Bento: Umami, Loving Meals On The Go

Food is among the ways we show our love, and many of us grew up with homemade lunchboxes for school. For the Japanese, it is practically a part of their culture, known as the bento. While diners, convenience stores and even train stations in Japan do sell bento set-meals, parents would still find the time to make yummy and nutritious bento-s for their kids. Besides that, lovers too, would make bento-s for each other to deepen their bond.

What’s in a Bento?

Typically, a Japanese bento would feature rice with meat or seafood, a veggie side, a filler and fruit. Bento-s are meant to be savoured anywhere from schools to offices and parks, without the need to reheat. So, the protein dishes are usually bold flavoured to remain umami when cooled. Fatty meats, soups, stews and curries are avoided, in favour of lean, pan-fried, sautéed, stir-fried, baked, boiled or steamed dishes, as well as crispy deep-fried katsu, karaage and tempura. Besides that, the food is often arranged in a delightful look to give them a loving touch, which also makes eating a homemade bento a special joyful experience.

Bento Box & Accessories

Japanese-style bento boxes come with compartments for the different foods. Modern ones are made from stainless steel or food-safe silicone in cheerful colours, while traditional wooden boxes are called Magewappa. There are also various types and brands of thermal food jars. You don’t necessarily need a bento box from Japan though, many containers with compartments are available at your local supermarkets and pantry-ware stores.

There are also special bento accessories to pack the food. 

Vibrant silicone cups in various shapes help keep wet foods from dry ones, and secure loose items like berries and diced veggies. 

Want to have more foods than the box’s compartments? Thin silicone dividers will do the job. 

For bite-sized foods like meatballs and fruits, food picks can make them easier to savour, while adding more playful colours. 

Meanwhile, small and handy sauce containers to keep the sauces separate, so the food never ends up soggy. 

And finally, fun moulds to shape the rice and foods into happy, enticing goodies.

Plan Your Bento

Simple, nutritious foods are best for bento boxes, and you can prep a full-week’s bento-s to make them easier. Choose lean meats, fresh seafood, fruits and produce that are in season, as well as dishes you can cook more and store in your fridge – to reheat them for packing your bento-s. Check out our guide to meal prepping more practical tips!

Pack your bento box from large foods to small. Starting with the main protein and rice, then the sides, finally adding fillers like cherry tomatoes or bite-sized greens like broccoli. As mentioned, pack the sauces and dressings separately to keep them from mixing with the food, and pack the food tightly so they remain lovingly arranged come mealtime.

Ready to make your own bento box? Here are 3 umami recipes featuring zesty wasabi to get you started!

Teriyaki Wasabi Salmon + Tamagoyaki (Rolled Omelette) + Spinach Salad

Scrumptious baked salmon fillet seasoned with light soy sauce, mirin, sugar and wasabi paste. Paired with steamed rice, Japanese-style omelette, wholesome spinach salad and assorted pickled veggies for extra appetizing flavours. A bento that’s sure to wow your tastebuds!

Karaage Chicken with Wasabi Mayo + Potato Salad

Love fried chicken? This is the bento for you! Rice with crunchy, savoury Karaage fried chicken, flavoured with zesty, umami wasabi mayo. Plus, a hearty salad with potato, boiled egg, cooked ham, cucumber, carrot and onion, with a Japanese mayo dressing. Sumptuous and satisfying!

Fried Tofu Patties + Wasabi Potato Croquette

Turn your veggie-fix into an umami bento of crispy fried tofu patties with a filling of shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, and edamame bean. Paired with yummy fried wasabi potato croquette, as well as a spring mix salad with savoury miso dressing!

More Asian Lunchbox Goodness

Beyond the Japanese bento, Asian cultures in general are big on making lunch boxes for their kids and loved ones. Come check out the special homemade lunch box/bento recipes. Explore filler goodies to decorate and brighten your lunchbox. Also pick up more lunchbox-making tips and recipes here.

About S&B Wasabi Paste

Founded in 1923, S&B Foods is a trusted provider of authentic Japanese cooking ingredients, condiments, sauces, spices and more. S&B Wasabi packs the rich, bold and zesty flavour of wasabi in an easy tube – the first of its kind and the bestselling wasabi product in Japan and Australia! Awesome to enrich your bento-s, as well as your favourite Japanese dishes. Available at supermarkets near you.