Office lunch plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive energy to ensure an afternoon of productive and efficient work. Therefore, preparing delicious, appealing, and nutritious office lunches is essential. If you're still struggling with the question, “What should I eat for lunch?” let’s explore the most loved office lunch dishes in this article with Com Nieu Thien Ly.
1. Suggestions for Diverse Office Lunch Menus
Everyone has different preferences and dietary needs. Below are some suggestions for office lunch menus tailored to various diets.
1.1 Weekly Rotating Menus
Soft tofu with minced meat sauce - rich in flavor
A typical office lunch menu includes one main dish with rice, a soup, 1-2 savory dishes, and fruit for dessert. Here are 10 delicious office lunch menus that will surely make your meals enjoyable:
Menu 1: Steamed egg tofu with minced meat, sour soup with chicken and giang leaves, white rice, cucumber
Egg tofu with minced meat: A flavorful and nutritious dish.
A nutritious lunch with dishes like steamed tofu egg, sour-soup creeper, and cucumber not only provides energy but also brings harmony to the palate. To prepare these dishes easily and quickly, choosing the right kitchen tools is essential.
A high-quality induction cooking pot set from Germany, combined with an induction-friendly non-stick frying pan can save time while maintaining the deliciousness of each dish. These modern kitchen tools bring both convenience and efficiency to every family meal.
Menu 2: Fried eggs, caramelized pork ribs, boiled vegetables
This menu office lunch is not only delicious and nutritious but also quick to prepare, ideal for busy individuals. The combination of caramelized pork ribs, fried eggs, and boiled vegetables creates a balanced and flavorful lunch.
Menu 3: White rice, braised pork with eggs, soup with minced pork and amaranth
Sweet and refreshing vegetable soup with minced pork
This menu office lunch meal is a perfect option for office workers, providing a balanced amount of carbs, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each serving offers 600–800 calories to sustain energy and focus for afternoon work.
Menu 4: White rice, braised fish, winter melon soup
White rice, green pumpkin, and braised fish create a perfect combination, offering a delicious and nutritious office lunch meal that helps maintain maximum focus for work. White rice provides energy, braised fish supplies protein and fats, while the pumpkin soup is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for the body.
Menu 5: White rice, caramelized pork belly, soup with minced pork and mustard greens
Caramelized pork with crispy edges, rich in flavor and perfect for pairing with rice
If you're unsure about what to have for lunch today, you can consider a menu of steamed rice paired with stir-fried meat and minced pork soup with mustard greens. This meal provides the necessary energy to maintain good health, ensuring that your body stays energized for an effective afternoon of work.
Menu 6: White rice, crab soup, steamed egg with pork
A delightful suggestion for those pondering their office lunch menu. The creamy steamed egg with pork, rich in protein and fats, combined with refreshing crab soup, is a must-try. This meal meets the nutritional requirements needed for active work.
Menu 7: White rice, gourd soup, caramelized shrimp with pork
Shrimp stir-fried with pork served with white rice and bottle gourd soup is a perfect combination
The spicy stir-fried shrimp with pork is a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with white rice, making it a great choice for meals. Especially, it is more suitable for colder days. The sweet and light pumpkin soup, which provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, is also a perfect option for a lunch for office workers.
Menu 8: White rice, stir-fried beef, water spinach soup
Steamed rice, stir-fried beef with vegetables, and sour water spinach soup is a delicious and nutritious lunch choice for office workers. The flavorful stir-fried beef with vegetables, combined with the traditional sour water spinach soup, provides a refreshing touch to the meal. This office lunch menu not only offers a balanced source of nutrients but is also perfect for hot weather days.
Menu 9: White rice, caramelized pork ribs, sour soup
Tender, braised spare ribs, rich and flavorful
The lunch menu for the office includes white rice, sour soup, and braised pork ribs, providing a balanced source of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to ensure the body has enough energy for work. The savory braised pork ribs and sour soup create a harmonious combination that brings a delightful taste to the lunch.
Menu 10: White rice, fried pork belly with fish sauce, pumpkin soup, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes
The fried pork belly with fish sauce brings a rich, fatty flavor while being savory, paired with refreshing cucumber and cherry tomatoes to balance the richness. The simple pumpkin soup helps restore harmony and enhances the appeal of a office lunch.
