Japanese Bento Box & Lunch Boxes

Buy Japanese bento boxes and stacking lunch boxes at Sous Chef. Choose between colourful character designs, and eco-friendly materials. Learn More >

Japanese Bento Box
Japanese Bento Box
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Japanese Bento Box & Lunch Boxes

Bento boxes direct from Japan! Present your lunch beautifully – at home or on the go – with our range of Japanese bento boxes.

Serve traditional sushi feasts in our traditional Japanese bento boxes, with the classic black and red design. Or bring fun to lunchtime with our unusual bento boxes in the shape of Japanese characters – like our favourite samurai bento box style. Use boiled egg moulds to turn eggs into cute animals for kids' lunchboxes, or the heart maki roll maker for perfect heart-shaped sushi.

What are bento boxes?

If you've ever visited Japan and enjoyed their traditional cuisine, then you have most likely seen or even used a bento box. A bento is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal and holds rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container. Historically the original bentos were simple affairs, usually consisting of a few rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves. Over time, the bento evolved to be more complex, with recipes for multiple courses and elaborate designs.

Today, bentos are the containers commonly known as compartmentalised lunch boxes that were originally designed in Japan to be taken to work or school. A good bento should be well-balanced, with a variety of colours, textures, and flavours. It should also be appealing to the eye and easy to eat.

Quick Tips For A Successful Bento Box

  1. Soak your rice in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to make it nice and fluffy.

  2. Cook your rice in a ratio of 1:1.5 rice to water for perfectly cooked rice every time.

  3. To get that nice shiny glaze on your meat, eggs, or fish, try using a little bit of mirin or sake.

  4. Cut vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces so they'll fit nicely into the compartments of your bento box.

  5. Use a variety of colours and textures in your bento to make it visually appealing as well as delicious.

What food is usually in a bento box?

A typical bento box meal includes rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables. Staples such as soy sauce and wasabi may be included, as well as soup or tea.

The contents of the bento also vary depending on the region of Japan, but some common items include daikon radish, tamagoyaki (a type of omelette), karaage (fried chicken), and pickled vegetables. In addition to eating these staples, a side dish like chawanmushi or okonomiyaki may be included in the bento. In some regions of Japan, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, a typical lunch would consist mainly of rice with sides such as tempura.

Are bento boxes eaten cold?

Traditional Japanese bento boxes are usually eaten cold, although this is not a rule. The contents of the bento box can be cooked the same day the night before or early in the morning, then placed in the fridge until it's time to eat.

How to choose a bento box?

When choosing a bento box, it's important to consider the practicality of the design. For a lunch time solution that keeps your meals fresh, opt for a bento lunch box that is freezer safe and easy to store and carry. These boxes are perfect for preparing a healthy and balanced meal that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. The separate ingredients stay fresh and organised, making it convenient to pack a variety of dishes. A small bag can be used to keep the bento box and other essentials together, ensuring everything is ready for a midday meal at the office or on the go.

For a touch of creativity, why not try your hand at making a character bento? These fun and visually appealing lunches are inspired by comic books and anime, making them a hit with kids and adults who enjoy a playful approach to their meals. Whether you're preparing a main course or some salads as sides, a kids bento box allows you to pack a healthy and balanced meal with a touch of whimsy. Plus, these bento bag and boxes are freezer safe, so you can prepare them in advance and have them ready whenever you need them.

Kids' Bento Box

Pack up lunch in a bento box that will make your little one smile, in one of our Japanese Bento boxes in a range of Geisha and Samurai characters in different colours. These neat stacked lunch boxes have three compartments so you can keep school lunch separated – or split out sweet snacks and savoury snacks. Add a pair of travel chopsticks and a sachet of instant miso soup to complete your bento box.

Searching for ideas for lunch? Browse a huge range of Japanese ingredients here to complete and create your perfect bento meal. Find more Japanese tableware.