Bento Box is a container which is divided into several sections for carrying single portions of different items of a meal, to be eaten at work, school, play, picnic or while travelling. It originated in Japan and the term ‘bento’ means ‘convenience’ in Mandarin. Obviously, the bento box was so named as it is a convenience box. It is also used in Phillipines, Korea, Taiwan and India, known by different names. For instance, in India it is known as the Tiffin. A common usage of bento box can be seen at airports and on trains and flights, when local cuisine is served to be eaten while travelling or waiting to catch a flight. Bento box is also popularly referred to as – Boxed Lunch.
History
The bento box has been used in different forms, during various periods in Japan where it originated –
Types
Shokado Bento – This is the traditional black lacquered bento box.
Chuka Bento – This is usually filled with Chinese food and is mostly used for a midnight snack.
Kamameshi Bento – These are sold at train stations. They are cooked and served in a clay pot which is a souvenir item.
Makunouchi Bento – This is the classic style of bento box containing, rice, pickled fruit, rolled egg and a slice of broiled salmon.
Noriben Bento – This is the simplest type of bento box and it contains nori dipped in soy sauce over cooked rice.
Sake Bento – This too is a simple bento box which contains the slice of broiled salmon as the main dish.
Shidashi Bento – This is made by commercial establishments like restaurants and delivered for parties, office lunches or funerals. It consists of traditional Japanese food like tempura, rice and pickled vegetables. It is also available with European style food.
Tori Bento – This is a popular bento box in Gunma Prefecture and contains a piece of chicken cooked in sauce and served over rice.
Hinomaru Bento – It is made of metal and carries only rice and umeboshi.
How to Buy a Bento Box
In order to buy a bento box one could visit supermarkets as well as online stores. Depending on who is going to use it, one can choose from kid-friendly or other designs. One should look for boxes with ample sections for keeping food items of various textures. It is helpful to buy a box which is microwave, freezer and top rack dishwasher safe.
Popular Brands Selling Bento Box