Self-catering trips are all about freedom: no set menus, no pricey restaurants, just you, your people, and the joy of eating well wherever you are. But let’s be honest – no one wants to spend their holiday scrubbing pots or hunting down obscure ingredients. The trick is to keep meals simple, budget-friendly and low-fuss, while still delicious.
Here’s your guide to easy meals that make self-catering holidays a pleasure, not a chore.
Pan ahead, pack smart
Before you hit the road, make a rough meal plan and pack the basics: spices, condiments, tea, coffee, long-life milk, oil and a few pantry staples like pasta or couscous. If you’re driving, cook and freeze a few favourites before leaving – nothing beats heating up a ready-made curry or stew after a long day exploring.
Breakfasts that don’t need a chef
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DIY breakfast buffet – Pancakes, yoghurt, fruit, and a few spreads mean everyone can help themselves.
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Classic fry-up – Bacon, eggs, and tomato make for a hearty start, and they’re quick to pull together.
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On-the-go options – Cereal, muesli or overnight oats keep mornings fuss-free when you’d rather get going.
Simple lunches that travel well
Lunches are easiest when they’re portable. Think cheese toasties, wraps stuffed with tuna or chicken, or ham rolls you can throw into a cooler for padkos. Leftovers from the night before – whether it’s steak, sosaties or roast veg – also make brilliant picnic fare.
Dinners that feel like a treat
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Burgers and chips – Easy to prep, fun to customise, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Braai night – Nothing says holiday like boerewors, chops or sosaties over the coals. Add a simple potato salad or baked spuds wrapped in foil, and you’re sorted.
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Pasta bar – Cook a big pot of pasta and serve with two or three sauces (tomato, pesto, cheese). Add toppings like grated cheese or leftover meatballs for variety.
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Stir-fry – Quick to whip up with a packet of chopped veg, a protein of choice, and a splash of soy sauce.
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Loaded baked potatoes – Bake a tray of potatoes and lay out toppings like cheese, sour cream, chopped veg and herbs. Everyone builds their own.
Clever tricks to save time and money
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Cook once, eat twice – Make enough dinner to double as tomorrow’s lunch.
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Batch-freeze – Pre-cooked tomato sauce, stews or curries travel brilliantly and save you hours of cooking.
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Go big on sides – A couscous salad or tray of roasted vegetables can stretch across several meals.
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Snack smart – Pack nuts, fruit, biltong and cheese to avoid unnecessary stops and impulse buys.
The golden rule: keep it relaxed
Self-catering isn’t about perfect plating – it’s about enjoying good food without stress. Mix and match, keep meals flexible, and let everyone get involved, whether it’s flipping pancakes or layering braai broodjies. With a little planning and a few easy recipes, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time making holiday memories.
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