Travelling for work has been given a bad rap over the years. We completely understand it – cramped spaces, over-packed schedules, and money wasted on endless takeaway meals or expensive restaurants.

While we’re all for exploring the area and living like a local, it’s also nice to relax with some quality home cooking. It’s cosy, comforting, and will save you a little extra money on those lavish dining expenses. 

Okay, more like a lot of extra money.

Rambla is your solution for easy meals to cook while travelling. Our fresh serviced apartments are perfectly designed to allow you to bask in the comforts of home, which includes (of course) the ease of cooking.

We've got the scoop on five tantalising recipes that are quick, easy, and downright delicious. So, put on your chef's hat, grab your spatula, and let's dive into the world of easy and exciting meals for solo and corporate travellers!

Exploring Local Markets and Fresh Produce

The first step to any good home cooked meal, especially while travelling, is to track down the best fresh ingredients. Those delicious produce elements are the heart of soul of any great dish, even the easy one person meals

Luckily, we’ve got some of Brisbane’s best fresh food outlets and markets right on the doorstep of Perry House. From Fortitude Valley's famous James St Market to the charming farmers markets scattered across Brisbane, you'll find a cornucopia of seasonal produce that will make your taste buds sing.

James St Market

Prepare to have your senses dazzled at the enchanting James St Market

Picture this: vibrant stalls brimming with colourful fruits and vegetables, exotic spices that transport you to far-off lands, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. 

With shelves and fridges packed full of delicious local ingredients and ready-made meals for even more ease, James St Market is an essential when staying in Brisbane for work.

You’ll also want to take a bite out of the surrounding cafés, ice cream stalls, bakeries, and shops on James Street. There are some pretty tantalising options to say the least!

Just a 6-minute drive from Perry House (or a sunshiney 24-minute walk), James St Market is a food lover's paradise.

Farmers Markets in Brisbane

Bring your farm-to-table dreams to life with the abundance of fresh farmers markets close to Perry House.

The Brisbane City Markets and Jan Powers Farmers Markets are just a couple of the popular spots where you can mingle with farmers, chat about their produce, and handpick the freshest ingredients for your culinary creations.

Some of the best farmers markets close to Perry House are:

5 Easy and Delicious Recipes for Solo Travellers

Travelling for work tends to be a bit of a lonely experience. Unless you’re off on an exciting group conference, you may be cooking one person meals during your stay.

Let’s throw boring meals for solo travellers in the compost heap – it’s time to embrace culinary adventures for one with these scrumptious easy meals to cook! 

Plus, if you are travelling with a partner or group, these recipes can be easily adapted so you can feed your whole crew.

Veggie stir fry
Credit: Natasha’s Kitchen 

  1. One-Pan Veggie Stir-Fry

Who says stir-fries are only for master chefs? With this easy-peasy one-pan veggie stir-fry recipe, you'll be whipping up a sizzling symphony of flavours in no time. 

Just grab your favourite veggies, toss them in a hot pan, and let the magic happen. Add some soy sauce, garlic, and a sprinkle of your favourite spices, and voila! A delicious and nutritious meal that's packed with goodness.

Key ingredients:

  • Selection of fresh veggies like capsicum, baby corn, green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas or asparagus. Anything goes! 
  • Garlic, ginger, and a dab of butter if you’re feeling indulgent
  • Soy sauce or a pre-packaged stir-fry sauce from James St Market

If you’re feeling peckish, add a side of steamed rice or your favourite protein source.

Check out this tasty recipe for a quick and easy one-pan veggie stir-fry.

Quinoa salad
Credit: Choosing Chia

  1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Close your eyes and imagine yourself lounging on the sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean. Now, open them and get ready to indulge in a refreshing Mediterranean quinoa salad

Bursting with juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, creamy feta cheese, and a medley of fresh herbs, this salad is like a mini vacation on your plate. A vacation-within-a-short-stay, if you will. It's light, flavourful, and oh-so-satisfying.

Key ingredients:

  • Quinoa (of course)
  • Red capsicum
  • Chickpeas
  • Red onion
  • Olives
  • Basil
  • Feta
  • Olive oil
  • Sun Dried tomatoes, if that’s your thing

Refer to this delicious recipe to make your Mediterranean quinoa salad.

Video link: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/222000/spaghetti-aglio-e-olio/ 

Credit: All Recipes

  1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the simplest ones. 

Take the famous spaghetti aglio e olio, for example. It's a classic Italian dish that combines the earthy flavours of garlic, a hint of chilli flakes for a kick, and the rich silkiness of olive oil. 

