Yamafuji  Bento

Bento boxes have long been a significant cultural aspect of Japan, with its history deep-rooted since many centuries ago.  What’s special about these small bento boxes and why they are more than just a convenient way to carry food around?

Bento, or 弁当 in Japanese, is a single-serving take-out meal that is usually eaten as lunch. In simple terms, it is like that of a lunch box that we are all familiar with.  The meals can be eaten hot or cold.

A traditional bento box usually consists of rice (sometimes noodles) and meat, fish, and pickled and cooked vegetables on the side, making it a nutritionally balanced meal.

Bento is also readily available everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores, supermarkets, stores specializing in bento, and so on. Oftentimes, restaurants will also have special bento menus aside from their usual main ones as well. This makes it the perfect lunch option for students and office workers.