“The pop culture and food history book, "TV Dinners Unboxed," makes the case that the Bento Box is the original TV dinner, albeit without the television.”
—Jeff Swystun
Cecile and I ordered a bento box, which is a traditional Japanese meal served in a compartmentalized lacquered container, beautifully designed to offer a balanced and an aesthetically pleasing meal. It does remind me of the Swanson TV dinners of my youth, only exceptionally classier. In Japan, bento boxes are personal status symbols like an Rolex Watch or Apple i-phone
Like the bento boxes we ordered, it generally includes Rice or Noodles (we had rice), Grilled fish, Teriyaki Chicken, beef, golden and crispy tempura, or Tofu, a sushi roll, Pickled or Steamed veggies with soy sauce or sesame. Side dishes can included gyoza (dumplings), or seaweed salad, miso soup and garnishes like sesame seeds, nori, or fresh herbs that add flavor and decoration.
A bento box is more than just a meal—it’s a philosophy of balance, harmony, and care in every bite. It is the essence of the heart of Japanese culture, where art and nourishment share the same stage. Each bento is a canvas and the chef is an artist painting flavors with rice, chicken, fish and vegetables. It is love packed in delectable portions, where the dish tells a story of a labor of love.
Eating my bento, reminded me to savor life as it comes, one compartment and flavorful moment at a time—a practive of mindfulness disquised as a meal.
