I'm Biggie: avid cook, speedy lunch packer, mom & former expat fluent in Japanese. 
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Recent Posts
- Children’s Day bento lunch
- Review: Cheap lunch containers at Target
- Corn on the cob bento lunch
- Shopping and conference odds and ends
- Green tea zarusoba noodle “nest” bento
- Save time & energy with bento baskets for the freezer
- Lamb & spaghetti squash bento dinners
- How to eat whole tamarind
- Decorative rice ball lunch & how-to
- Lunch in a Box comes out of the closet
May 7th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Your site is fantastic! We frequently travel to Europe (3 x per year) and last year I was interested in packing a bento box, instead of the foil/ziplock container arrangement, but the only type of bento boxes that came to mind were the lacquer-type boxes. When I came across your site recently I found all sorts of ideas for more transportable boxes! I am really inspired by your site. I found some boxes that look very much as Asvel, but they are manufactured by Lustroware–bought them at Container STore–there are several sizes and they have dividers and are airtight. The lid is clear. We’re traveling to Portugal next week and require 2 meals. Meal #1: Avocado-Yukon Gold Potato Salad (no mayo, yoghurt instead), slices of seasoned seared beef tenderloin, picholine olives, and very little round sandwiches of tapenade and goat cheese. Meal #2 will be Insalata Caprese, picholine olives, and cold Italian-breaded chicken tenders. I’m really getting into the presentation factor of assembling the boxes so that they look magnificent. (I work part-time at W.Sonoma and bought some decorative cutters–hummm, maybe the little sandwiches will be heart-shaped…). When we leave Madeira, I’m going to ask the hotel the night before to pack our Bento boxes! Your site is just fantastic! Keep up the good work!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
???????????
http://www.e-obento.com/obento-swf/200805-motionbento-01.html
May 6th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I love this site so much! The only downside: I am ravenously hungry for onigiri now and am far too lazy to make some.
Keep up the great work!
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:29 pm
@ K: Thanks for the heads up about the containers at Target, K! I’ll check them out.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Hello! Not sure if this is the best place to post, but I figured it’d be better than commenting on a specific post that might not be relevant…
Not sure if you had seen these yet, but the summer/seasonal section of Target has a wide selection of lunch containers, in the “Whim by Cynthia Rowley” collection. I saw shelves full of different sized lunch boxes (bowls, divided containers, etc.) with vented lids, microwavable, and some with cutlery included. Best part is, most of the ones I looked at were no more than $5! I know these aren’t really bento boxes but I thought you might want to take a look if you get a chance, and also let others know since a LOT of people look to you for bento advice!
April 28th, 2008 at 5:11 am
@ Jan: Thanks for the heads up about ecollo.com — what a sleazy operation. They actually cropped out the photo watermark to lunchinabox.net and are portraying my lunches as their own. I’m going to try leaving comments to have them cease and desist — if that fails I’ll take it up with their advertising network and ISP before moving on to legal action. Grrr to sleazebags…
April 27th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Hi Biggie!
First off, I just want to say that I frequent this site religiously. I actually live in San Francisco, so when you reviewed Ichiban Kan, I was ecstatic! The public does not give this store credit for it’s hidden treasures. Either way, I’m really happy that you brought this store out into the internet.
Second, I would like to know if you knew about this website, http://www.ecollo.com/?tag=/lunch I happened to Stumble Upon it, as I did with yours, and found that it had a couple of your bento pictures. I tried to look for a link to your website, but I never found it. I would hate to have another website take credit for your creativity.
- jan
April 21st, 2008 at 7:10 pm
After finding a multitude of snacks on Jlist for a very good friend of mine, I was all over the internet looking for interesting ways to make lunch: It’s difficult going to a public school where everything is expensive, greasy and horrible! >_< ugh, just looking at those horrid greasy pizza slices every day was beginning to make me sick…
I’d done bento before, but mostly it was my strange, horrid attempts to make rice balls with inexpensive long-grain rice rather than horribly expensive sushi rice and ending up making sugary snacks that…well, they aren’t much healthier than the pizza, I’ll tell you that much. I ended up making all of that for special occasions. But anyway, I digress. I began getting interested in making my own lunches again when I came across your site just recently. I can’t read Japanese to save my life, so your site has been a MASSIVE help to me! All of the bentos you prepare are absolutely gorgeous, and I can’t believe you can get a preschooler to eat so many wonderful veggies! I only wish the grocery stores in my area were better equipped to cater to someone who needs things like seaweed to make some of the bento foods!
April 18th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Hi Biggie
I don’t really remember how I first landed on your site… possibly in search of school lunch ideas from Google. But over past couple of months, I have grown addicted to your site. Very frankly, in India Bento is not yet a popular concept, but carrying lunch in compartmentalised boxes or containers has been there since ages.Keep posting and would love to see many more interesting writeups. Take care
April 15th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Biggie, I used to go to ‘Cookingcute.com’ as a website for great bento ideas and recipes, but a friend on the IAM community bento forum recommended your site and I think you’re great! And the other site doesn’t update anymore whereas you do. Keep up the great work and keep inspiring us all!
April 15th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Biggie, you are awesome! Thank you for all the time you dedicate to this site and for all the wonderful ideas and recipes you share. I’m just getting into packing bento lunches, and I’ve already learned so much from you. Thanks again!
April 15th, 2008 at 8:57 am
@Alison: I’d also include something fun for inside of the bento boxes — either buy a couple packs of silicone baking cups and split them up (one per goody bag) or maybe cute food picks?
April 15th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Hiyez.
Oh my. You have completely made my day. And you know my local food stores, too. Oy. Tokyo Fish Market is my favorite store, and I have bento boxes (conservative black) from J-List.
And you use the ingredients, like furikake, that I use in mine own lunches. Wow.
Thankee, thankee, thankee, thankee. Love you, and did I say thank you?
Seeyez.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Hi, Brilliant Biggie!
I wanted to ask your advice: I am getting ready for my 7-year-old’s birthday party, and for favors we are giving out Hello Kitty Bento Boxes that we lucked into at the Dollar Store.
I have printed out several copies of your guide to bento packig, and also a couple of pages from the Laptoplunches site, and plan to put that into each bento box, along with a note from the birthday girl and me explaining how we got into Bento-ing, and that they don’t HAVE to use the box for lunches, they can use it for markers, or doll clothes, or whatever.
But it seems like something is missing.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
April 14th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Hi - first saw you in flickr.com and I have to say I’m addicted to bento lunches. You have such great ideas!
April 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Hello Biggie:
Thanks so much for the great photos and ideas. I’ve never heard of charater and other fancy bentos before…and I’m Japanese American!
Would love to return the favor. I know of a lady in our town that makes silver jewelery. The think that caught my eye is that they are personalize necklace charms, very simple, AND one of the designs is a very cute BUG. You include the name and design you want. I think you’d love it. http://www.mountaingirlsilver.com
Continue the great bentos!
April 6th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Just came across your site, and I think I am now addicted! Really inspiring — I might actually pack lunches for myself and my (gluten-free) boyfriend this week! Living in New York City, I often find I spend $8-12 a day on lunch. That’s $40-60 bucks a week I could be spending on….well, shoes! Thank you for the helpful hints and tricks. Even if I don’t make lunches everyday, I’m sure I’ll be reading your blog!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:33 am
I just wanted to tell you I LOVE your site. You have awesome ideas for lunches on the go. Thank you! I live in rural Maine and wish I could find some of the cute things you use, but such is life. Anyway keep up the inspiring lunches!
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:56 am
Hi Biggie!
I’ve been checking your blog (and Flickr photos) on and off for a little over a year now. I wanted to say THANKS for all the helpful tips and tricks! I’ve never been good at bringing a typical American bagged lunch to work. Soggy sandwiches, expensive, prepackaged foods, and long morning prep times? No thanks! And I missed the bento lunches my host mom made when I was a high school exchange student in Tokyo. Your blog has really helped me adapt to a better lunch routine using handy bento techniques.
