When it rains in the morning, everything feels a bit slower, including packing your kid’s lunch. Some days, they ask for something warm. Other days, they just want something fun to eat. But the one thing every parent wants is a meal that won’t come back half-eaten. Rainy weather calls for food that feels comforting but still stays fresh until lunch. It also helps if the food is easy to hold and not messy. That’s why it’s good to have a few go-to lunch ideas ready, ones that your child enjoys and that don’t take too much time to prepare. From crispy cutlets to rice balls and fun waffle-style dosas, a few small changes can make a big difference. If you're stuck on what to pack this monsoon, here are some easy and tasty lunch box ideas that can bring a smile to your child’s face, even on the wettest school days.
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Cheese Corn Cutlets
These are a big hit with most kids. Mash some boiled potatoes, add boiled corn, grated cheese, and a few breadcrumbs to bind it all together. Throw in a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. You can also add a spoonful of chopped capsicum or grated carrot for colour and crunch. Shape into small tikkis and shallow fry till both sides are golden. They stay crisp for a while and taste good even when slightly cold. Pack them with ketchup or a mint chutney. If you're in a rush, make the mixture the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, all you need to do is shape and cook. These cutlets are easy to hold, non-messy, and comforting on damp, cloudy days.
Paneer Bhurji Sandwiches
Paneer bhurji is soft, mildly spiced, and easy to stuff between bread slices. To make the filling, crumble paneer and sauté it with a bit of onion, tomato, and some simple spices like turmeric and cumin. You can add a bit of grated beetroot or carrot for a colourful twist. Once cooled, spoon the mixture onto bread slices and grill or toast the sandwich till crisp. You can use regular sandwich bread or even buns. Cut them into triangles or fun shapes if your kid enjoys playful lunch boxes. They’re packed with protein and stay moist even after a few hours. If wrapped in foil, they remain warm for a bit too perfect for a rainy school day.
Also Read: Must-Try Rose Petal Dishes For Floral Monsoon Parties
Chicken Seekh Wrap
If your child enjoys meat, these wraps are filling and full of flavour. Use minced chicken mixed with garlic, ginger, and mild spices. Shape it into small rolls or seekhs and cook them in a pan with minimal oil. Once done, place the cooked chicken on a soft roti or paratha, add a smear of hung curd or mayo, and roll it up. You can also tuck in a few thinly sliced veggies if your kid doesn’t mind crunch. Wrap the roll in butter paper or foil to make it lunch-box friendly. It’s mess-free, easy to eat, and stays good even if eaten later. This one's ideal for days when you need something quick but hearty.
Image Credits: Freepik
Egg Fried Rice Balls
A fun twist on regular egg fried rice, these little rice balls are easy to eat and make zero mess. Cook some rice and scramble eggs with a few vegetables like peas or carrots. Mix everything, season it lightly with soy sauce or a pinch of salt, and shape into small balls once slightly cool. If you have leftover rice, this becomes even quicker. You can pan-sear the balls for a firmer outer layer or pack them as-is. They hold well in the lunch box and are less likely to spill or get soggy. Pair them with a small container of ketchup or a dip your child enjoys. Great for rushed mornings and surprisingly fun for kids to eat.
Image Credits: Freepik
Dosa Waffles
Dosa batter doesn’t always have to go in a pan. If you have a waffle maker, pour the batter in and let it crisp up into a dosa waffle. It’s crunchy outside, soft inside, and looks way more exciting than a plain dosa. You can add grated veggies like carrot, spinach, or beetroot directly to the batter for a boost. These waffles taste great with coconut chutney or just some ghee spread on top. Pack them in strips or squares for easy bites. The best part is that they don’t turn soggy too fast, even during the monsoon. It’s a smart way to give kids a familiar taste in a new shape and no fork or spoon needed!