Bentō

Bentō (弁当) means boxed meal. It is the Japanese snack or school lunch when eating out. It can be prepared at home or purchased in specialized shops: the bentō-ya (弁当屋).

Generally packed in a very attractive box (bentō box), the bentō, even if intended as a quick meal, is quite complete. Here is an example of a bentō:

• Rice (sometimes noodles)
• Fish or meat
• Pickled vegetables (tsukemono)
• Fresh vegetables
• Sometimes fruit