Todays topic is "Bento" or boxed lunches.
Bento are most commonly taken to school or work, but are also made for picnics (Kouraku bento), parties, large gatherings, or traveling ( Ekiben ). The most commonly known kind of bento here in the US would be the kyaraben or charaben, ‘cute bento’ ‘art bento’ or ‘entertaining bento’.
These are the super cute elaborate bentos we see when we look for them from google images. This more what an average everyday school or work bento would look like.
This kind of bento is simpler with just rice and some side dishes. This bento is stacked bento meaning that there are two compartments. The bottom stores rice and the top consists of side dishes. they stack on top of each other and the chopsticks can either go in a small case attached to the top or you can tie a cloth or hankerchief around it with the chopsticks in the knot.
The other kind of bento is the one layer bento.
This is a one tier bento. It is in more of square shape and has many different compartments. You put something different in each one. There is no specific or traditional way to putting things in the compartments but a general rule of thumb is the rice goes into the biggest compartment.
Now aside from the rice there are many different kinds of side dishes that are included. These can vary depending on individual taste. Some popular bento side dishes would be;
Rolled omelet, prawns, tempura shrimp, grilled fish, thinly sliced pork, pickeled vegetables, vegetable salads, crab, tomatoes, spinach, fruit, stirfried veggies, etc.
Bento are most commonly taken to work or school. and are ususally made fresh everymorning or contain leftovers from the night befores dinner. They are tasty and delicious!!
That's all for now!! I'll see you tomorrow!!
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