The bento box holds a beloved place in Singaporean food culture. These compact, partitioned meal boxes provide a customizable way to enjoy your favorite foods on-the-go. While commonly associated with Japanese cuisine, bento boxes have become a lunch staple across Singapore. Their versatility and convenience make them a lifestyle essential for busy professionals, students and families. From a dose of nostalgia to their sheer practicality, there are many reasons Singaporeans have wholeheartedly embraced the bento box. Read on to learn about the origins of bento, what Singaporeans love to eat in their bento boxes and how to assemble your own customized creations.
The History of Bento Boxes
Bento first emerged in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) as a humble way for travelers and workers to pack cooked rice for meals. The traditional stacking bamboo bento box with drawers called a jūbako became popular in the 15th and 16th centuries. jūbako allowed rice and side dishes to be stored neatly and separately.
As more portable wooden bento boxes called makunouchi bento grew in popularity in the late 19th century, decorated and ornate bento packed at home became an act of love often made by mothers and wives. After Japan’s industrial revolution as people migrated to cities, bento became essential for bringing homemade meals to school or the office.
Standardized bento with compartmentalized, stackable sturdy plastic or stainless containers gained favor by the mid 1900s. These affordable, durable and leak-proof bento boxes could be easily mass produced for everyday use. Today in Japan, elaborately arranged bento lunches packed at home are still an important part of food, family and workplace culture.
Why Singaporeans Love Bento Boxes
The bento box has been fully embraced in Singapore for many cultural and practical reasons:
- Nostalgia – For older generations, enjoying cold rice and dishes from a bento box is nostalgic of meals in their youth.
- Variety – Multiple compartments allow diverse dishes, textures and flavors in one meal.
- Portion control – The small servings in bento boxes support healthy eating habits.
- Customization – Bento lovers can choose their exact favorite foods.
- Convenience – Bento boxes are meant for easy transport and eating on the go.
- Cute and compact – Fun, expressive decorative bento boxes are now available beyond the utilitarian designs.
- Economical – Packing your own bento is cheaper than buying lunch out.
- Taste – Homemade bento ingredients are fresher and less processed.
From students to office workers, children to seniors, the bento box is the ideal meal prep solution for hectic Singaporean lifestyles.
Building a Better Bento with Local Singaporean Flavours
Part of the fun and creativity of bento culture is choosing your own components to build a balanced, delicious lunch. Start with high quality rice as the base carbohydrate. Japanese short grain white rice best resists drying out but jasmine rice also works well.
Next choose 2-3 side dishes balancing flavors, textures and nutrition:
- Protein – Grilled, roasted or fried meats, seafood, eggs or tofu.
- Vegetables – Blanched, stir fried or pickled veggies provide color and nutrients.
- Fruits – Slices of orange, grapefruit or kiwi add a refreshing touch.
- Grains – Barley, quinoa, pasta or noodles provide variety.
- Dairy – A cube of cheese, sliced ham and cheese roll ups, yogurt dip.
- Beans or legumes – Edamame, chickpeas or lentils
Don’t forget small extras like dried fruits, nuts, olives and pickles to add interest. Consider substitutions or exclusions for dietary needs like low carb, vegetarian or vegan.
While specialized tools can help sculpt rice and cut ingredients into cute shapes, focusing on fresh, thoughtfully prepared items is most important. Pay attention to food safety by keeping items that spoil quickly chilled until ready to pack and eat the same day.
Custom Bento for Work
Creating your ideal workday bento box is a great way to ensure you have satisfying, nutritious meals without a pricey food court or hawker run. Tailor your lunch bento with:
- Energizing foods to conquer the mid-day slump like nuts, boiled eggs, edamame or fruits.
- Noodle or rice dishes you can quickly reheat at work.
- Finger foods that are easy to eat at your desk like sandwiches, rolls, or onigiri rice balls.
- Comfort foods from home when you’re craving a taste of familiarity.
- Quick pickled vegetables for a probiotic boost.
- Hydrating foods with high water content like fruits, jellies, seaweed.
- Healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, salmon to keep you satisfied.
- Treats or desserts in moderation – a small piece of chocolate or cookies can energize.
With minimal effort each evening, pack lunches tailored to your tastes so you have something satisfying to look forward to come noontime. This Japanese tradition not only saves money and time but allows you to take lunch breaks more relaxed knowing you have your perfect meal already prepared. For work, school or travel, assemble your signature bento box in Singapore today.