Cafeteria carrier

TRAY

You might balance your lunch on this flat, handheld surface before finding a seat.

"Cafeteria carrier" is a straightforward clue pointing to something you use to hold food in a dining hall or cafeteria. The answer is "TRAY," which is the flat, often rectangular item that carries plates, drinks, and utensils. There’s no hidden wordplay here—it’s a direct definition where "carrier" hints at the tray’s function of transporting meals. Think of school lunches or buffet lines where trays are essential.