Bento: Mastering the Japanese Lunch Box

Bento: The Quintessential Japanese Lunch Box

Japan has mastered the art of many culinary traditions, and the bento (Japanese lunch box) is no exception. Among all lunch boxes, bento boxes consistently come out on top each time.

A bento is a single-portion take-out or homemade meal, typically featuring a variety of Japanese staples and always eaten at room temperature. To ensure food safety, bento are usually made with dishes that tend to keep well to prevent bacteria.

You probably won’t see something like a sashimi or sushi bento fairly often (although these do exist in Japan), as it can easily lead to a recipe for disaster! The dishes inside a bento are often heavily seasoned, so that when it cools down the taste will still be preserved. 

A Brief History of the Bento: The Ancestors of the Lunch Box

While bento lunch boxes have existed for the past several hundred years in Japan, the modern form that is widely recognizable today didn’t come into form until around the 1980s.

With the advent of microwave ovens, disposable containers, and convenience stores, bentos become accessible across Japan, transforming the once traditional relic into a contemporary culinary staple, mirroring Japan’s futuristic outlook during the economic bubble of the 80s.

Crafting Your Bento: What to Put Inside?

There’s no clear cut rule book when it comes to what you can put into a bento, but it usually starts with either rice or noodles. Accompanying proteins might include pieces of grilled fish from cod to salmon, or more indulgent options like a nice fatty piece of tonkatsu (breaded, deep fried pork cutlet) or croquettes. 

And, no bento is complete without a couple side dishes! Potato salad, Kinpira Gobo (burdock root stir-fried in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce) and tsukemono (Japanese pickles) are side dishes you’ll commonly find inside of a bento.

A Bento For Every Occasion

Bentos come in all shapes in sizes, and you will be sure to find a bento fit for every occasion. Here are the most popular types of bento:

Kyaraben

Kyaraben, short for “character bento,” emerged in the mid 80s as a creative solution for parents dealing with picky eaters. By shaping colorful vegetables and other ingredients into popular anime characters, parents made meals more visually appealing, encouraging children to eat their greens instead of screaming like a yokai monster whenever they saw a piece of spinach. Kyaraben was an instant hit, and remains a staple to this day. 

Ekiben

Ekiben, translated as station bento, is essentially a bento that you can grab inside of a station before catching your train. Generally speaking, the bigger and busier the station, the better the bento!  Offerings range from beef-packed gyudon to luxurious sashimi or sushi bentos. Some stations even feature bento boxes with built-in reheating systems, activated by pulling a string.

If you go inside some of the busier stations, like Tokyo or Shinjuku Station, the amount of different ekiben available is astounding. From Italian cold antipasto to Chinese Shumai sets, the variety really shows how seriously the Japanese take their bento game. If taking the bullet train is part of your itinerary, definitely grab one before the ride.

Jubako

Reserved for the fancier occasions like eating Osechi during New Years or freshly grilled fillets of Unagi, Jubako are multi-tiered bento boxes made in the Japanese tradition.

Because it is typically only used in a setting of Kaiseki (haute) cuisine, you won’t see this fairly often unless there’s something special to celebrate. Using lacquerware techniques with artisanal craftsmanship with hundreds of years of experience, it really is an art piece in itself. Any Jubako will enhance the presentation of the Japanese ingredients when opened.

From Japan to the World: The Globalization of Bento

Do bento boxes have to exclusively use Japanese ingredients? NO! The world is your oyster! Here are some international bento options:

Korean Cuisine

Did you know that Korea has their own rendition of bento called Dosirak?  Featuring dishes like kimbap and short rib galbi, dosirak holds up well at room temperature and remains flavorful when reheated. Think of all the rice soaking up all the juices from the ingredients. Sounds delicious, right?

Chinese Cuisine

Gyoza and fried rice make for a great bento option, especially for those in need of a hearty meal to push you through that next match or workout.

Oh, did I mention that you can combine Chinese style bento with an ekiben? Eating a fresh gyoza bento with a beer inside a shinkansen is a truly unmatched culinary experience. Bento game over, my friend. 

Taiwanese Cuisine

Similar to Korean Dosirak, during the Japanese colonial period, the concept of bento was imprinted on the Taiwanese and remains prevalent to this day. 

One of the most famous Taiwanese dishes, red braised pork belly with pickled mustard greens is a staple in Taiwanese bento but has also recently become trendy in Japan.

You can even find Ekiben in Taiwan to take with you on a train journey. Out of all the globalized forms of Bento the Taiwanese bento has a remarkable similarity to Japanese bento due to shared cultural history. 

Nostalgia: Why Bento is Special

Of course, if you ask most people, they’d probably say they prefer their meals hot rather than at room temperature. In that sense, bento might seem like a downgrade from a warm, freshly cooked dish.

So why do Japanese people love bento so much? The answer is simple: nostalgia.

In Japan, preparing a bento is more than just assembling a meal; it’s an expression of love and care. Mothers often rise early to craft these lunches, thoughtfully selecting ingredients and arranging them with both nutrition and aesthetics in mind. Each component is chosen not only for taste but also to convey affection, turning a simple lunch into a heartfelt message.

I vividly recall the excitement of opening my mother’s bento box during school days, discovering the delightful assortment she had prepared. Every bite was a reminder of her warmth and dedication, making lunchtime feel like a comforting hug from home.

Final Thoughts

The tradition of bento-making continues to be a cherished practice, passed down through generations. It’s a beautiful reminder that food can nourish not just the body, but also the soul, carrying with it the love and memories of those who prepared it.

Next time you’re in Tokyo, why not give bento a try? Or better yet, make your own at home using ingredients from your own culture to craft a unique bento box full of flavor and care.