A Foodie’s Guide to Campervan Cooking

Can you cook in a campervan?

Absolutely! In fact, being able to cook on the road is one of the big benefits of choosing a campervan hire for your next road trip. Maui campervans are fitted out with all the must-have camping cooking equipment including an oven, hob, microwave, and fridge.

With a fully equipped campervan kitchen on board, you have the freedom to prepare your favourite meals wherever your journey takes you. Whip up a hearty breakfast to start your day, pack a picnic lunch for a scenic stop, or savour a home-cooked dinner under the stars. 

 

 

Benefits of cooking in your campervan

Let’s dig further into some of the many benefits of cooking in your campervan.

 

Keep costs down

Eating out at restaurants and buying takeaways while on holiday can quickly add up and eat into your travel budget. But when you have the convenience of cooking in your campervan, you can keep costs down and still enjoy delicious meals. You may even like to prepare just some of your meals in your campervan kitchen and then splurge at the best restaurants on your bucket list for a few special dinners. 

 

You can enjoy the leftovers later

By cooking extra at one meal, you can save yourself time and effort the next day. From hearty pasta dishes to tasty curries, just pop the leftovers in a container, store them in the onboard fridge, and tomorrow’s lunch is sorted. It's a practical way to make the most of your cooking time and ensure that no tasty bite goes to waste. 

 

Sample local fresh produce 

When you cook in your campervan, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavours of your travel destination. Exploring nearby markets and produce stands allows you to discover fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase the region's culinary delights. From fresh fruits and vegetables to locally made cheeses and honey, you can create meals that capture the essence of the local cuisine. And as an added benefit, it’s a great way to support local communities as you travel. 

 

You can keep your allergies in check

If you have allergies or food sensitivities, you’ll know how important it is to be sure of the ingredients in anything you eat. Eating out at cafes, restaurants, and bakeries can make it challenging to track food contents. By preparing your own campervan meals, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor dishes to your specific dietary needs. 

 

 

How to plan your campervan cooking

Now that we've explored the benefits of campervan cooking, let's dive into the essential steps to plan your gastronomic adventures on the road.

 

Plan ahead 

Planning ahead is key to creating tasty meals in your campervan. Take some time to decide which meals you would like to prepare, the ingredients you'll need, and the necessary storage space. By mapping this out in advance, you’ll save yourself time and effort once you’re on the road. 

 

Choose the right camper

If you’re keen to create your own meals on your road trip, it’s important to choose the right camper. Maui offers a wide range of campers that are well-equipped for cooking and food storage. From compact vans to spacious motorhomes, you can find the perfect fit for your tasty Australian road trip. With portable grills, ovens, microwaves, and fridges on board, you’ll be all set to create delicious dishes on the go. 

 

Stock your pantry

When it comes to campervan cooking, the first step is to stock up on all the necessary ingredients for flavourful meals. You may like to include some of these must-haves:

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Dried herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)

• Curry powder or other spice blends

• Tomato paste 

• Canned beans (such as black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans)

• Canned diced tomatoes

• Rice or pasta

• Canned tuna or chicken

• Stock or broth cubes

 

A great place to stock up on flavoursome goodies as you travel is at local farmers’ markets. You’ll often find artisan goodies, homemade sauces and relishes, and locally-grown produce to use in your cooking. 

 

Enjoy alfresco cooking

One of the big benefits of campervan travel is the ability to enjoy cooking and eating outdoors. Take advantage of the facilities at holiday parks and enjoy a relaxed barbecue in the communal area. It’s a great way to meet other like-minded travellers too.

 

Think about your storage space

Remember, the storage space in your campervan fridge and cupboards will be limited. While it can be tempting to take boxes worth of ingredients, you may find you run out of room to store everything. That means you may need to be selective in what you bring. With this in mind, opt to avoid bulky items and choose those that can be used in multiple recipes. 

 

Remember, less is more

Meals with just a few ingredients can still be incredibly flavourful and delicious. By focusing on high-quality ingredients, good seasoning, and creative flavour combinations, you can create satisfying dishes that showcase simplicity at its best.

 

 

Gourmet recipes that travel well

Whether you consider yourself a foodie or you’re simply looking to add some flavour to your meals, there are lots of gourmet dishes you can easily prepare in your camper. Here are a few to get you started.

 

Grilled seafood skewers with citrus marinade

Fancy a seafood dinner? Check out local markets and fish shops for fresh fish as you travel, then fire up the grill, whip up a side salad, and get ready to enjoy these delicious seafood skewers. 

 

Quinoa and roast vegie salad with balsamic dressing

Grab some seasonal vegies from a local farmers market and enjoy them in this yummy salad. Perfect as a meal by itself or as a side dish with your favourite meat. Make plenty so you’ll have leftovers for lunch. 

 

Gourmet pulled pork sliders with tangy coleslaw

Fancy some fast food? These delicious sliders will beat anything you can buy at the local takeaway! 

 

Cheese platters, the ultimate campervan snack

Last but definitely not least, a cheese platter is the perfect meal for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking (or as a snack after dinner if you’re still peckish!).

 

Start by putting together a selection of cheese types, ranging from a sharp cheddar to a creamy brie, allowing for a variety of flavours and textures. Pair your cheeses with an assortment of accompaniments such as fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, briny olives, and perhaps a touch of honey for added sweetness. Don't forget to include an assortment of crackers or bread to complement the cheese.

 

Elevate your cheese platter to new heights by matching it with the perfect wine selection. Here are some tasty suggestions:

• Aged cheddar: Pair this bold and sharp cheese with a robust red wine such as cabernet sauvignon.

• Creamy Brie: The rich and creamy texture of Brie pairs wonderfully with a crisp and acidic white wine like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.

• Gouda: This semi-hard cheese with its nutty and caramel-like flavours pairs beautifully with medium-bodied red wines like merlot or pinot noir.

• Blue cheese: The intense and pungent flavours of blue cheese call for a sweet wine to balance them out. Try it with a dessert wine like port or a sweet riesling.

• Goat cheese: The fresh and tangy taste of goat cheese pairs excellently with a light-bodied white wine such as sauvignon blanc.

 

Embark on a foodie adventure with maui

Ready to kick off a culinary adventure in your campervan? As you can see, with a little preparation and a few key ingredients, campervan cuisine is not only easy, it’s also fun and flavoursome. If we’ve got your mouth watering for a tasty adventure, book your maui campervan today and get ready to start cooking!