The Japanese know how to do a packed lunch. Bento begins from childhood, where mothers all around Japan make adorable boxes of food for their children to bring as a school lunch. But for the rest of us who aren’t as lucky, packing a visually appealing bento can be difficult. After all, where do you start?

Well I’ve got just the guide for you: this is what I’ve learnt about how to pack a bento!

How to pack a Bento: Sydney Blog Tea For Tammi

Tammi

How to pack a Bento!

Japanese bentos are a work of art - they functionally allow you to bring a balanced lunch to work, and they also look so gosh darned pretty! Bento: it's not a recipe, it's a lifestyle.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

Carbs (e.g.)
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Pasta
Protein (e.g.)
  • Salmon
  • Nuts
  • Egg
  • Pork
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Tofu
Fruit and Veg (e.g.)
  • Blueberries
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Pickled Plums
  • Pickled Cabbage

Method
 

  1. Find a box/container that you like. Ideally it should have a watertight/airtight seal (to prevent unnecessary messes in your bag), and just large enough to fit your food portions.
  2. Here are the magic ratios for packing most bentos: 1/2 carbs, 1/4 protein, 1/4 fruit and veg. Of course, these can be moved around according to preference, but it's a good starting point!
  3. Start to think tetris: one of the beautiful things about a nicely packed bento box is the separation. Every component has its place, and every place is deliberate. Try it, it's very zen!
  4. Pack your favourite foods into your bento.
  5. Bring it somewhere nice.
  6. Enjoy eating it! (Very important XD)

Notes

*The food shouldn't be too wet, or things start to get soggy and a leaking box is on the horizon! If you're a sauce fan like I am, you should carry the sauced in another airtight container, preferably one that stacks with your first!

But wait, there’s more! Simply make this recipe, take a photo and post it to Everten’s Recipe of the Week on their Facebook page for your chance to win a $1,000 Wusthorf prize pack! You can find more details about the competition on Everten’s website. Remember to tag @TeaForTammi or Wusthof Australia on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and we’ll share our favourites! We’ll also be Periscoping and sharing a recipe every week, so don’t worry if you’ve arrived here fashionably late to the party. Simply join us 6:30pm (Sydney time) every Wednesday for more delicious food, and follow @TeaForTammi to get notified when we go live!

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating