Search
Home < Recipes < Packed Lunch: The Italian Way
like_thumbLike
heart_likeLiked by 10

Share

  • fb
  • print
  • twitter

    Packed Lunch: The Italian Way
    Difficulty

    Schiscetta, sporta, gamella, brachin… so many names, a single tradition.
    Every Italian region has its own way of saying it, but the meaning is always the same: a lunch prepared at home and taken with you, wherever you’re headed.
    Because in Italy, lunch, even when it’s a packed lunch, is much more than a quick meal: it’s a daily ritual, a gesture of care, a moment of conviviality… a little corner of home to be enjoyed even when you’re elsewhere.

    		 Preparation
    When It's Eaten

    The packed lunch isn’t just for the workplace; there are many different occasions for which a great number of Italians opt for its practicality. It might be for a picnic, for a quick and wholesome bite during a day trip, to avoid interrupting a day at the beach, or to provide children with a snack to have during the break between morning lessons.

    When Out and About: The Packed Lunch

    The packed lunch in Italy can take many forms: some opt for a simple sandwich or a light salad, while others prefer to bring a portion of pasta, a main course with a side dish, or other more substantial preparations.

    Many workplaces and schools have a dedicated canteen for the lunch break, but when one isn’t available, it’s common to find a shared kitchen to store and heat food brought from home, as well as a dining area designed to allow everyone to sit together and enjoy their meal in company.

    Let's Start with the Basics: The Importance of Lunch

    Unlike in many other cultures, in Italy, lunch is the heart of the day. It isn’t just a quick snack, eaten standing up between one commitment and another with a salad or some fruit. It’s a social ritual, an opportunity to switch off from daily activities and take an hour to enjoy carefully prepared dishes, preferably in company.

    At home or in a restaurant, it’s a simple habit to maintain, but when you’re at work, a trusty ally comes into play: the packed lunch.

    T2-
    		Servings for
    Group 382-

    A Bit of History

    395x395_schisca

    Why Choose a Packed Lunch?

    Why not simply go to a restaurant, buy something ready-made at the supermarket, order a delivery, or skip lunch altogether to save time?

    Some do it for health reasons, to avoid skipping a meal or having to rely on pre-packaged, less nutritious foods.
    Some do it to save money, avoiding restaurants or takeaways every day.
    Some do it for pleasure, to express creativity in the kitchen, or are lucky enough to have someone who prepares it for them with affection.

    The packed lunch has become a true Italian institution, so much so that even on the school benches, children who have just entered the classroom ask each other: “What have you got for your break?”
    A question that, later in life, transforms in the office into: “What did you bring for lunch today?”

    And we think that’s beautiful.

    Discover more about Grana Padano

    GP_Prodotto iconico_2026next


    An iconic product
    GP_La DOP_2026next


    The PDO
    GP_Curiosita sul prodotto_2026next


    Fun Facts
    GP_I consorziati_2026next


    The consortium members