8 Types of Bento Boxes: Bento Tips and Ideas to Try at Home

A bento box is an all-in-one Japanese lunch box containing a single portion of a balanced meal. This meal typically consists of a starch (like rice or noodles), a protein, and assorted vegetable and fruit side dishes.

The bento box dates back to the Kamakura period in the twelfth century, when it featured dried rice and was known as simply hoshi-ii, or “dried meal.” The format was refined in the Edo period (1603–1867) when it became fashionable to tote koshi bento—bento boxes worn around the waist, containing onigiri rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves—while traveling or sightseeing.

Modern bentos come in all shapes and sizes: bento enthusiasts can choose from boxes made from traditional lacquered cypress wood, aluminum, or plastic, in standard oval or custom shapes. Some bento boxes have compartments for ice packs, cutlery, chopsticks, and drinks.

In Japan, bento is defined by style, season, and location:

1. 1. Ekiben: Ekiben are bentos sold in train stations, often featuring local specialties. The first train station bento was sold during the Meiji period (1868–1912), and they’ve since become a commuting staple.
2. 2. Hokaben: Hokaben refers to a box purchased from a take-out bento shop with hot, freshly prepared side dishes and rice. The name comes from the chain that first popularized the concept.
3. 3. Konbini: These convenience store bentos are designed to be easy and quick, with meal sets that are microwavable.
4. 4. Jubako: These stackable boxes intended for a group are often quite ornate in design. They’re used for osechi ryori, the traditional Japanese New Year dishes presented in visually appealing boxes.
5. 5. Koraku: Koraku, also known as the “picnic bento,” is designed for sharing. Koraku boxes are usually prepared for a seasonal event or festival, with dishes to fit the occasion.
   
6. 6. Kyaraben: “Character bentos” feature dishes modeled after characters from anime, manga, or popular video games.
7. 7. Makunouchi: This “between-act” bento is a popular style that features a split-panel presentation: rice on one side and side dishes on the other.
8. 8. Oekakiben: This “picture bento” models dishes after landscapes, people, and buildings.

To make your own bento-style lunchbox, consider these tips:

1. 1. Allow the items to cool before sealing. If you’re including warm or hot items in your bento, allow them to come to room temperature before sealing the box. Trapped steam can lead to unwanted condensation and bacteria.
2. 2. Consider textures. Part of the bento’s brilliance is its attention to how the array of dishes look and complement each other. Try to include crispy and crunchy elements, like senbei or fried rice balls, along with soft ones, like rice or vegetables, for a well-rounded dining experience.
3. 3. Color is important. The look of bento is half of the appeal: Brighten up more muted dishes by placing them alongside vibrant ones or punch out decorative pieces of nori to adhere to colorful pieces of fruit and vegetables.

Bento boxes are highly customizable and straightforward to prepare. Here are some dishes and snacks to add to your next bento box:

1. 1. Fresh fruit and vegetables: Sections of tangerine, grapes, carrot sticks, sugar peas, or fresh cherry tomatoes are easy to pack, self-contained, and colorful.
2. 2. Hijiki salad: Hijiki salad is a Japanese dish consisting of rehydrated and braised seaweed, served at room temperature, featuring ingredients like thin matchsticks of carrot or lotus root and konnyaku yam. For an easy addition of umami to your bento box, earthy hijiki seaweed mixed with edamame and aburaage (deep-fried tofu pouches) checks the vegetable box with loads of texture.
3. 3. Kinpira: This gobo (burdock root) and carrot salad is easy to make in large batches and serve throughout a week’s worth of bentos, and its sweet-savory braising liquid is full of flavor, even at room temperature.
4. 4. Makizushi: Homemade sushi rolls are a great way to add color and easy handheld bites to any bento.
5. 5. Onigiri: These rice balls—stuffed with various fillings and wrapped with a piece of nori—are a classic bento box lunch item.
6. 6. Soboro don: This chicken-and-egg donburi (Japanese rice bowl) features seasoned ground chicken, finely scrambled eggs, and peas or green beans over steamed rice.
7. 7. Tamagoyaki: Tamagoyaki, or sweet egg omelet, is a standard part of Japanese breakfast, a side dish for lunch or dinner, and a common bento box addition.
8. 8. Tsukemono: Pickles are a refreshing addition to any lunch, adding a pop of acidity and dynamic flavor to clear the palate.

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