The Buyer's Guide to Bento Boxes
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February 21st, 2022
What are bento boxes?
A bento is a single-portion Japanese packed meal that’s ready to eat. Bento boxes are neat, flat or stacked boxes complete with individual compartments which can be filled with anything from gyoza to plain rice to sushi rolls.
What are the different types of bento boxes?
Our range of bento boxes includes three different styles:
- A one-tier bento box, for serving Japanese meals at home.
- A two-tier bento box, for smaller packed lunches such as salads and sandwiches.
- A two-tier bento box with bowl, for storing rice, miso soup and salads separately.
What are the best bento boxes to buy?
The large gold samurai bento box is a fun and practical way to take packed lunches to school or work. The two large compartments with a bowl make this box ideal for larger lunches, with an elastic band to hold all the sections in place.
This bento features a traditional Japanese ‘lucky cat’ design on a three-tier box. Use the middle and bottom sections for rice, vegetables or sandwiches. Tuck a sachet of instant miso soup in the bowl on top for warming soup when you get to work.
A traditional bento contains either fish or meat, plus rice and one or more types of pickled or cooked vegetables. Use this square box with a lid to serve a Japanese meal at home.
This bento box is designed to resemble traditional Japanese lacquered wood. The outside of the box is black with a wood-grain texture, while the interior is a glossy red. Use this classic oblong bento box with five compartments to serve a Japanese meal, be it breakfast or dinner.
The sakura bunny bento box combines elegant sakura blossoms with kawaii rabbits, for unmistakable Japanese style. The slim bento box fits easily into a bag for a convenient packed lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great bento box?
An authentic bento box consists of multiple compartments to be filled with individual dishes that come together to create a full meal. For carrying lunches to work, the best bento boxes are stackable, with an elastic band to keep everything in place. For serving meals at home or in restaurants, a flat bento box is the best type to use.
Are bento boxes microwave safe?
Not all bento boxes are built the same, so it’s best to check the individual product page before popping your bento box in the microwave! Our Manekineko, Samurai and Geisha range of bento boxes are microwave safe without the inner lid.
