Bento Box: The Cool History of the Packed Lunch!

The bento box is Japan’s ultimate fast food. While it seems like an unassuming meal, it’s so much more. A convenient way to pack and serve food, it contains all the nutrients you need to get you through the day. And there is no wrong way to put together a box!

We’re here to tell you more about bento’s origins, its different variations, and how you can create your lunch. Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s bento box!

What is bento? 

Bento is both a packed meal and its container. (We’ll talk more about bento boxes in a moment.) The term comes from the Chinese word biàndāng, meaning “convenience” or “convenient.” Nowadays, in China, the word héfàn is used instead. You might also be familiar with the Korean version of dosirak. 

Traditionally, the mother or wife packs lunches for her children and/or husband, who will eat them at school, work, or even on their commute. The older siblings might help her pack lunches, while in some households, the father or grandparents might make them instead.

Bento is also sold at konbini (convenience stores), grocery stores, and train stations for tourists and people commuting to work or school. It’s available as takeout options or dinner sets at restaurants. Plus, you can buy boxes at theaters during intermission or for a picnic at hanami (flower viewing) venues.

How did the bento box develop?

Bento has been part of Japanese culture for centuries. The earliest version, dating back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333), was hoshi-ii (dried rice) kept in a bag for boiling later. By the Edo period (1603-1867), bento was packed in wooden or lacquered boxes. People also started eating these lunches for leisure purposes. 

During the Meiji period (1868-1912), bento boxes started appearing at train stations. These ekibento (more commonly called ekiben or train station bento) were very popular with teachers and students since schools didn’t provide lunch then. They could also buy new aluminum boxes for easier cleaning. 

Then, in the 1920s, bento boxes were banned. Why? After World War I, they were seen as a sign of wealth disparity. So, instead, students and teachers received common lunches. However, bento became popular again in the 1980s thanks to konbini and microwaves, and they’ve continued to stick around until today.

What is a bento box? 

The term “bento box” is more common outside Japan, especially in restaurants where lunch and dinner sets come in boxes (Ishibashi bento). Once made from wood and metal, bento boxes are now usually made from plastic. Packed bento boxes are often wrapped with furoshiki, which can be used as tablecloths. 

The standard bento comes from the Edo period and is called makunouchi bento (between-acts bento), since it was sold during intermissions. Other bento includes hinomaru bento (named after the Japanese flag), with white rice and one pickled plum in the center; wappameshi served in wappa (oval cedar wood) containers; and osechi ryori boxes eaten for New Year.

The cutest bento is kyaraben (character bento), where food is shaped like animals and anime characters. Another artsy bento is oekakiben (picture bento), where the food creates a landscape or portrait. Finally, don’t make your loved ones mad. Otherwise, you’ll get shikaeshiben (revenge bento) containing insults or totally inedible food!

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What does a typical bento look like?

No matter what bento you make, you’ll always have rice! It’s usually hakumai (plain white rice), either on its own or in onigiri (jelly donuts – sorry, rice balls). However, you can substitute it with genmai (brown rice) or rice covered with soy-dipped seaweed for noriben (bento with seaweed).

While rice takes up half the bento, the other is three or more okazu (Japanese-style side dishes). At least two are veggie- or fruit-based; they include cucumbers, carrots, beans including natto (fermented soybeans), and yam. If you’re vegan, you can add tofu to your protein intake.

Animal-based okazu include tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and kamaboko (fish cakes). Marinated chicken, chicken curry, and fish are popular proteins since they go well with rice. No matter what you choose, you’ll enjoy putting together a box. Mix and match different colors to make it more visually appealing, or try your hand at bento art!

Why is the bento box important in Japan?

Bento is healthier than quick snacks like instant ramen. Starting with a foundation of rice, you can easily customize using proteins (or substitutes), carbs, and veggies—spice things up with a meal plan to make a different box for each day.

Packing bento saves money and stops food from going to waste, especially if you’re away from home all week. Finally, it’s an excellent way for tourists to sample Japanese cooking. While restaurant boxes are pricier, you’ll find cheaper options at train stations or konbini. Filling and tasty, this is a meal you can feel good about buying.

While a bento box seems unordinary, it has a fascinating history. And there are so many different styles you can make, including adorable character boxes and elaborate affairs for special occasions. Bento is practical and nutritious, saving time and money, as well as pesky leftover food in your fridge. And finally, it’s made with love to be eaten with love. Have you tried a bento box before? Leave your favorite bento food in the comments.