15 Easy Indian Lunch Box Recipes You Must Try

Indian lunch boxes are a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making them ideal for a satisfying midday meal.

From fragrant rice dishes and flavorful curries to spiced snacks and wholesome breads, Indian lunch boxes are diverse and delicious.

These recipes are designed to be portable, easy to pack, and maintain their taste even when served later.

With 15 Indian lunch box recipes, you can explore traditional favorites and innovative meals that cater to every palate.

Whether you are preparing lunch for school, work, or a picnic, these recipes provide wholesome, flavorful options.

With balanced combinations of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables, these lunches are both nourishing and indulgent.

15 Easy Indian Lunch Box Recipes You Must Try

Indian lunch box recipes combine taste, nutrition, and convenience in every meal.

These 15 recipes showcase a variety of dishes that are easy to pack, flavorful, and satisfying.

From vegetarian curries and rice dishes to protein-rich mains and snacks, there’s something for every preference.

Exploring these recipes allows you to enjoy the vibrant flavors of India in your own lunch box.

Start preparing these Indian lunch box recipes and experience delicious, wholesome meals every day.

Paneer Butter Masala with Jeera Rice

This Paneer Butter Masala with Jeera Rice is a rich and creamy vegetarian lunch box option.

Soft paneer cubes are cooked in a buttery tomato-based gravy infused with Indian spices.

Fragrant cumin-flavored rice complements the creamy curry, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

It’s perfect for a portable lunch that retains flavor even when packed in a lunch box.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 cup basmati rice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Cook basmati rice with cumin seeds and set aside.
• Heat butter in a pan, add ginger-garlic paste, and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add tomato puree, turmeric, and salt; cook 5 minutes.
• Add cream and garam masala, stir well.
• Gently fold in paneer cubes and simmer 5 minutes.
• Serve paneer masala with cumin rice in a lunch box.

This Paneer Butter Masala with Jeera Rice is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

The combination of spices and cream creates a balanced taste.

Perfect for a portable, indulgent vegetarian lunch.

Every bite is rich, aromatic, and comforting.

Chicken Biryani with Raita

This Chicken Biryani with Raita is a fragrant, high-flavor lunch box option.

Marinated chicken is cooked with aromatic basmati rice, spices, and saffron for a layered, flavorful dish.

Cooling yogurt-based raita balances the richness of the biryani.

It’s perfect for a hearty, filling meal that tastes fresh even when packed.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 250g chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp saffron strands
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Marinate chicken with yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, and salt for 30 minutes.
• Cook rice until 70% done and drain.
• Fry onions in oil until golden.
• Layer partially cooked rice and marinated chicken in a pot.
• Add saffron-infused milk on top and cook on low heat 15 minutes.
• Prepare raita by mixing yogurt, salt, and chopped cucumber.
• Serve biryani with raita in a lunch box.

This Chicken Biryani with Raita is aromatic, flavorful, and hearty.

The spices and saffron create a classic Indian taste.

Perfect for a substantial, satisfying lunch.

Every bite is rich, fragrant, and delicious.

Chole Masala with Bhatura

This Chole Masala with Bhatura is a spicy, indulgent North Indian lunch box option.

Chickpeas are cooked in a tangy, spiced tomato-onion gravy.

Soft, fluffy deep-fried bhaturas complement the rich curry, creating a filling and flavorful meal.

It’s ideal for lunch boxes as the flavors intensify over time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp chole masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for bhatura)
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup yogurt

Instructions:

• Cook soaked chickpeas until soft.
• Heat oil, sauté cumin seeds, onions, and ginger-garlic paste.
• Add tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, and chole masala; cook 5 minutes.
• Add chickpeas, simmer 10 minutes.
• For bhatura, knead flour, yogurt, baking powder, and salt into a soft dough.
• Roll into circles and deep fry until golden.
• Serve chole with bhatura in a lunch box.

This Chole Masala with Bhatura is spicy, hearty, and filling.

The combination of chickpeas and fried bread makes it satisfying.

Perfect for a flavorful, indulgent lunch.

Every bite is rich, aromatic, and comforting.

Vegetable Pulao with Paneer Tikka

This Vegetable Pulao with Paneer Tikka is a colorful and nutritious lunch box option.

Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with mixed vegetables and mild spices.

Grilled paneer tikka adds protein and flavor, making it a wholesome, filling meal.

It’s ideal for a portable lunch that tastes delicious even when packed.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
• 200g paneer, cubed
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Cook basmati rice with vegetables and salt.
• Marinate paneer with yogurt, chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala.
• Grill or pan-fry paneer cubes until golden.
• Combine cooked rice and vegetables in a lunch box.
• Top with paneer tikka pieces.
• Serve with a wedge of lemon if desired.

This Vegetable Pulao with Paneer Tikka is colorful, flavorful, and wholesome.

The combination of rice, vegetables, and paneer provides protein and nutrition.

Perfect for a balanced, high-flavor lunch.

Every bite is aromatic, tender, and satisfying.

Masala Egg Sandwich with Mint Chutney

This Masala Egg Sandwich with Mint Chutney is a spicy, protein-packed lunch box option.

