A bento lunch box is one of the best ways to stay fit, healthy and on time! It gives you all the space you need for the perfect lunch or snack!

You must have seen some bento lunch box images on Instagram, Pinterest or maybe even on Facebook. This is because they have become very popular since they are small and easy to carry around. They originated from Japan and the word ‘bento’ doesn’t only refer to the lunch box but it also means ”convenient”. Even though it’s not that different compared to a regular lunch box the space it provides can act as a guideline so you don’t overcook.

Traditional or modern

Traditional bento lunches usually include rice, vegetables, some meat, fish, noodles or rice balls. Most of them have a combination of these foods. The modern ones are adjusted to fit the limited time people have. They might include some crackers or pita bread, fruits and vegetables, a boiled egg or a sandwich. Again the modern bento lunch box can have a combination of these and not only one kind. They usually have different compartments where you can store the food or sauces.

Greek bento lunch box

It is not necessary to cook in order to create a fantastic bento lunch box. You can simply make a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, capsicum, feta, olives, olive oil and parsley. To finish it off you can add some pita on the side and a dip of your choice. If you want to keep it Greek you can pick tzatziki or yogurt. It’s healthy and refreshing and it won’t take more than ten minutes to prepare.

Chicken bento lunch box

If you want something with more protein you can always try adding a chicken sandwich in your bento lunch box. If you want a good recipe then look no further! These chicken sandwiches are delicious and a perfect addition to your lunch! As for a side salad, you can add some carrot and cucumber slices and some fruits to have later as a dessert.  You can substitute the bread for a wrap if you want or you can just use the chicken on its own and add some crackers.

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Hard not to like a snacky lunch…Yumbox Original lunch by @wendolonia ・・・ Snacky lunch today! Popcorn, grapes, turkey, crackers, hummus, and cucumbers. #bento #bentobox #bentolunch #schoollunch #lunchideas #kidslunch #packedlunch #lunchbox #lunch #healthykidslunch #funkidslunch

A post shared by YUMBOX makes lunches FUN (@yumboxlunch) on Nov 14, 2019 at 7:07am PST

 Traditional Japanese Bento

There are many choices to choose from when it comes to a bento lunch box. If you want to try something new, adding Japanese foods in your bento lunch box is your way to go. And no we don’t mean sushi or noodles. Most of us have tried that before. If you want to try something different from the Japanese cuisine then tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), karaage (fried chicken) and gyoza (dumplings). are a great start. There are many good Japanese bento lunch box foods that you can make at your home as lunch or dinner.

 

 

 

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A post shared by 旦那への節約ご飯記録 (@danna_gohan927) on Dec 12, 2019 at 6:44pm PST

Salmon bento lunch box

Including fish in your diet is never a bad idea! Adding salmon in your bento lunch box is a great way to stay healthy and enjoy tasty food. You can add asparagus, rice or other side dishes of your choice to complete a delicious bento lunch box. If you want some inspiration we have these blow torch salmon and salmon tacos recipes that we really love!

Salmon Friday: Left: Swede, carrots, parsnip. Right: Beef tomatoes, baby sweetcorn, broccoli and salmon. . . #bento #bentobox #bentolunch #freshfood #healthyeats #obiad #lunchideas #healthylunchideas #healthylunchbox #lunchbox #packedlunch #eatwell #obento #madpakke #obentobox #弁当 #お弁当 #matlåda #lunchboxideas #köstlich #mittagessen #dejeuner #monbento #бенто #mahlzeit #lunchonthego #almuerzosaludable #comidasana #mangiosano #salmon

A post shared by Bento guy (@bento.guy) on Dec 13, 2019 at 9:39am PST

Safety first

A bento lunch box is not that different from your normal lunch box. It might need you to use more creativity when it comes to cooking and allow you to use spaces smartly when it comes to food safety the rules are the same. Make sure you are aware of how the foods you use are stored and try to eat the food as quickly as possible so you can eat it fresh. Also, make sure you allow the food to cool down before you close the bento lunch box to minimise germs production.

What do you think of the bento lunch box? Do you think the modern version is any different to a regular lunch box? Let us know in the comments!