Do you want to make a getaway and decide to go on an adventure with the van you have just rented? However, you wonder if it will be easy to cook inside this vehicle? Do not panic, several solutions exist to allow you to cook and eat good meals during your vacation in a van. The most important thing is to be well equipped with kitchen utensils, to be organized and to provide simple dishes to prepare. Explanations.
The essential tools for cooking well in a van
At first, cooking in a campervan
can be a bit of a challenge due to the limited space. Organization is very important to put everything in its place, in order to have easy access to all the kitchen utensils and to be able to find your food and condiments without having to return everything to the van!
Just like a motorhome,
a van has a kitchenette, even if it is a little less spacious, and cupboards to store all your belongings. The kitchen includes two cooking rings, a refrigerated area, a sink with a water reserve and a removable table. In addition, all our vehicles rented from VAN-IT are equipped with kitchen necessities including frying pan, saucepan, plates, glasses, bowls, colander, cutting board, cutlery and of course bottle opener!
If you wish, and if you are going away for a long period, you can equip yourself with some additional optional equipment, which will make cooking even more fun, such as a small barbecue for the outside. Kettles are sometimes also available on request.
The kitchen in a converted van will never be as big as your kitchen at home and the fridge will necessarily be much smaller, but you will still be able to prepare very good and hearty meals, and above all be able to eat outside, in the middle of nature or in front of the sea, which is priceless, and is one of the greatest pleasures when traveling in a camper van.
Ideas for dishes to prepare during a van trip
Even though cooking in a van may seem difficult at first, here are some ideas of dishes you can make.
At breakfast, for example, you can cut up fruit and enjoy it with muesli drizzled with vegetable milk. With a small coffee prepared by boiling water in your pan, you will be ready to continue your journey and enjoy the landscapes until noon! Do you like hearty breakfasts? Opt for pancakes made with a pancake mix and milk, then continue with bacon and eggs!
At noon,
if you don’t want to waste too much time in your day, you can make yourself a small sandwich with ham, cheese or with a very good country pâté bought in the morning at the local market. In the markets you will also very often find cooked dishes such as paellas, sauerkraut or roast chickens, potatoes, etc…
When you are settled and have found a quiet and spacious place, take the time to make yourself a nice hot meal in your van.
Since you have two cooking fires, you can, for example, cook pasta on one side and turkey cutlets on the other side with a small crème fraiche and Dijon mustard sauce. An easy, cheap and delicious dish. Typically French !
Of course, if you are parked for the night and are sure not to move again, take the opportunity to accompany your dish with good glass of wine from the region you are visiting!
If you have brought or rented a small barbecue,
you can consider grilling meat on it, but also vegetables such as peppers or onions or shrimps… Be careful however, in summer and in some places, the barbecue is prohibited (South of France, National Parks, etc.). Inquire before any use.
Don’t worry, you will have lots of other ideas for small dishes during your vacation, as you come across many markets, shops and restaurants. And the road is hollow!
Everything is possible in a converted van. Do not hesitate to be creative to delight your taste buds during your various meals.
Do you feel ready to go on an adventure in a camper van? Discover our range of fitted vans available for hire in our agencies in France.
Have a good trip !