Boiled eggs are mashed with Indian spices and layered between soft bread slices spread with fresh mint chutney.

It’s easy to prepare, portable, and maintains flavor when packed.

The spicy, tangy chutney complements the creamy egg filling for a delightful meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boiled eggs
• 4 slices bread
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp mint chutney
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

• Peel and mash boiled eggs.
• Mix mashed eggs with mayonnaise, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and lemon juice.
• Spread mint chutney on bread slices.
• Layer egg mixture between bread slices.
• Cut sandwich in half and pack in a lunch box.

This Masala Egg Sandwich with Mint Chutney is spicy, tangy, and filling.

The creamy eggs and fresh chutney provide a balanced flavor profile.

Perfect for a quick, portable, high-protein lunch.

Every bite is flavorful, soft, and satisfying

Rajma Masala with Steamed Rice

This Rajma Masala with Steamed Rice is a classic North Indian lunch box option.

Kidney beans are cooked in a spiced tomato-onion gravy, creating a hearty and flavorful curry.

Paired with plain steamed rice, it makes a wholesome and protein-rich meal.

It’s perfect for a lunch box as the flavors deepen when stored.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup basmati rice
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

• Cook soaked kidney beans until soft.
• Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and sauté garlic and ginger.
• Add onions and cook until golden.
• Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, and salt; cook 5 minutes.
• Add cooked kidney beans and garam masala; simmer 10 minutes.
• Cook basmati rice separately.
• Serve rajma with steamed rice in a lunch box.

This Rajma Masala with Steamed Rice is hearty, flavorful, and protein-rich.

The spiced gravy perfectly complements the plain rice.

Perfect for a satisfying, wholesome lunch.

Every bite is comforting, aromatic, and delicious.

Aloo Gobi with Chapati

This Aloo Gobi with Chapati is a classic vegetarian lunch box meal.

Cauliflower and potatoes are cooked with spices, tomatoes, and ginger for a flavorful curry.

Soft chapatis provide the perfect accompaniment, making it a balanced and filling lunch.

It’s ideal for packing in a lunch box, and it stays flavorful even when stored.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 2 chapatis
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan and sauté cumin seeds and ginger.
• Add onions and cook until golden.
• Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt; cook 5 minutes.
• Add cauliflower and potatoes, cover, and cook until tender.
• Warm chapatis separately.
• Pack aloo gobi with chapati in a lunch box.

This Aloo Gobi with Chapati is flavorful, hearty, and filling.

The combination of vegetables and spices provides comfort and nutrition.

Perfect for a wholesome, vegetarian lunch.

Every bite is aromatic, tender, and satisfying.

Vegetable Upma with Coconut Chutney

This Vegetable Upma with Coconut Chutney is a light yet calorie-rich Indian lunch box option.

Semolina is roasted and cooked with vegetables, curry leaves, and spices for a savory breakfast-style dish suitable for lunch.

Coconut chutney adds a creamy, aromatic touch.

It’s easy to pack and stays flavorful, making it ideal for a lunch box.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp curry leaves
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Coconut chutney for serving

Instructions:

• Roast semolina in a dry pan until light golden; set aside.
• Heat oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
• Sauté onions and green chilies until fragrant.
• Add vegetables and cook 5 minutes.
• Slowly add water, bring to boil, and gradually stir in roasted semolina.
• Cook until water is absorbed and mixture is fluffy.
• Serve with coconut chutney in a lunch box.

This Vegetable Upma with Coconut Chutney is light, flavorful, and nourishing.

The semolina absorbs the spices and vegetables perfectly.

Perfect for a portable, wholesome lunch.

Every bite is aromatic, soft, and satisfying.

Masoor Dal with Jeera Rice

This Masoor Dal with Jeera Rice is a protein-packed, comforting Indian lunch box meal.

Red lentils are cooked with aromatic spices and tomatoes for a flavorful dal.

Cumin-infused rice complements the dal, creating a complete and filling meal.

It’s ideal for a lunch box as the flavors improve when kept for a few hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Cook red lentils with turmeric and salt until soft.
• Heat oil, sauté cumin seeds and onions until golden.
• Add chopped tomatoes and chili powder; cook 5 minutes.
• Mix tempered onions and tomatoes into cooked dal.
• Cook basmati rice separately with cumin seeds.
• Pack dal and rice in a lunch box.

This Masoor Dal with Jeera Rice is wholesome, protein-rich, and comforting.

The spiced lentils pair perfectly with aromatic rice.

Perfect for a filling and nourishing lunch.

Every bite is flavorful, soft, and satisfying.

Pav Bhaji

This Pav Bhaji is a rich, spiced vegetable mash served with soft bread rolls.

Mixed vegetables are cooked with butter and Indian spices, mashed into a creamy, flavorful bhaji.

Soft, toasted pav buns make it a complete, indulgent lunch box meal.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and retains its flavor when packed, making it ideal for a lunch box.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, beans)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp pav bhaji masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 4 pav buns
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Boil and mash the mixed vegetables.
• Heat butter, sauté onions and ginger-garlic paste until golden.
• Add tomatoes, turmeric, pav bhaji masala, and salt; cook 5 minutes.
• Add mashed vegetables and simmer 10 minutes, stirring well.
• Toast pav buns lightly with butter.
• Pack bhaji and pav in a lunch box.