The best things I’ve ever gotten for my health and finances have been recommended here: My bento and accessories (I try not to go crazy), my mini microwave steamer, my convection toaster oven, my mini cooling rack, and my single-serving size tupperwares for freezing rice in. (I never thought of freezing big batches of rice before!) I use them every day.
So, thanks! Your site is like a whole tutorial for the culinarily-challenged on packing easy lunches with a creative flair. Super practical yet fun!
Elaine
Reno, NV
March 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
@ Alison: Because you’re packing yogurt, I’d say you’d do well to include at least one ice pack inside an insulated lunch bag from a food safety standpoint. My understanding is that the Fit & Fresh line has built-in blue ice packs in all of their containers, so that might do you as long as it keeps your yogurt sufficiently chilled. You could always run a test with an instant-read thermometer, checking the temperature inside the bag at regular intervals (but maybe that’s too nerdy of me…).
March 30th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Hi, Biggie,
I have a food safety question for you:
If I refrigerate a lunch (containing a turkey sandwich, a water bottle, carrots, sliced strawberries, blueberries, yogurt, and chips) inside an insulated lunch bag overnight, and send my son off to school with it in the morning, do you think the insulation in the lunch bag plus the cold water bottle is enough to keep the turkey at a safe temp, or do I need to put a blue ice pak in?
I’ve been packing it with the blue ice pak, but I was wondering if that was necessary? (And there’s more room in the container without the ice pak,of course.)
I make and pack the lunch the night before in a Fit-and-Fresh container inside a soft insulated lunch bag, and in the morning, I throw the blue ice pak (it comes with the Fit-and-Fresh container set) in and send him on his way.
Thanks!
March 29th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
@ginger: I’m using self-hosted Wordpress on Bluehost with plug-ins and a theme that I’ve gradually customized as I learn the ropes. I’m NOT an expert — it’s been a long learning process, as long-time readers can tell you!
March 29th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
@Alison: Your baloney “sushi” sounds like fun — no wonder your kids love it! On doing this every day, I guess I try not to be overly ambitious for every lunch. You know, if I actually make one thing in the morning and use leftovers (or frozen bento “stash”) for the rest I’m satisfied. Thanks also for the local store info!
March 29th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Hi Biggie,
I recently chanced upon your blog and think realy admire you for the pains you take to decorate your bentos.
You have now inspired me to pack bentos fro my husband.
I was really intrigued by the egg moulds and the mini-sauce bottles you have shown on your blog. I am an India living temporarily in Tokyo. Would you know where can I find these here?
Thanks alot
2D
March 27th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
hullo biggie!
I’m so glad i found your blog. I’ve learned that lunch doesn’t have to be boring! You’ve also inspired me to try out new ways of cooking and to start my own food blog, but we’ll see how that goes. What do you use for a platform? Thank you so much!
March 26th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Biggie -
love the website - thanks I get a lot of good ideas from you. I wish my kids were less picky, but hopefully one bento at a time I will expand their horizons.
I have a question for you. I wanted to put together a ‘bento starter kit’ as a gift basket for an auction. We have a small Daiso close by to shop at. What do you think would need to be included as essentials?
thanks a lot.
Mika
March 25th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I just made 3 bentos for tomorrow’s lunch, and I am now too tired to take a picture.
But I had fun making them!!
For #1 son, something my my boys call, “baloney sushi” (cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, and sliced turkey rolled up in a corn tortilla and sliced like maki), chips, Babybel cheese, grapes, and a peeled Clementine.
For #2 son, same as #1, but with a peanut butter-and-butter sandwich instead of the Babybel cheese and Clementine (yes, he is my picky eater).
For me, onigiri stuffed with shredded deli turkey, green onions, and a sprinkle of leftover curry sauce; a Babybel cheese, chips, and a peeled Clementine.
But it took me forever. How do you do this every night??
Also, if you have any Pittsburgh readers, I found a bunch of very cute little Bento Boxes at a store called “Kawaii” on Walnut St. in Shadyside, and some very large, family-style Bento boxes at Lotus in the Strip Distric.
There were also some terrific little Hello Kitty Bento Boxes at the Dollar Store, of all places–but sorry! I bought them all to use as Treats for my daughter’s upcoming birthday party. I plan to print out and enclose pages from this site and from LapTop Lunch Times.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Biggie,
I just wanted to thank your for the inspiration and great resources!
