Literacy Planet :)

If you’re a human, and we’re pretty sure you are, then you probably love food. It’s the sustenance that keeps you moving, gives your body the power to run, jump, and your mind everything it needs to think. Ever noticed when you haven’t eaten that things seem foggy, and you feel groggy, or just like not doing anything? Somewhat famously, you feel “hangry” — the combination of hungry and angry.  

Yeah, food or the lack thereof can cause all of that too. But food isn’t only vital, it’s delicious—hopefully. We’ve all had a few bad meals at a friend’s house where we nod politely when they ask:

“Did you like it?” 

“Mmhmm. Such…interesting…*stifles vomit*…flavours. So yummy.” 

And even beyond the nutritious, delicious factor, food can also be fun—a source of enjoyment. Just look at Cookie Monster or Remy from Ratatouille. Since humans first learned to cook food over a million years ago, we’ve been experimenting with new and clever ways of making tasty meals and delicious snacks. Ever dipped French fries in a milkshake? Delicious. 

As humans developed unique countries and cultures, they also developed special ways to make, prepare, and even present food. Food has even become a form of art for people all around the world! A great example of this is Bento, also called the Bento Box. 

The Bento Box can include almost any food item, as long as it’s nutritious and yummy.

What is a Bento Box?

Bento is a kind of Japanese meal that is stored within a container, called a Bento Box, and eaten later. You can think of them as take-out meals or the lunch someone might pack for you before school. While it is possible to order Bento as a kind of fast food, in Japanese culture Bento plays an important role in family life. 

It is typical for parents to prepare Bento in a way that is nutritious, but also artistically pleasing. Because eating is more than just stuffing grub down your gullet—it’s a sensory experience. It’s the smell, the taste, the texture, and yes—the aesthetically pleasing presentation. Just ask Gordon Ramsey!

Each section of a Bento Box can include a different food item, giving you more choice and nutrition.

Food as an Art Form

There is no correct way to make Bento, which means there isn’t really a wrong way either. Without a strict recipe, people have a lot of freedom to make and organise the Bento however they please. For this reason, Bento can also be a method of self-expression, a way for people to show their interests and talents. 

Kyaraben, for example, is a form of Bento where people design parts of the meal to look like plants, animals, or even popular characters from shows, movies, and video games. There are even contests where people compete to make the most creative or elaborate Bento, proving that the talent of food preparation and artistic expression are often intertwined. 

Kyraben Bento Boxes can be packed full of nutritous carbohydrates and protein in the shape of animals, characters or plants.

But, you know, art you can eat! The best kind!

A Dish for Every Season

With so many different options for what to put in your Bento Box, it can be hard to narrow down the best ingredients and dishes. Thankfully, there are some general recipes people follow. Since Bento is enjoyed year-round, the types of food that are prepared are often reflective of or influenced by the current season. Winter Bento is particularly popular because it isn’t made just to fill you up, but also to keep you warm on cold winter days.

A well-crafted winter Bento can contain a wide variety of Japanese dishes:

• Warm rice mixed with cooked vegetables, soy sauce, and spices is a staple, as is the addition of meat. Beef, pork, and even lightly fried chicken are all welcome additions to a Bento, helping to add protein to the meal. Boiled or steamed vegetables are also common as additional sides. 

• These can also be mixed with seasoned meats, giving some additional weight to the meal. Another popular side is Japanese omelette, like regular omelettes but made into a roll that almost looks like sushi. 

Renowned Worldwide

With so many delicious options for meals and opportunities for creativity, it isn’t really a surprise that the Bento Box has started to become popular all around the world. Places like Taiwan, Korea, and China have all adopted their own form of Bento, and other countries in Europe and around the world have also started to feature their own take on the Bento in Japanese restaurants and food stores. 

The Bento Box is popular in many countries around the world.

People at home are even beginning to make Bento, combining their own favourite foods into Bento Boxes that reflect their own culture and tastes. 

With that in mind, what ingredients would you use to make your own Bento Box? What makes Bento Boxes so unique when compared to other dishes? Why do you think the Bento Box has become so popular around the world?

Questions to answer:

• What is unique about the bento box compared to other dishes?

• What other ingredients could you add to your own bento box?

• Why has the bento box become increasingly popular around the world?

Key Vocabulary

Add these to My Words to build your vocabulary.

• sustenance
• thereof
• sensory
• aesthetic
• expression
• reflective
• craft
• staple
• omelette
• restaurant