This Pav Bhaji is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

The butter and spices create a creamy, indulgent vegetable dish.

Perfect for a hearty, high-flavor lunch.

Every bite is aromatic, soft, and delicious

Methi Paratha with Yogurt

This Methi Paratha with Yogurt is a nutritious and flavorful lunch box option.

Whole wheat flatbreads are mixed with fresh fenugreek leaves and Indian spices, then pan-fried until golden.

Soft parathas paired with cooling yogurt create a wholesome and filling meal.

It’s ideal for a portable lunch that stays tasty even when packed.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup fresh methi leaves, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/4 cup yogurt

Instructions:

• Mix flour, methi leaves, turmeric, chili powder, and salt into a dough with water.
• Divide dough into balls and roll each into a flat circle.
• Heat a skillet and cook parathas with a little oil until golden on both sides.
• Serve with yogurt in a lunch box.

This Methi Paratha with Yogurt is wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying.

The spices and methi leaves enhance both taste and nutrition.

Perfect for a balanced, portable lunch.

Every bite is soft, aromatic, and filling.

Tandoori Chicken Wrap

This Tandoori Chicken Wrap is smoky, spicy, and calorie-rich.

Marinated chicken is grilled with tandoori spices, then wrapped in a soft tortilla with lettuce and chutney.

It’s perfect for a high-protein, portable lunch.

The smoky tandoori flavor complements the freshness of vegetables and soft wrap, making each bite flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 200g chicken breast
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tsp tandoori masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 large tortilla
• Lettuce leaves
• 1 tbsp mint chutney

Instructions:

• Marinate chicken with yogurt, tandoori masala, chili powder, and salt for 30 minutes.
• Grill or pan-cook chicken until cooked through.
• Warm tortilla and place lettuce leaves on it.
• Slice chicken and place on tortilla, drizzle with mint chutney, then roll into a wrap.
• Pack in a lunch box.

This Tandoori Chicken Wrap is smoky, flavorful, and filling.

The combination of spices, chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced taste.

Perfect for a high-protein, portable lunch.

Every bite is juicy, spicy, and satisfying.

Vegetable Khichdi

This Vegetable Khichdi is a comforting, one-pot Indian lunch box meal.

Rice and lentils are cooked with vegetables and mild spices to create a soft, nourishing dish.

It’s easy to digest, wholesome, and retains flavor when packed.

Khichdi is a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fiber, making it ideal for lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/2 cup moong dal
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Heat ghee, sauté cumin seeds until aromatic.
• Add rice, dal, turmeric, and vegetables.
• Add 3 cups water and salt; cook until rice and dal are soft.
• Pack in a lunch box and serve warm.

This Vegetable Khichdi is soft, comforting, and wholesome.

The combination of rice, dal, and vegetables provides nutrition and energy.

Perfect for a balanced, portable lunch.

Every bite is flavorful, soft, and satisfying.

Pesarattu with Ginger Chutney

This Pesarattu with Ginger Chutney is a protein-rich, South Indian lunch box option.

Green gram (moong) pancakes are served with tangy ginger chutney, creating a wholesome, filling meal.

It’s ideal for a portable lunch that stays flavorful even when packed.

The crisp pesarattu and zesty chutney provide a balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green gram (moong dal), soaked overnight
• 1 green chili
• 1/2 inch ginger
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp oil
• 1/4 cup grated coconut (optional for chutney)

Instructions:

• Grind soaked moong dal with green chili, ginger, and salt into a smooth batter.
• Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladle of batter, spreading thin.
• Drizzle a little oil around edges and cook until golden, then flip.
• For chutney, grind ginger, coconut, and salt into a smooth paste.
• Pack pesarattu with chutney in a lunch box.

This Pesarattu with Ginger Chutney is crispy, flavorful, and protein-rich.

The combination of lentils and ginger chutney creates a balanced taste.

Perfect for a healthy, portable lunch.

Every bite is aromatic, crisp, and satisfying.

Dhokla with Coriander Chutney

This Dhokla with Coriander Chutney is a soft, savory, and nutrient-rich lunch box option.

Steamed gram flour cakes are spiced lightly and paired with fresh coriander chutney.

It’s light yet filling, easy to digest, and stays fresh in a lunch box.

The combination of spongy dhokla and tangy chutney creates a delightful flavor experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ENO fruit salt
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup coriander leaves
• 1 green chili
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

• Mix gram flour, yogurt, turmeric, and salt into a smooth batter.
• Just before steaming, add ENO fruit salt and fold gently.
• Steam batter in a greased dish for 15–20 minutes.
• Grind coriander, green chili, and lemon juice for chutney.
• Cut dhokla into squares and serve with chutney in a lunch box.

This Dhokla with Coriander Chutney is soft, tangy, and wholesome.

The spongy dhokla paired with fresh chutney is refreshing and satisfying.

Perfect for a light, portable, and nutritious lunch.

Every bite is flavorful, soft, and delightful.