If your lunch routine has become a predictable parade of boring sandwiches, it’s time for an upgrade. We’ve curated a slideshow of 25 inventive, packable lunches that span a range of international flavors, from Asian-inspired bites to Latin American classics. Trust us, these recipes are so good, you’ll look forward to lunchtime like never before.
![3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pork-belly-banh-mi-FDL-1024x576.jpg)
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
![Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AF-Chicken-Shawarma-Wraps-1600-2.jpg)
Middle Eastern flavors come alive in these wraps. Chicken is marinated in Shawarma spices and cooked in an Air Fryer for a healthier take.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Samosas
![Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/samosas.jpg)
A beloved Indian snack, these pastries add diversity to your midday meal. Filled with potatoes and peas, they’re a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly choice.
Get the Recipe: Samosas
Paneer Rolls
![Hand holding paneer roll.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/paneer-rolls.jpg)
These Indian rolls offer a non-meat alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. Paneer and veggies wrapped in flatbread create a satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls
Chicken Pakora
![Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chicken-pakora-10.jpg)
Fried chicken gets an Indian makeover in this dish. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for snacking or as part of a more substantial meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Chicken Potstickers
![Overhead shot of chicken potstickers with chile paste on plates.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/chicken-potstickers.jpg)
A Chinese classic, these potstickers elevate your lunch game. Easy to prepare in batches, they offer a handheld alternative to the basic sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Mochiko Chicken
![A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mochiko-chicken.jpg)
An Hawaiian delight, Mochiko Chicken brings a touch of the islands to your lunch. The marinated fried chicken is surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Air Fryer Taquitos
![Stacked taquitos on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/taquitos-la-horiz.jpg)
This Mexican dish brings crunch to lunch. Prepared in the Air Fryer, they’re a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos
Chicken Tikka Wrap
![low angle shot of 3 filled chicken tikka wraps.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-chicken-tikka-wrap-1024x683-1.jpg)
A portable version of the Indian classic, this wrap spices up your lunch routine. Chicken tikka is enveloped in flatbread for easy eating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap
Yum Woon Sen
![Yum woon sen salad on a white plate with a green napkin.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yum-Woon-Sen-1600.jpg)
This Thai glass noodle salad is far from your average greens. A mix of seafood and veggies keeps it diverse and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen
Thai Curry Puffs
![Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/curry-puffs-plated-45-horiz-3.jpg)
Forget sandwiches, these puffs offer a rich, Thai-flavored alternative. They’re filled with a savory mix of potato, chicken, and spices.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs
Indian Frankies
![Hand holding a frankie roll with two more rolls in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/frankies.jpg)
Essentially India’s answer to wraps, these are packed with flavor. Spiced meat and veggies rolled in flatbread take lunch to a new level.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies
Chicken Kathi Rolls
![Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kathi-rolls-12.jpg)
Another Indian classic, these rolls pack a punch with marinated chicken and fresh veggies. They’re ideal for a mess-free, flavorful lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls
Air Fryer Empanadas
![A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AF-beef-empanadas.jpg)
Latin America meets your lunchbox in these Air Fryer Empanadas. They offer a mouthwatering blend of meat and spices within a crispy shell.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas
Pork Belly Banh Mi
![3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pork-belly-banh-mi-FDL.jpg)
This Vietnamese sandwich delivers a satisfying lunch without the usual monotony. Layers of flavorful pork belly are balanced by pickled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi
Onion Samosas
![Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/onion-samosas-fdl.jpg)
These triangular delights are a crispy break from the norm. Stuffed with spiced onions, they’re a vegetarian option that’s big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas
Stuffed Pretzel Bites
![Hummus stuffed pretzel bites.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/stuffed-pretzel-bites-1.jpg)
Pretzel bites meet lunchtime in a fusion of fun and flavor. They’re stuffed with ham and cheese, offering a twist on the classic sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
![Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/air-fryer-drumsticks.jpg)
For those who prefer a finger-food lunch, these drumsticks are a solid choice. Prepared in an Air Fryer, they deliver crunch without excess oil.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Chicken Yaki Udon
![chicken yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks beside a wok.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/31.jpg)
Japanese noodles offer a hearty alternative to sandwiches. Stir-fried chicken and veggies make this dish both satisfying and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Yaki Udon
Turkey Burger Sliders
![Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/turkey-burger-slider-MSN.jpg)
Small in size but big on flavor, these sliders are a Western delight. Ground turkey offers a leaner meat option without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
![Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Stuffed-Chicken-Crescent-Rolls.jpg)
Stuffed crescents offer a buttery escape from sandwich mediocrity. Filled with chicken and cheese, they’re an indulgent yet easy lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits
![Ham and cheese biscuits cut in half with mustard dipping sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ham-and-cheese-stuffed-biscuits.jpg)
Think of these as elevated ham and cheese sandwiches. The biscuits add a layer of comfort that turns lunchtime into a small feast.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Chicken Salad Wraps
![Chicken salad wrap cut open on a blue plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/chicken-salad-wraps-5200013-1024x699-1-edited.jpg)
A lighter option, these wraps still deliver on taste. The chicken salad combines fresh ingredients and mayonnaise for a creamy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Wraps
Lasagna Pizzas
![Image shows a close up of a Lasagna Pizza Appetizer topped with freshly grated parmesan sitting on a white plate with another one in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lasagna-Pizza-Appetizers.jpg)
A blend of Italian favorites, these small pizzas are layered with lasagna ingredients. They offer a creative solution for lunchtime doldrums.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas
Burger Mini Bites
![Mini burgers with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Burgers-Mini-2-1.jpg)
If you miss burgers but want something lunchbox-friendly, try these mini bites. They encapsulate all the flavors of a full-sized burger.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
![Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Puff-Pastry-Beef-Empanadas.jpg)
These empanadas take puff pastry to a new level. Filled with spiced beef, they bring a taste of Latin America to your lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas