Melissa Girimonte

It&rsquo;s not all about the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Kids around the world eat lunches that vary from simple snacks and sandwiches to three-course meals. Here are some traditional foods that kids around the world enjoy for school lunches.

culture

French children often eat lunches that could classify as gourmet meals! They typically eat a meal provided by the school, with daily changing menus of three or four courses. It will consist of a salad, fresh bread and cheese, main dish made up of a protein and vegetables and a dessert.

France

Dutch children typically bring their own lunches to school, usually sandwiches. A typical lunch meal is a tosti, a grilled sandwich with cheese and ham. Another typical sandwich is made of brown bread and cheese.

Netherlands

Most Japanese students eat school-made lunches. The school lunches are balanced meals containing a protein (fish, chicken, beef, tofu), vegetables, soup and milk.

Japan

In India, students are provided a free mid-day meal. Children bring their own metal plates and are served a meal, usually &ldquo;khichdi&rdquo;, a traditional hot dish made of mixed rice, lentils and vegetables with a piece of naan bread. Wealthier school will sometimes include egg with the khichdi.

India

This Russian school lunch contains several courses. First is <a href="/recipe/summer-borscht" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">borscht, a traditional beet soup</a> served with bread and often garnished with fresh dill and sour cream. A main course of meat with a side of grain is served next. To drink is a fruit compote, a sweet drink made with fresh fruits and syrup.

Russia

Lunches in the Czech Republic usually start with a hearty soup with a side salad and main.
Pictured is a soup with dumplings. These large, potato-based dumplings are a staple in Czech cuisine.

Czech Republic

The school day in Brazil is shorter than in Canada, usually 7am-noon. Children eat a larger meal for lunch at home after school. At school they are given a short break where they enjoy snacks like queijadinhas, a sweet muffin made with coconut, cheese and sweetened condensed milk. The treat is originally Portuguese but is extremely popular among children in Brazil.

Brazil

Korean lunches usually contain rice, a stew and a few small dishes to accompany the meal called &ldquo;banchan&rdquo;.

South Korea

Lunch from Slovakia is similar to a typical North American sandwich lunch. It often contains fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and smoked fish, and a chocolate bar for dessert.

Slovakia

A typical lunch option for kids in Israel is a small falafel plate with pita and fresh veggies.

Israel

A school lunch in Cuba can be composed of rice, chicken croquettes, root vegetables and soup. It may also include fried plantains, a traditional Caribbean dessert. Green plantains are often served as a savoury side dish, while ripe ones are fried as a sweet snack.

What Kids Around the World Eat for Lunch