What is Bento?
Bento is the go-to food of many Japanese people, from kids to adults. A traditional bento is typically comprised of rice and viands like meat, fish, vegetables and other toppings carefully placed in a lunch box. Bento can be purchased at convenience stores, restaurants and train stations at a reasonable price, making it easy to find. For the most part, it is deliberately prepared by housewives for their children and spouse.
Common Types of Bento
1. Kyaraben
How would you feel when you open your lunch box and find an amazing character assembled as your food? That’s how Karaben looks like. Also known as the “Kawaii Bento” or “Character Bento” it is crafted by the skilled moms or dads, they make food interesting to eat by carefully arranging every piece of food to look like a character.
2. Ekiben
Photo by rhosoi. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Ekiben or station lunch boxes are sold at train stations and eaten inside the trains, like in the shinkansen. Every station has their own specialty Ekiben. It’s not your typical boring food because Ekiben is regarded as a special food treat for travellers.
3. Makunouchi Bento
Photo by kanko. Licensed under Creative Commons.
It is a traditional and formal type of bento in a lacquered wooden box, divided into parts which contain different delicacies. It is commonly served during Noh and Kabuki theatre intermissions.
4. Hinomaru Bento
Incorporating the flag of Japan to a Bento? Sounds like what a Japanese will do for the love of their country. Hinomaru Bento is styled like the flag of Japan with white rice and red pickles (umeboshi) in the center.
5. Sake Bento
Photo by Yamaguchi Yoshiaki. Licensed under Creative Commons.
This is a simple bento with a slice of Sake or Salmon and rice.
It is without a doubt that Bento made its remarkable spot in Japan’s food culture. When you visit Japan, go to the nearest convenience store and taste the goodness of bento.
Banner photo by Kimberly Vardeman. Licensed under Creative Commons.
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