classic flavors you love in a format that’s easy to enjoy, even at your desk. It’s like a warm blanket in a bowl, offering a comforting and tasty break from the busyness of your day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving something from the fried food family but with a unique twist? Mochiko Chicken is here to satisfy those cravings. It’s crispy, it’s flavorful, and it brings a little bit of Hawaiian sunshine to your lunch break. Designed to be both tasty and a change of pace, this dish promises to make lunchtime something you actually look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Kachumber Salad

Kachumber salad in a white bowl with fancy silver spoons on the side.
Kachumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

On days when you feel like going for something light yet flavorful, Kachumber Salad stands out. This salad is all about bringing freshness and a burst of flavors to your plate, perfect for a no-fuss lunch that’s satisfying. With its simple yet delicious combination, it’s a great way to add some tang to your meals without weighing you down. This is your go-to for a refreshing lunch that keeps you energized.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

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