Hot lunch: ideas and recipes for every day

On the dot of half past twelve, half the Netherlands opens the same lunchbox: two slices of bread, cheese, done. Fine, until you start flagging around three o'clock. Once you get used to a hot lunch, you hardly want to go back. Something warm at midday gives you a real break and keeps you going for the rest of the day.

At Yasemin everything revolves around warm, fresh and 100% halal dishes, so the hot lunch is our thing. In this overview we collect the tastiest ideas, from healthy and quick to a hot lunch you can easily take to work.

What is a good hot lunch?

A good hot lunch is warm and nourishing, but not so heavy that you nod off afterwards. The ideal balance: something with protein and vegetables that fills you up without making you sluggish. Think of a bowl of soup, a plate with vegetables and meat or fish, or a savoury warm bread. Enough to get through the afternoon, light enough to stay sharp.

Hot lunch ideas at a glance

Depending on your day, one hot lunch suits better than another. These four directions cover almost every situation:

• Healthy hot lunch: full of vegetables and protein, so you stay ahead of the afternoon slump.
• Hot lunch to take to work: dishes that reheat well at your desk.
• Easy and quick hot lunch: ready in a few minutes, without the hassle.
• Hot lunch breads: Turkish classics such as pide, lahmacun and gözleme.

Soup: the simplest hot lunch

If one dish is synonymous with a hot lunch, it is soup. In Turkish cuisine soup (çorba) is even a daily habit. A bowl of lentil soup or a hearty vegetable soup is nourishing, easy to take along and hot again in no time. Browse our Turkish soups for inspiration.

A hot lunch without cooking yourself

The tastiest hot lunch is one you don't have to do anything for. Yasemin delivers fresh, hot meals that are 100% halal and never frozen. All you do is heat them up, at home or at work. That way you eat a real meal at midday instead of yet another cold sandwich.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good hot lunch?

A good hot lunch is warm, nourishing and not too heavy. A combination of protein and vegetables, such as a bowl of soup or a plate with meat or fish and vegetables, keeps you full without the afternoon slump.

Is a hot lunch healthier than a sandwich?

A hot lunch can be healthier than a white bread sandwich, provided you choose vegetables, protein and whole grains. In the end, what goes into it makes the difference.

What is an easy hot lunch for weekdays?

A bowl of soup, reheated leftovers or a ready-made meal are the easiest hot lunches. They are hot and ready in a few minutes.

Can you take a hot lunch to work?

Yes. Dishes such as stews, rice dishes and soups reheat well in the microwave and are ideal to take to work.