Bento are traditional Japanese lunch boxes comprised of multiple dishes, and they’re as charming as they are delicious. The general focus is to provide portions of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins for a balanced meal. Rice or noodles are common bases, but there are endless combinations of side items to put in your box. Natsunoya Tea House, a Honolulu catering service with a special bento menu, reveals some of the most popular ingredients.

5 Popular Ingredients for Bento

1. Beef Teriyaki

Beef is the most popular protein to add to a bento box. It’s tender, simple to make, and tastes delicious. Marinated with teriyaki, this savory meat mixes well with rice, noodles, and just about any vegetable.

2. Namasu

Everyone should have a healthy serving of veggies with their lunch, and namasu is a tasty way to get it. This salad-like dish is made with thinly sliced vegetables and sometimes seafood. The ingredients are marinated and pickled in rice vinegar, giving them a crisp texture and a tangy, refreshing flavor.

3. Sushi

There are so many varieties of sushi used in bento that it would be a disservice to highlight just one. In many cases, bento sushi are vegetarian because they are not meant to be the key protein of the box. Common examples include kappa sushi, or cucumber rolls, and cone sushi, or seasoned and fried tofu pouches stuffed with sushi rice.

4. Egg

This is one of the key ingredients of bento. Eggs are prepared in a number of ways to complement the rest of the box, like hard-boiled, fried, or scrambled. Tamagoyaki is another popular addition to bento. The seasoned omelette is made by rolling layers of egg together in a pan to become fluffy and sweet.

5. Shrimp Tempura

These crispy, deep-fried treats are a delight on their own or in bento boxes. They’re generally served with a special tempura sauce for dipping. Although shrimp tempura is the most adored variety, many recipes use chicken, potato, shiitake, or vegetables such as bell peppers, squash, or eggplant.

Nestled atop the slopes of Alewa Heights, Natsunoya Tea House is known for their mouthwatering sushi and vast banquet halls. This full-service catering company hosts a multitude of events, from business luncheons to birthday parties. Highly trained and experienced sushi chefs prepare every dish with the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. To find out more about their catering services, call (808) 595-4488 today. Visit their website to browse the bento selection.