Culinary Achievers

  What is Bento and What are Bento Boxes? The Japanese equivalent of meal boxes, Bento or Obento, is a popular food trend in Japan. Although Bento originated in Japan, the concept has become exceedingly popular in the neighboring countries of China, Taiwan, and Korea as well. So what exactly is a Bento box? Usually, Bento boxes are a single portion, takeaway, home-packed meal. These boxes are readily available in convenience stores, Bento shops, railway stations, department stores, and even vending machines. Aimed at attracting a busy, on-the-move crowd, Bento boxes are known for providing a wholesome meal while also being affordable. Bento boxes typically serve rice as the main food, although noodles are commonly used as a substitute. The box also consists of fish, meat, pickled and cooked vegetables, and an appetizer. The concept of Bento boxes has been prevalent, and today containers range from mass-produced disposables to hand-crafted lacquerware. Bento has also grown into othe