1.2 Light Vegetarian Menu (10 Menus)
Frugal vegetarian dishes are increasingly popular choices for office lunches. These dishes are typically made from vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms, offering a light and refreshing dining experience. Below are 10 vegetarian office lunch menus you can consider:
Menu 1: Steamed rice, boiled broccoli, stir-fried tofu with vegetables, taro soup Nutritious stir-fried tofu with vegetables
Tofu stir-fry with vegetables: light, nutritious, and rich in fiber
Office lunch menu combines tofu with vegetables, creating a delicious, nutritious, and appealing vegetarian meal. Stir-fried tofu with vegetables in vegetable oil provides vegetable protein and healthy fats. Meanwhile, taro soup and broccoli add fiber and essential minerals for the body.
Menu 2: Steamed rice, fried tofu with lemongrass salt, vegetarian bitter melon soup
A simple yet flavorful lunch for busy individuals, this menu includes vegetarian bitter melon soup, fried tofu with lemongrass salt, and steamed rice. It’s easy to prepare and provides a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal. End your lunch with a slice of grapefruit for a sweet and tangy balance, along with a dose of vitamin C.
Menu 3: Steamed rice, braised mushrooms with lemongrass and chili, winter melon soup, apple
Oyster mushrooms braised with lemongrass and chili – a perfect balance of flavors
This menu features light and nutritious vegetarian winter melon soup paired with spicy braised mushrooms. The meal strikes a balance between lightness and the essential nutrients needed to energize you for the day. The flavorful combination also enhances your appetite.
Menu 4: Stir-fried tomatoes with tofu, steamed rice, vegetarian papaya soup
This is a perfect option for those who want a nutritious yet easy-to-prepare vegetarian lunch. The soft, creamy tofu paired with rich tomato sauce creates a delightful taste. The papaya soup, simmered with mushrooms and spices, offers a unique yet enticing flavor. Together, they make for a nourishing and appealing office lunch.
Menu 5: Stir-fried green beans, vegetarian mock pork belly, seaweed soup Refreshing seaweed soup
The refreshing seaweed soup
This menu office lunch is ideal for those who enjoy vegetarian meals with balanced nutrition. It includes stir-fried green beans, vegetarian mock pork belly, and seaweed soup, served with steamed rice. The familiar stir-fried green beans are complemented by the distinct and impressive mock pork belly, while the hearty seaweed soup rounds out the meal.
Menu 6: Stir-fried telosma flowers, braised shiitake mushrooms, peanut soup
For a well-rounded vegetarian office lunch, try stir-fried telosma flowers, braised shiitake mushrooms with pepper, and peanut soup. Telosma flowers are rich in vitamin C, shiitake mushrooms provide plant-based protein, and peanut soup supplies calcium and aids digestion.
Menu 7: Braised tofu with soy sauce, steamed eggplant with ginger and scallion, winter melon soup with peanuts
The vegetarian melon soup with peanuts is light and refreshing
This unique vegetarian menu features braised tofu with soy sauce, steamed eggplant with ginger and scallion, and winter melon soup with peanuts. The rich and flavorful tofu provides ample protein, while the aromatic steamed eggplant and light soup create a well-balanced and enjoyable meal.
Menu 8: Stir-fried green beans, tofu with passion fruit sauce, winter melon seaweed soup
If you’re wondering what to have for lunch today, try stir-fried green beans with garlic, tofu with tangy passion fruit sauce, and winter melon seaweed soup. This combination delivers a delightful range of textures and flavors, taking your taste buds on a surprising journey.
Menu 9: Braised tofu with fermented soybeans, shiitake mushrooms in soy sauce, five-color soup
The savory braised shiitake mushrooms in soy sauce
Here are some delicious office lunch suggestions, from the colors to the flavors, including braised tofu with fermented soybeans, braised shiitake mushrooms with soy sauce, and five-color soup. This menu not only stimulates your taste buds but also leaves you with a truly unique impression.
Menu 10: Fried rice with mushrooms, carrots, tofu, and peas
This quick and easy vegetarian option is packed with nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. The fried rice combines mushrooms, carrots, tofu, and peas, seasoned to perfection, resulting in a delicious and stimulating lunch that’s perfect for the office.
