is a single-portion
takeout or home-packed meal common in
Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento holds rice, fish or meat, with
pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container. Containers range from
disposable mass produced to hand crafted
lacquerware. Bentos are readily available in many places throughout Japan, including
convenience stores, , railway stations, and
department stores. However, Japanese
homemakers often spend time and energy on a carefully prepared
lunch box for their spouse, child, or themselves.
