These are slightly delicate and you can’t stick it in the microwave or dishwasher. While BPA-free plastic and stainless steel bento boxes are good for everyday use, I love the elegance of traditional materials like bamboo, wood, and wheat straw. Sora-ben and Eki-ben are meant for those who are always on the go! You’ll find this type of bento boxes at airports and train stations and are usually packed with locally-available ingredients. This is a great way to get your kids to eat, especially if they’re picky with their food! The ingredients of the bento are arranged ina way to mimic their favorite anime or cartoon character or animals. This type of Japanese bento box is popular with the kids and anime fans. What better way to tell your partner that you’re thinking of them when they’re at work!Ĭhara-ben and Oekaki-ben mean character bento and picture bento, respectively. It’s a sweet way of showing your love and affection by adding cute and crafty treats along with cute messages addressed to your partner. Jubao boxes have been a common sight since the 18th century and usually used during the New Years feasts.Īisai bento is a special one. This stackable bento when put together reveals an amazing design of nature or dressing rooms in shades of glossy gold. Jubako bento boxes, like Koraku bento, is meant for a large group.
Whereas during the Japanese doll festival or Hina Matsuri, dishes that are inspired for this season are packed to enjoy while viewing the beautiful doll display. For example, during cherry blossom seasons traditional dishes like hanami dango, cherry blossom cookies, and sakura mochi are packed. A Koraku bento, in the spirit of season, is packed with traditional Japanese dishes. During this occasion, families usually pack a koraku bento meant to be shared by everyone. During cherry blossom season, family and friends usually get together and head to the park for cherry blossom viewing. You can easily find Makunouchi bento boxes in markets and convenience stores. You get separate bento accessories like little boxes and cups to hold the side dishes that fit inside the compartment. It has two sections – one for rice and the other for an assortment of side dishes. Makunouchi (~between act) bento box is the most common and standard bento box in Japan.
Sora-ben and Eki-ben (‘Sky’ bento and station bento).Chara-ben (character bento) and orkaki-ben (picture bento).The main type of Japanese bento boxes are:
The type of bento usually depends on the buyer and sometimes the occasion too. There are many types of Japanese bento boxes to choose from. Japanese Bento Box Microwave-safe Lunch Box Renewed Traditional Rabbit Moon Bento Box Typically, a bento box is an assortment of rice or noodles, meat or fish, vegetables, and fruits.īest Japanese Bento Box for Adults and Kids - Quick Summary Best Japanese Bento Box So here are the best Japanese bento box you could choose from.Ī bento box is a single-portion boxed meal, which contains a balanced meal we need every day. They’re practical and you get to pack a variety of things. I absolutely love taking bento box lunch meals to work.