Bento boxes have become a popular fixture in Japanese cuisine due to their convenience and delicious flavors. Today, we will be exploring seven of the most popular and visually appealing Japanese bento boxes.
1. Hinomaru Bento
The Hinomaru bento resembles the Japanese flag with its red and white colors.
Hinomaru, the name given to Japan’s national flag, is also the moniker for this bento box. It typically consists of white rice with a single umeboshi (pickled plum) in the center, creating a miniature version of the Japanese flag.
Each grain of rice in the Hinomaru bento is cooked to perfection, with a delicate balance of firmness and chewiness. The rice grains are carefully separated, ensuring that they do not clump together. This attention to detail and balance of textures has made the Hinomaru bento a highly sought-after option.
2. Shake Bento
The Shake bento features nutritious salmon as its centerpiece.
The Shake bento is a simple yet visually appealing dish, with a central slice of grilled salmon taking center stage. The name “Shake” comes from the Japanese word for salmon, and it is a beloved source of nutrition in Japan. Salmon is known for its abundant health benefits without contributing to weight gain, making the Shake bento a favorite among health-conscious individuals.
3. Nori Bento
The Noriben bento features seasoned seaweed as a key ingredient.
In Japanese, “nori” refers to seaweed, and the Noriben bento showcases this ingredient by dipping it in soy sauce and placing it on top of steamed rice. This bento box is designed for you to savor the unique flavors of both the rice and the seaweed simultaneously. The Noriben bento also includes seasoned meat or fish inside the seaweed, creating a memorable taste experience.
4. Karaage Bento
The Karaage bento is a delicious combination of fried chicken and pickled cucumber.
Karaage, also known as Japanese fried chicken, is a beloved dish in Japan. It is commonly dipped in tare, a savory sauce, to enhance its flavor. Additionally, when paired with tsukemono (Japanese pickles), the Karaage bento achieves a harmonious balance of flavors.
5. Makunouchi Bento
The Makunouchi bento is a classic, nutritious option.
The Makunouchi bento is a traditional bento box that typically includes white rice, umeboshi, grilled salmon, and rolled omelet. It may also feature other dishes such as chestnut rice, sweet fish, and a casserole-like dish with rice and mountain vegetables. This well-rounded bento box can be found at convenience stores and train stations across Japan.
6. Gyudon or Butadon Bento
The Gyudon and Butadon bentos feature beef and pork, respectively, and are popular choices throughout Japan.
In Japanese, “gyudon” refers to a bowl of beef, while “butadon” means a bowl of pork. These dishes are often accompanied by shoga (pickled ginger) or shichimi (a seven-spice mix) to enhance their flavor. The perfect complement to these bentos is a bowl of miso soup, a traditional Japanese soup made from fermented soybean paste.
7. Musubi Bento
The Musubi bento is all about convenience and ease of eating.
“Musubi” means rice ball, and it is also known as onigiri. These are simple rice balls packed into a box and can be eaten without chopsticks, making them a convenient option for those on the go. The Musubi bento is a popular choice for Japanese people due to its simplicity and ease of consumption.
We hope you enjoyed discovering these seven popular and visually appealing Japanese bento boxes. Bon appétit!
