A bento box is a Japanese meal box with multiple compartments that generally include a small amount of all the main food groups. Rice, fish, fruit, and vegetables are all commonly found in these portable, nutritious containers. Here’s everything you need to know before you order. 

The History of the Bento Box

Ancient Origins 

Bento boxes were first used in the fifth century when Japanese hunters, farmers, and warriors began carrying small wooden boxes containing dried foods. Derived from practicality, they saved time and prevented the need to stop and hunt or scavenge for meals. The term “bento box” wasn’t coined until the sixteenth century when Commander Oda Nobunaga began handing these meal boxes out to his troops.

Growing Popularity 

Over time, the contents of these containers began to change. As bento boxes gained popularity, people began carrying them tied to their waist for a quick snack or meal on-the-go, a practice now called “koshibento.” Between the late 1800s and the early 1900s, the traditional wooden containers of old were replaced with sturdier metal ones. As only the rich could afford them, these luxury items waned in popularity. They resurfaced again after the First World War when the war effort was over. In the 1980s, bento boxes were introduced in the U.S. by Japanese migrant workers, and they’ve been on the rise in the country ever since. 

Possible Ingredients

Bento boxes look vastly different than the humble dried food meals farmers once carried into the fields. Today’s varieties focus heavily on aesthetics and nutrition. They feature rice balls molded into fun, creative shapes along with a colorful assortment of sides. Common ingredients include vegetables, sushi rolls, soy sauce eggs, edamame, wontons, and gyoza. 

Teruya’s Andagi has been serving up delectable Japanese cuisine in Honolulu, HI, for over three decades. From appetizers to entrees, you’re sure to find something on the menu you’ll love. Their bento boxes can feature a range of options, such as Chicken Karaage, shrimp, vegetables, or a mouthwatering selection of Donburi, including sukiyaki, shrimp tempura, and garlic chicken. See what people are saying on Yelp or head over to their website to see their menu. Ready to order? Give them a call at (808) 389-1714 for takeout.