While bento boxes are now popping up all over the world- from preschools to anime- in Japan they have been around for centuries. A bento (弁当) box is simply a compact lunchbox (sometimes with 2 tiers) whose compartments are traditionally filled with rice, pickled vegetables and fish or meat. Although they do not have to be an intricate work of art, it is fun to create little details for your kids while making a nutritious, homemade meal.
Kyaraben are bento lunches made in the shape of anime or other characters - hard to produce and not practical for everyday lunches (but fun to look at nonetheless!).
Now let’s be honest readers. Do I have time to do this every day for 4 kids? (hold the snarky chuckles). I might only have artsy bits once a month, or for a special occasion- but we do use the bento boxes daily to carry their lunches to school. And we are healthier and greener because of it. Here are 10 reasons you and your kids will love Japanese bento boxes: Continue reading
