Show Your Love with our Bento Box Lunch Ideas
In Japan and across Asia, bento boxes are prepared for children by their parents to be eaten at school, at events and picnics. It is often a way for mothers to show their love for their children by making appetising and nutritious meals in a box. Bento boxes have become an art form in Japan, with characters and colourful designs being a key part of what makes for an exciting bento box. Check out some of these brilliant bento box creations online!
Bento boxes can be enjoyed everyday and they are not just for children. Consider making a bento style lunch box for your packed lunch for school or work, or as a picnic to accompany a walk in the park. They are a great way to show how much you care on special occasions such as on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentines Day and Birthdays. The effort to make a bento box is an expression of love in Asia, so have fun with it, and don’t rush it.
In terms of what can go inside a bento box, anything goes! Usually a bento box will include a bed of rice, pickles, eggs, salads, perhaps some fish or meat, all to be enjoyed at room temperature. Sometimes there are sweets as well like some fruit or a small piece of cake. It is all about the food looking colourful and appetising.
At Miso Tasty, we've made a Miso Harissa Seared Salmon, a Tamagoyaki Rolled Omelette with some sides; rice and seaweed onigiri and potato salad and a simple edamame salad. To finish we've prepared a small slice of Matcha Cake with Miso Crème Fraîche & Fresh Fruit. Together there are many textures and colours; you want some protein, some fresh leaves, a mix of crunchy and soft textures, and a variety of colours.
There aren't really any rules as to what you can include in your bento box. However, Bento boxes do not usually contain dishes that are best served hot nor dishes with a lot of sauce since bento boxes should be easily portable with no risks of spillage.
Below are some of our favourite dish ideas that you could include in your bento box along with a handy link to the recipes.
If you make a bento box for your special someone, or for yourself, we'd love to see. Share it with us on Instagram @misotasty or on TikTok @miso.tasty