Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Kawaii Bento!


This video on youtube comes from contributor ichigocho.
 
Sure this is cute, but what is exactly is bento, you ask.  Bento is a single-portion packed meal, usually lunch, that is common in Japan. The container to hold the meal is referred to as a bento box. Bento boxes come in a wide variety of styles to appeal to everyone from businessmen and young women to children.  Bento boxes usually have internal dividers and several stacked layers so that the different kinds of food sit in their own little compartments. The whole thing is usually wrapped together with chopsticks in a cloth or special bag.

A traditional bento consists of rice, sometimes noodles, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables. It is still common for Japanese homemakers to spend time and energy for their spouse, child, or themselves producing a carefully prepared lunch box. Color combinations of the food and garnish are carefully considered in creating an artful presentation. The goal is to make the whole package as attractive as possible and often times an artfully prepared bento is an expression of affection.

Enjoy!


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