What to prepare for a substantial ‘snack’ for someone arriving late from a long haul flight

[Arjan]

They will arrive around 11.30pm, I doubt they will want a big dinner, but will probably be hungry for some decent food. was thinking of doing a quiche and salad but then remembered one of them has an egg allergy.

Any ideas for something I can prepare in advance ?

Thank you.

Nice bread and cheese, perhaps a salad snd a glass of red wine. I’d have that pretty much any time of the day or night.

They are likely to have been on the go for most of the day and be tired so not in need of anything too substantial. I would have the ingredients for say a ham & cheese toastie to hand - that can then be put together when they arrive.

There is no guarantee they will arrive at that time, or be in the mood to eat and would rather go straight to bed, after a cup of tea!

😅🤢

My mum always used to do me fish fingers and curly fries when they lbied a long flight away. Not something we'd normally really eat, but perfect after a long flight with a mug of hot tea.

I think the only answer is a buttered mars bar, some lemon squash and some twiglets.

I love food but if I’d just got of a long haul flight I’d feel really awkward if I was presented with a batch of homemade soup or huge meal like a cottage pie or lasagne. I’d feel like the host had gone to a big effort and I’d be obligated to eat it. Firstly, I’d ask them is there anything you’d like me to get in case you’re hungry when you arrive. Then I’d have a host of things that could be eaten either that night or the day after. Ham, cheese, nice bread, salad bits. That way if they want something substantial you can bulk it out pretty quickly and if they don’t want anything they can go to bed.

Sorry, have zero idea what that means - could you please explain?

I wouldn’t have anything as like as not except a glass of wine

quite often feel overfull yet unsatisfied with food on the go - so think about lots of fresh stuff fo breakfast options - lots of fruit

Soup and bread
cheese on toast
welsh rarebit or
a bacon buttie

Genuinely think it’s worth asking as 75% of what’s here would never be what I would want. So everyone is different!

Anything bean or spice related makes me feel a bit ill to think about after a long flight. Really anything with more than a couple of ingredients feels too hard.

Toastie if they want it.
Pitta, houmus, tsatziki, ham if they want it.
Don't be offended if they don't.

Decaffeinated hot drink, wine, brandy or whiskey if they want it. Don't be offended if they don't.

Have a fruit bowl to hand.

All these people suggesting cheese - before bed?? I find cheese very uncomfortable to digest. Agree with the soup and toast suggestions, fruit and yogurt.

were flying long hail and it will be takeaway pizza! Quiche and a salad will not cut it (even without an egg allergy). You won’t something with carbs and comforting.

@OhBettyCalmDown

I love food but if I’d just got of a long haul flight I’d feel really awkward if I was presented with a batch of homemade soup or huge meal like a cottage pie or lasagne.

Agreed, I used to do a lot of getting home after Long Haul flights and some days it was nice to have a meal and a beer, other days a slice of pizza and a cup of tea...no way of predicting..

TBH I'd go along with the POV is the best bet would be a flexible option - something that can go in the fridge for tomorrow if the guests can't face a slap up meal on arrival.

Agree with this. Surely toast would be enough.

Just a sandwich will do.

Bean chilli? Charcuterie plate? Lasagna? After a long haul flight?

Come on

Ex cabin crew here. Nobody will particularly want or need a big meal, or even a substantial snack at that time of night after a long flight and big time change. I’d just have something like a hot chocolate and toast, or cheese on toast at a push. They’re going to want to get to bed and try to adapt to the time change.

The only time I've had problems with cheese before bed have been when heavily pregnant, otherwise no bother at all.

They'll have been well-fed on the 'plane, so I'd probably just offer a sandwich.

Thanks everyone ! One of them I expect will want to eat, a nervous flyer who won’t eat a bite on the plane, (or beforehand).

You have given me inspiration, I’m going to prepare a filling for a chicken wrap, they can have it cold or heat it up if they want and if they don’t want anything, it will stay in the fridge for next day.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

Haha love how op missed out that one person would be hungry for sure and then went with something that wasn’t even a suggestion

I always make small sandwiches with crusty/ French bread, fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves for relatives who arrive late from long haul flights. Served with a tall glass of water, still or fizzy, and/ or a mug of decaf tea or herbal tea.

I am loving some of the answers especially the 'ex cabin crew' one who worked on an airline so knows what every single person would not want coming off a plane hahaha

No idea how long the flight is nor the time from airport to yours but I have always handed up Tayto crisps, a white sliced pan of bread, tea, bottles of coke, water and a dairy milk. Yes I am in Ireland and yes I have had far too many people fly from Australia and Asia etc and still this is what they get. Stretch or starve!

I used to fly long haul a lot for work.

The only thing I've ever wanted is a slice of toast and a cup of tea.
Can't imagine eating a lasagne etc

I'd say ask them.

I would absolutely love a bag of Tayto, big doorstep slice of fresh bread, thick layer of kerrygold butter to make a crisp sandwich. Sadly not living in Ireland at the moment, but mouth is watering at the idea of it. 😋😋