While driving with friends on a road trip can guarantee a few local spots for food, the same cannot be said for boat rides.
If you have already planned a boating trip and packed the bags, make some extra space for the food. After all, one can’t order pizza while floating in the middle of a lake. But that is the fun of bringing one’s own food and cooking it for family and kids to enjoy while adrift on the water.
You’ll have to consider all possibilities if it has already been decided that all the cooking will happen on the boat. So, if you are having trouble coming up with ideas, allow us to help with a few suggestions-
Enjoying A Meal On A Boat
Some of you may wonder what the big deal is about eating on a boat. Any food chosen will be the same as any old restaurant, won’t it? That’s the thing – enjoying food on a boat is similar to going out to a fancy restaurant for the “experience.” The joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones on a boat with relaxing water views is incomparable.
Those few moments in which you set out a table for everyone and soak in the fascinating sunsets is a rare moment that families cherish. This is probably why people love to take family and kids on boat dinners because it’s an experience they will never forget.
But the question remains – Which are the best foods to eat while on a boat? You can eat just about anything you usually like, but here are a few suggestions to help with packing-
Cooking And Prepping On A Boat
Cooking on a boat will have its limitations, and you’ll need to check if the equipment required is available. If the boat is bigger and fancier with a kitchen, utensils, and plates, you can cook up something impressive for the family. A grand menu to celebrate an occasion is possible, considering you arrange for all the ingredients.
Of course, if you have booked a regular boat, there won’t be much scope for cooking and prepping ingredients. So, it would be best to go for easy-to-make recipes like wraps and sandwiches.
Breakfast And Brunch Foods
Setting out in a boat early in the morning calls for a quick and fuss-free breakfast that does not need too many ingredients. A few boiled eggs paired with easy-peasy waffles could be the way to go. With waffles, it’s possible to add any number of toppings from chicken sausages, peppers, or cheese, and they will work splendidly together.
Alternatively, make a sweet waffle serving for everyone with honey and fruit toppings. With a microwave at your disposal, instant foods will save cooking time on the boating trip. Besides, if anyone gets hungry before lunchtime, keep a bunch of crackers to munch on while fishing.
Lunch Meals
There’s nothing better than hearty lunches by the glistening water, but you also need to keep it simple since there isn’t a kitchen. Sandwiches are a go-to because they require ready-made ingredients – some bread, mayonnaise, ham, and cheese, and you’re good to go. Adding some tuna or roast chicken to the sandwiches takes them a notch higher.
Another easy meal is hotdogs which can be cooked using boiled water from a microwave or thermos. Add the buns and tomato sauce, and that’s a full meal for the family.
Moreover, fruits and fruit salads require no prep, and you can simply cut them up with a knife or serve bananas or apples as they are. People who have a strong appreciation for dessert after meals will enjoy muffins which you can carry premade or pop in the microwave on the boat.
Fishing For Brunch
For most people, the fun part of going on a boat is laying back and fishing. There is a certain attraction about going fishing and roasting the catch of the day for your next meal – it doesn’t get any fresher than that!
Of course, this plan does not come without its challenges. For instance, you may have nothing but a microwave on the boat for heating foods and no grill to cook the fish. Also, you can’t rely on catching fish for brunch because if you do not catch any, everyone will go hungry.
What’s more, you may catch a fish or crustacean that needs specific kitchen tools to prepare or cook and that will be no good either.
Dinner Meals
The full family is out on the boat under the stars and the moonlight, and you’re craving something warm and creamy. Bring along some mushrooms, feta, and spinach to make a fresh quiche that the whole family can enjoy. Otherwise, the afternoon catch of the day with lemon and capers with a side dish of aged cheese is a sure crowd-pleaser.
However, fancy meals like these will need a stove or grill. If the equipment is not available, get some bread loaves with some jerky or roast chicken with a side of citrusy veggie salad to make the perfect dinnertime meal. Again, a banana bread along with dinner will satisfy any sweet craving on the boat trip.
Final Words
If you are in charge of packing the meals for the boat trip, take our suggestion and check a few important details about the boat. Check if the boat has a workplace, table, or countertop which can be used for prepping vegetables or cutting fruits.
If not, you’ll know to pack ready to eat foods for most of the snacks and meals that do not need warming. Thus, check if a microwave is available on the boat so that warming foods, soups, and beverages is easier. Further, boat hiring companies will help you out with boat details and inclusions when you book for a day or two.