Cooking in a hostel kitchen can be a challenge—limited space, shared equipment, and sometimes questionable cookware. But with a little creativity, you can whip up easy, affordable, and tasty meals using just a few ingredients and minimal equipment.
Here are some of the best meals you can make with one pot, one pan, or no cooking at all!
1. One-Pot Pasta
🍝 Why it’s great: Minimal cleanup, quick to make, and only requires a single pot!
✔️ Ingredients:
- Pasta (any kind)
- Tomato sauce or canned tomatoes
- Garlic (optional but adds flavour)
- Any veggies (e.g., spinach, capsicum, zucchini)
- Cheese (optional, but recommended!)
✔️ How to make it:
- Boil pasta in salted water. Drain most of the water, leaving about ¼ cup.
- Add the sauce, garlic, and veggies. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cheese, serve, and enjoy!
2. Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice
🥦 Why it’s great: Super customisable, healthy, and filling!
✔️ Ingredients:
- Instant rice or pre-cooked rice
- Mixed veggies (frozen or fresh)
- Soy sauce or any seasoning
- Eggs (optional for extra protein)
✔️ How to make it:
- Cook rice if not using pre-cooked.
- In a pan, fry veggies with a bit of oil.
- If using eggs, scramble them in the same pan.
- Add rice and soy sauce, mix well, and serve!
3. Cheesy Quesadillas
🧀 Why it’s great: Requires just a frying pan and takes under 10 minutes!
✔️ Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
- Beans or cooked chicken (optional but adds protein)
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional for flavour)
✔️ How to make it:
- Place tortilla in a pan over low heat.
- Sprinkle cheese and any extras on half of the tortilla.
- Fold over and cook until golden on both sides.
- Serve with salsa and enjoy!
4. No-Cook Greek Salad Wraps
🥗 Why it’s great: No stove needed, perfect for hot days or lazy cooking!
✔️ Ingredients:
- Wraps
- Feta cheese
- Tomato & cucumber
- Olives (optional but tasty)
- Hummus or tzatziki
✔️ How to make it:
- Chop tomato and cucumber.
- Spread hummus or tzatziki on a wrap.
- Add veggies, feta, and olives.
- Roll up and eat!
5. One-Pot Lentil Soup
🍲 Why it’s great: Hearty, nutritious, and only needs one pot!
✔️ Ingredients:
- Lentils (canned or dried, soaked overnight)
- Canned tomatoes or vegetable stock
- Garlic & onion (optional but adds flavour)
- Carrots or any other veggies
✔️ How to make it:
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic if using.
- Add lentils, veggies, and canned tomatoes or stock.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes (until lentils are soft).
- Season to taste and serve!
6. Avocado & Tuna Rice Bowl
🥑 Why it’s great: No cooking needed, packed with protein, and super tasty!
✔️ Ingredients:
- Cooked rice (instant or leftover)
- Canned tuna
- Avocado
- Soy sauce or sesame oil
️ ✔ How to make it:
- Mash avocado and mix with tuna.
- Add the mixture over rice.
- Drizzle with soy sauce or sesame oil.
- Mix and enjoy!
7. Easy Omelette
🍳 Why it’s great: A protein-packed meal you can make in 5 minutes!
✔️ Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- Cheese (optional)
- Veggies (any, but capsicum and mushrooms work well)
✔️ How to make it:
- Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk, and season.
- Pour into a lightly oiled pan.
- Add cheese and veggies.
- Cook for a few minutes, fold over, and serve!
8. Peanut Butter & Banana Toast
🍌 Why it’s great: The easiest budget-friendly breakfast or snack!
✔️ Ingredients:
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Banana
- Cinnamon or honey (optional)
✔️ How to make it:
- Toast the bread (or eat as is).
- Spread peanut butter and top with banana slices.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle of honey.
- Done!
Final Thoughts
Cooking in a hostel kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful! With a few simple, cheap ingredients and minimal equipment, you can make delicious meals while saving money on eating out.
Happy cooking! 🍽️✈
