What's in a Box?

The bento box itself can be just as big a part as the food it contains.

With so much variety, it can be hard to know where to start!

Honestly - if you're new to this, don't fret about rushing to buy an authentic Japanese designed bento box.  Whilst they're certainly nice to have, it's not a necessity, especially if you're just starting out.

Ordinary food storage boxes are fine!

Let's call it a starter bento box!

Main thing is to have a box with a secure lid - you don't want your lunch spilling out before you even get to work!

Unless you want to make one for sharing, the boxes don't need to be very big.  A set of two is perfect; that way you can separate wet and dry foodstuff.  A matching pair that stack is a bonus.

On a trip to San Francisco, I picked up a cheap little bento box for a dollar.  It's cute, but for me it's just not big enough to pack a lunch in.  I tend to keep little snacks like sunflower seeds in this.  Note the little strap to keep them together - another useful feature.

Mini-bento with strap

Bento boxes don't even have to be box-shaped - they can come in all shapes and sizes!

A round ended oblong, with 2 compartments -
a much better size compared to my current box!

A perfectly round bento
Free Food Photos

Some come with their own carry bags.  Personally, I really want one like this!

Yume Oval Royal Bento Box with Bag
Casa Bento

There's a variety of capacity available too - some are one big cavity, others have set compartments, others come with removable compartments so you can adjust how many and how big.

This one is unusual for its shape and split compartments.

Free Food Photos

With so much to chose from I've got a feeling I could end up purchasing all manner of bento boxes!  I can see it now - post after post of 'my latest purchase to fuel my obsessive need for pretty boxes'.

Seriously, this could resemble my kitchen if I'm not careful.

kawaiidairy