1.3 Eat Clean Meal Plans (10 Meal Ideas)
Eat Clean is one of the healthiest diets, promoting good health by using fresh ingredients combined with simple cooking methods that minimize the use of oil and spices. Nowadays, this diet has been widely adopted by office workers for their lunch to achieve a leaner body and maintain good health. Below are 10 Eat Clean office lunch meal ideas you can refer to:
Meal 1: Pan-seared beef, steamed green beans, and Japanese sweet potato
The savory braised shiitake mushrooms in soy sauce
Pan-seared beef provides enough nutrients without adding excess fat.
This is a very familiar meal for those following the Eat Clean diet. All dishes in this meal are cooked without oil or spices, retaining their natural flavors. This office lunch meal plan is both healthy and suitable for those with busy schedules.
Meal 2: Pasta with beef and broccoli
If you’re tired of brown rice, sweet potatoes, or boiled corn, you can substitute with pasta. To provide additional protein and fiber, combine it with beef and broccoli. This meal is quick to prepare and stimulates your taste buds.
Meal 3: Brown rice with stir-fried chicken breast and bell peppers
The office lunch with the main dish being stir-fried chicken breast with bell peppers
Brown rice paired with stir-fried chicken breast and bell peppers will provide a delicious, nutritious, and healthy office lunch. You can include this option in your office lunch routine.
Meal 4: Brown rice, salmon with passion fruit sauce, and cucumber
Salmon with passion fruit sauce, brown rice, and cucumber are nutritious and great for your health. Salmon and brown rice supply energy after the morning’s work hours, while cucumber adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your diet. This meal minimizes unnecessary fats, promoting a healthy and balanced body.
Meal 5: Boiled pork, boiled cabbage, and white rice
A light office lunch with boiled pork
The Eat Clean diet focuses on steamed and boiled dishes rather than fried or sautéed foods with a lot of oil. Therefore, boiled pork, boiled cabbage, and white rice are a great option to diversify your office lunch menu. Remember to choose lean cuts of pork to maintain your weight loss goals.
Meal 6: Whole wheat noodles, boiled shrimp, boiled eggs, and steamed greens
Whole wheat noodles combined with boiled shrimp, boiled eggs, and steamed vegetables make a well-balanced Eat Clean lunch. This meal retains the natural flavors while being healthy and nutritious.
Meal 7: Brown rice, pan-seared chicken breast, and steamed vegetables
Brown rice helps you stay full for longer. Pan-seared chicken breast minimizes oil and spices, preserving its distinct flavor, while steamed vegetables complete this healthy and energy-rich office lunch.
Meal 8: Brown rice, boiled shrimp, and steamed vegetables
This Eat Clean meal for office workers, featuring brown rice, boiled shrimp, and steamed vegetables, provides slow-digesting carbohydrates, protein from seafood, and natural fiber, helping the body recover and recharge for the afternoon’s work.
Meal 9: Steamed Japanese sweet potato and chicken breast salad with greens
Chicken breast salad combined with boiled eggs, lettuce, and a simple dressing, along with brown rice, is a common choice for those following the Eat Clean diet. With just a few simple steps, you can create a clean, green, and nutritious office lunch.
Meal 10: Mixed glass noodle salad
If you want to switch up your office lunch without spending too much time preparing, try a mixed glass noodle salad. Made from potato starch, glass noodles are low in carbohydrates. Combine them with shredded chicken breast, shrimp, chicken ham, bean sprouts, carrots, and cucumber, and top with a flavorful dressing for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
1.4 Lunch Menu for Busy People (10 Menus)
For busy individuals, an office lunch menu needs to meet the requirements of being simple, quick to prepare, yet still nutritious. Below are 10 suggested lunch menus for busy people that you can reference and apply:
Menu 1: White Rice, Vietnamese Ham (Giò), Steamed Vegetables
If you don't have much time to prepare your office lunch, you can opt for simple dishes like rice, steamed vegetables, and ham. There are various types of Vietnamese ham, such as giò lụa, giò xào, and giò tai, which are easy to buy. The combination of white rice, ham, and a bit of traditional fish sauce, though simple, is very satisfying. Steamed vegetables add fiber and balance to the meal.
