![]() ![]() In the Meiji period (1868–1912), the first ekibentō or ekiben ( 駅弁当 or 駅弁, "train station bento") was sold. Numerous cookbooks were published detailing how to cook, how to pack, and what to prepare for occasions like hanami and Hinamatsuri. People who came to see Noh and Kabuki ate specially prepared bentos between maku (acts). One of the most popular styles of bento, called makuno-uchi bentō ("between-act bento"), was first made during this period. Travelers and sightseers would carry a simple koshibentō ( 腰弁当, "waist bento"), consisting of several onigiri wrapped with bamboo leaves or in a woven bamboo box. In the Edo period (1603–1867), bento culture spread and became more refined. By the 16th century, wooden lacquered boxes were produced, and bento would be eaten during a hanami or a tea party. Hoshi-ii can be eaten as is or boiled with water to make cooked rice, and is stored in a small bag. The increased popularity of bento and its term can be traced back to the 12th century during the Kamakura period, when cooked and dried rice called hoshi-ii ( 糒 or 干し飯, literally "dried meal") was developed, to be carried to work. ![]() In other Sinophone communities, both biandang and bento are often interchangeably used. In mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, " bento" remains written as the original name 便當 ( pinyin: biàndāng). In modern times, the term is commonly used in East and Southeast Asia. The word " bento" has been used since the 13th century, and the container itself, also called " bento", has been known since the 16th century. When it was imported to Japan, it was written with the ateji 便道 and 弁道. ![]() The word itself originates from the Chinese Song Dynasty slang term 便当 ( 便當, pinyin: biàndāng), meaning "convenient" or "convenience" (This sense is still used in Wu dialects such as Shanghainese ). In Japan, " bento" is written in the Kanji 弁当. The analyses range from a simple semiotic approach to one that outlines the deeper ideological meanings behind the bento. There has also been discussion regarding what the bento means for Japanese society and what it represents. Other Asian countries would either just use bento as a loanword or hokben, which means steaming bento. There are comparable forms of boxed lunches in other Asian countries such as in China, Taiwan and other Sinophone communities as biàndāng in Mandarin and piān-tong in Taiwanese Hokkien or in Korea as dosirak ( Hangul: 도시락 Hanja: 道食樂). Contests are often held where bento arrangers compete for the most aesthetically attractive arrangements. This is decorated to look like people, animals, buildings and monuments or items such as flowers and plants. Another popular bento style is " oekakiben" or "picture bento". Bentos can be elaborately arranged in a style called " kyaraben" ("character bento"), which are typically decorated to look like popular characters from Japanese animation ( anime), comic books ( manga), or video games. Outside Japan, the term bento box may be used (e.g., on English menus for Japanese restaurants). However, Japanese homemakers often spend time and energy on carefully prepared box lunches for their spouses, children, or themselves. īento are readily available in many places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, bento shops ( 弁当屋, bentō-ya), railway stations, and department stores. ![]() This also works to slow the growth of bacteria. A typical divider is green plastic grass, also known as the 'sushi grass'. Often various dividers are used to separate ingredients or dishes, especially those with strong flavors, to avoid them affecting the taste of the rest of the meal. Containers range from mass-produced disposables to hand-crafted lacquerware. Ī traditional bento may contain rice or noodles with fish or meat, often with pickled and cooked vegetables in a box. The term bento is derived from the Chinese term biandang ( 便當, pinyin: biàndāng), which means "convenient" or "convenience". Outside Japan, it is common in other East and Southeast Asian culinary styles, especially within Chinese, Korean, Singaporean, Taiwanese cuisines and more, as rice is a common staple food in the region. A typical bento bought from a grocery storeĪ bento ( 弁当, bentō) is the Japanese iteration of a single-portion take-out or home-packed meal, often for lunch. For other uses, see Bento (disambiguation). ![]()
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