Toss it all together with perfectly cooked al dente pasta, and you've got a dish that's guaranteed to transport you straight to the streets of Italy. It’s one of our favourite one person meals to cook, as long as you don’t accidently boil too much pasta – we’ve all been there.

Key ingredients:

  • Spaghetti 
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Chilli flakes and/or black pepper
  • Fresh parsley
  • Grated tasty cheese (the best bit, right?)

Have a look at this easy recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio, but be wary that it serves 4. If you need, simply halve the ingredients to reduce the number of dishes – otherwise, the kitchenettes at Perry House are equipped with fridges, so you can store your leftovers for another day.

Close-up of baked lemon herb salmon
Credit: Whitney Bond

  1. Baked Lemon Herb Salmon

Craving a taste of the ocean? One of the best easy meals to cook is baked lemon herb salmon

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you'll have a tender and flavourful piece of salmon that's bursting with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. It's a dish that's as impressive as it is easy to make. 

Plus, it's packed with those healthy omega-3 fatty acids that keep you feeling fabulous on your travels.

Key ingredients:

  • Salmon fillet/s (check out Fresh Fish Co. at James St Market for the best salmon in town)
  • Lemon herb mixture: olive oil, fresh parsley, rosemary, basil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, salt and pepper
  • Foil to bake in if you can get it – this makes clean-up much quicker and easier

We’re licking our lips at this baked lemon herb salmon recipe.

Black bean quesadillas
Credit: Budget Bytes

  1. Mexican Black Bean Quesadilla

Bring a fiesta to your table with a tasty Mexican black bean quesadilla. This cheesy delight is loaded with flavourful black beans, spicy jalapeños, tangy salsa, and gooey melted cheese. 

It's the perfect recipe for a quick and satisfying meal that's guaranteed to make your taste buds do the salsa. Sorry, that was a bad joke – we're just really craving this one right now.

Key ingredients:

  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Red onion
  • Garlic
  • Taco seasoning (make your own if you’re feeling creative, otherwise pick up a premade blend from James St Market)
  • Grated cheddar cheese
  • Flour tortillas

These finger-licking bites are always perfect with sides like lime juice, guacamole, and corn chips. Pick some up while you’re out shopping for ingredients.

Check out this super simple recipe for Mexican black bean quesadillas

Hot tip: jump to the recipe section and you can actually input the number of servings you want, which automatically updates the amount of ingredients you’ll need. 

The Art of Home Cooking While Travelling

Cooking is an art in itself, but cooking while travelling? Now that can be a challenge. Luckily, we’ve simplified things with some easy-breezy tips plus, of course, the functionality of our Rambla @ Perry House rooms to help you in the kitchen. 

Organisational Tips for Successful Cooking

When you're on the go, staying organised is the secret ingredient to successful cooking. 

Plan your meals in advance, make a shopping list, and prep ingredients ahead of time. With a little bit of foresight, you'll be whipping up one person meals like a pro.

Space-Saving Methods for One Person Meals

Who says you need a huge kitchen to create culinary masterpieces? When space is limited, or when you simply don’t have access to your favourite home kitchen cupboard space, get creative with your storage solutions

Utilise collapsible utensils, stackable tupperware containers, and space-saving gadgets to make the most of your cosy kitchenette. 

We’ve got some great basics for you to use ready and waiting at Perry House, but if you’re looking to really get cooking during your stay, it’s a great idea to invest in some of these space-saving utensils.

The Functionality of Our Serviced Apartment Kitchen

At Rambla, we understand that your cooking adventures need the perfect space. That's why our accommodations are equipped with full kitchenettes, allowing you to unleash your culinary creativity. 

With a stove top, oven, microwave, small fridge, cupboard space, and a few handy bits and bobs, each room’s kitchenette will transport you to your happy place. It’s designed to be your home away from home, after all.

So, whip out those pots and pans, channel your inner Gordon Ramsay, and let the magic happen in your very own Rambla kitchen.

Guest assembling a meal in their room’s kitchen at Perry House

Rambla: Your Home Away from Home

With Rambla as your culinary companion, there's no need to settle for mundane meals while travelling for work. Embrace your inner chef, explore the local markets, and dive into the world of easy and exciting recipes. 

Plus, when you book direct with Rambla, you’ll unlock an exclusive 5% discount on your stay and free parking. We’ll even throw in a cheeky 10% food and drinks discount at The Coffee Commune next door. 

Taste the adventure and feel at home with Rambla while you travel for work. Happy cooking!

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