Bento is a staple of Japanese food and one of the oldest and most versatile meals. Teruya’s Andagi, one of Honolulu, HI’s premier restaurants, is committed to giving diners an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine and is excited to share their veggie bento dish. This departure from traditional bento still captures the essence of the meal and ensures that everyone gets to enjoy this quintessential Japanese dish.

Your Guide to Veggie Bento

What Is Bento?

Bento is a premade Japanese dish that dates back to the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333). Bento, which translates to “convenient,” was developed as a simple dish that laborers could take with them to work. It was stored in a small wooden box and included rice. This was often done because the meal could be prepared ahead of time when laborers and their families had a spare moment to cook.

As meat and other foods became more available, bento boxes began to include fish or meat and vegetables alongside the rice. Creating bento became a work of art, with chefs developing original and ornate boxes and crafting foods in animal shapes and creative designs. They are now available in both the high-end Japanese food restaurants and in everyday street carts and supermarkets.

What Makes Veggie Bento Different?

Teruya’s Andagi developed their veggie bento for customers that want to cut down on their meat intake. While it still contains dashi (fish stock), the nine bento compartments include mini andagi, sekihan (mochi rice cooked with red beans), tofu patties, eggplant, lotus roots, kabocha pumpkin, stir-fried long beans, and gobo (burdock root). Customers can also choose between bitter melon or hijiki (seaweed dish). This unique take on bento offers a diverse spread of the many vegetables in Japanese food and is perfect for an on-the-go meal or to pick up for lunch or dinner. Every bento is made with care in a convenient take-out container, ensuring each bite is welcomed with fresh exotic veggies that you truly can’t get anywhere else. This bento is perfect for a picnic date, lunch on the beach, or to simply just take home to save for later!

If you want to try a veggie bento, stop by Teruya’s Andagi. They’ve served mouthwatering Japanese food since 1987 and are famous for their Andagi—Okinawa’s version of the Japanese donut. You’ll also find plenty of rice dishes, rolls, and other foods on their menu. Call (808) 389-1714 to speak with their staff and visit their website to learn more about their restaurant.