Cooking in a Campervan: How We Managed Meals on the Road

One of the biggest questions we get asked about our campervan travels is: “How do you manage meals on the road?” The truth is, with a little planning (and some creativity), cooking in a campervan can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.

We quickly found our rhythm in the campervan kitchen. Our trusty cooking set-up included:

• Vango Sizzle Double Induction Hob (our main workhorse)
• Toaster (ideal for quick breakfasts and snacks)
• Kettle (because tea and coffee are non-negotiable! As well as pre-boiling the water for cooking!)

Before we left, I made sure to pack a few staples that I thought might be harder to find in smaller shops, including:

• Herbs and spices (Italian mix and curry powders)
• Stock cubes
• Honey (ideal on toast or stirred into sauces)
• Olive and groundnut oils
• Soy sauce
• A few basics like tinned tomatoes and baked beans — handy for quick meals without taking up too much space

These little extras made a big difference, turning simple campsite meals into something a bit more flavourful.

Cooking as Vegetarians on the Road

As a vegetarian family, eating out in France and Spain wasn’t always straightforward. Options were often limited, so we relied on our own cooking to keep meals interesting and balanced. (For comparison, Italy was much easier when we travelled there previously!)

We quickly found our rhythm in the campervan kitchen. Our trusty double induction hob proved itself night after night, and beans and lentils became the base of many meals since they were easy to find and store.

Our Go-To Campervan Dinners

• Pasta nights – A total winner with the kids. With our herbs and stock cubes, a tin of tomatoes, and lots of fresh vegetables, we could whip up a hearty meal in no time.
• Omelettes – Fast, filling, and easily tailored to everyone’s taste. Veggie-packed omelettes were a great way to sneak in extra goodness for the children. Plus eggs were an easy ingredient to find!
• Fried rice – A favourite of mine: rice simmering on one hob, vegetables sizzling on the other, all finished with soy sauce and scrambled egg. Quick, cheap, and tasty.
• Curry – Coconut milk, spices, rice, and fresh veg made for a surprisingly luxurious dinner at the campsite. We only managed this once, but I’d happily have cooked it more often.
• Fajitas – A ten-minute wonder! One pan, plenty of flavour, and some fresh salad on the side — the perfect road trip meal.

Tip: We also found that one-pot recipes were the easiest way to reduce washing up (a big bonus after a long day of exploring).

Lunches on the Go

Fresh baguettes from local bakeries — still warm when we were lucky!

Hummus with cucumber, carrots, and peppers

Crisps and cheese to share

Fresh fruit from local markets — melons, grapes, strawberries, and whatever else was in season

Sometimes, the simple meals were the best. Pulling up somewhere scenic, laying out fresh bread, cheese, and fruit felt like a picnic with a view every single day.

Breakfasts in the Van

We stuck to cereals most mornings, especially when we needed a quick start. On slower days, we treated ourselves to freshly baked baguettes or scrambled eggs — usually with a beautiful view.

What We Forgot

You’d think we’d have thought of everything, but no… ketchup and mayonnaise were sorely missed! We caved and bought them halfway through.

We also realised our prep equipment wasn’t quite up to scratch. Next time, I’d definitely bring:

• A bigger chopping board
• A decent kitchen knife
• An extra bowl, plate, and set of cutlery – because, let’s be honest, washing up doesn’t always happen straight away when you’re on the road. Having spares would have saved a few mealtime scrambles!
• Possibly even a compact air fryer — it would add so many options for easy, healthy meals.

Making the Most of Local Produce

One of the joys of campervan travel is stumbling upon markets full of fresh, local produce. From juicy tomatoes to baskets of ripe fruit, we loved picking up whatever was in season and turning it into dinner that same evening. On the odd occasion we found restaurants with good vegetarian options, we enjoyed eating out too, but mostly, our little campervan kitchen served us very well.

Final Thoughts

Cooking in a campervan doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few staples from home, some flexibility, and the willingness to keep meals simple, it can be fun, affordable, and incredibly rewarding.

Our meals might not have been gourmet, but they fuelled our adventures, kept the kids happy, and added to the rhythm of life on the road. In fact, gathering around our little camping table each night became one of our favourite parts of the journey.