Menu 2: Stir-Fried Beef with Zucchini, White Rice, Steamed Green Beans
Stir-fried beef with zucchini is not only nutritious but also goes perfectly with steamed green beans, helping to balance the flavor. This office lunch menu is simple, nutritious, and easy to prepare without any complicated steps.
Menu 3: Fried Fish, Stir-Fried Morning Glory with Garlic, Sour Soup
If you're busy and looking for a quick yet nutritious lunch menu, opt for ingredients like fish fillets and morning glory. Fry the fish fillets until crispy, blanch the morning glory, and stir-fry the tender tips with garlic. Use the leftover water to make sour soup. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious office lunch.
Menu 4: Egg and Minced Meat Omelette, Minced Meat Soup with Mustard Greens
The richness and fattiness of the scrambled eggs with minced meat combined with the sweet and mild flavor of the pork and mustard greens soup create a delicious office lunch menu for busy people. This menu is not only nutritious but also light and healthy.
Menu 5: Braised Pork Ribs with Pepper, Steamed Vegetables, White Rice
This is also a very simple menu, which doesn't take too much time to prepare and is especially suitable for office workers. The savory, flavorful rib with black pepper paired with boiled vegetables and white rice is simple yet very delicious.
Menu 6: Braised Pork Belly with Pepper, Steamed Cabbage, Root Vegetable Soup
The rich, fatty meat with a hint of peppery spiciness served with hot rice is considered a delicacy. The boiled cabbage retains its crispness, complemented by the thickened vegetable soup, providing a perfectly balanced, nutritious lunch for the office.
Menu 7: Braised Pork with Quail Eggs, Gourd Soup with Peanuts
Braised pork with quail eggs and bitter melon soup with peanuts are both traditional dishes. When combined, they create a unique flavor for a lunch meal. You can switch up your office lunch menu with these dishes, which are rich in Vietnamese cultural flavors.
Menu 8: Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry, Winter Melon Soup, White Rice
Stir-fried chicken with ginger served with white rice is incredibly appetizing, paired with a refreshing bottle gourd soup that provides vitamins and fiber, offering office workers a lunch that's not only delicious but also nutritious.
Menu 9: Pork Belly Fried with Fish Sauce, Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Rice Vermicelli
Fried pork belly with a rich, flavorful fish sauce, paired with refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, served with rice noodles, creates a unique appeal for this office lunch menu. Try these office lunch dishes right away if you're looking to change up your meal options.
Menu 10: Stir-Fried Squid with Basil, Steamed Vegetables, White Rice
Stir-fried squid with basil may seem unusual, but it actually has a familiar taste that strongly stimulates the palate. The fresh, boiled vegetables help balance the flavors. The combination of these simple yet nutritious dishes will bring you a delicious and healthy office lunch.
2. Small Tips to Make Your Lunch More Delicious and Appealing
To enjoy a tasty and appealing office lunch, you should keep the following points in mind while preparing:
- Balance nutritional content: Your office lunch menu should include all the main nutrient groups such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Diversify the menu: A varied menu helps avoid monotony and provides your body with a wide range of nutrients.
- Choose healthy, fresh, and safe foods: Avoid processed foods high in oil, spices, and preservatives.
- Prioritize fresh ingredients: Opt for meals rich in green vegetables, fruits, and healthy protein sources.
- Match energy needs: Ensure your meals meet your body’s energy requirements. Eating too little can leave you tired and unmotivated, while overeating can cause drowsiness.
- Limit seasonings like sugar and salt: This helps protect heart health.
- Opt for easy-to-cook dishes: Select recipes that don’t require too much preparation time.
- Choose seasonal ingredients: This ensures safety and saves costs.
- Be cautious when ordering office lunches: If you order from food service providers, ensure they meet food hygiene and safety standards. One recommendation for office lunch delivery is Com Nieu Thien Ly.
Above are some suggestions from Cơm Niêu Thiên Lý for simple, easy-to-make yet nutritious office lunch dishes menu. We hope you’ve found suitable options to enjoy delicious lunches. In addition to preparing your own meals, you can also savor home-style dishes at Cơm Niêu Thiên Lý with 31 branches across districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Using fresh, clean ingredients, you can have familiar, comforting lunch dishes delivered in just 15 minutes to fuel a productive workday at the office.