I always wanted a bento of my own, but never had the expertise to try and make it look nice and cute.
I got a new bento box and some tools yesterday, and I went on to make my very first bento!
Here are the results:
http://picasaweb.google.com/liveone/MyFirstBento?authkey=A4RKILVy2y0
I was so proud of myself, thanks for all the wonderful advice and recipes!!!
March 19th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
@ Kam: No problem in making these lunches adult-sized at all. Because my son is such a non-picky eater, the main adjustments I make for him are to cut things smaller for little hands (adding little food picks, etc.), tone down the spiciness, reduce portions, and not pack nuts or liquid dairy (restricted at his preschool because of food allergies). Other than that, an adult bento for myself would look about the same.
March 19th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
wow, my sister emailed me this site because my attempts of cooking flat eggs on the stove becomes scrambled eggs. your site is awesome! it’s very inspirational but to be honest, i’m a very lazy person who likes to make sushi sometimes. what are your thoughts on making these bento lunchs adult sized?
March 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
@Allison: Bwah ha hah! You sound like me! I hope you have a chance to check out the Lunch Gear Organization Round-up post with readers’ ideas for organizing their bento stuff. There are some creative solutions there, and I’ll be posting my reorganization (inspired by the contest winner) soon.
I’ve got some ideas on freezer organization from my Shufu no Tomo book on freezing. Let me tackle the chest freezer downstairs (scary) and get back to you. I should have bought an upright freezer in the first place, but I’ll work with what I have. The secret seems to be big plastic baskets that can go into the freezer, allowing you to lift similar items out of the top at once, revealing the bottom layer (also in baskets).
March 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Hi, Biggie,
I guess your “unorganized approach” is like major-league organization compared to me!!
I’m still trying to figure out where I can store cereal boxes (yes, with cereal still in them) besides for the top of the refrigerator!
I have one nice deep drawer full of lunchboxes (they do tend to accumulate with 3 children and a working mom)–but it is already overflowing, and–yikes! I just ordered a bunch of Bento Boxes! I have no idea where I am going to put them!
How do you pack things in a freezer so that you can actually FIND them again? All the little things tend to get lost, and the cardboard boxes (like for Van’s Waffles) get smushed, and the frozen peas’n'carrots either work their way open again and shed orange and green dots everywhere or else they manage to get freezer burn within days. And no matter how I double-ziploc-bag and Tupperware-enclose the frozen chopped onions, the ice cream ends up tasting like Onion Chip Royale.
The household joke is that Mommy doesn’t throw anything away until it’s been either refrigerated or frozen. THEN she can throw it away (if it hasn’t walked off on its own)!
Of course, it might help if I got off the computer and went IN my kitchen to organize it instead of whining about it…
March 17th, 2008 at 9:58 am
@ Allison: And the fact that it took you this long to find my Organization Madness post tells you just how disorganized this website is!
I’m not actually one for extensive meal planning — I like to riff and improvise with whatever’s on hand. I do this by having an extensive pantry and a chest freezer stuffed with meat, fish, frozen appetizers, bento stuff in individual portions, etc. You might be surprised to learn that I don’t actually plan any of the lunches here in advance. The night before, I try to think of one item to pack in the next day’s lunch, but then figure it out in the morning. So every day is a bit of, “I bet today’s lunch is going to suck,” then just trying to balance foods/colors with what’s on hand. I do try keep my bento glasses on while I’m shopping, though — so I have little wrapped cheeses, maybe cherry tomatoes or some broccoli, etc. around for bentos, and just grab whatever produce looks beautiful and cheap. I should probably do a post on my unorganized approach. It’s what works for me as I really don’t enjoy sitting down and deciding all of our meals for the week. I don’t even know what I want to eat for dinner, let alone lunch for the next week!
March 17th, 2008 at 4:59 am
Aha–I found your “Organizational Madness” page from last year–it’s brilliant! (The fact that it’s taken me so long to find it tells you how disorganized I am!)
I’m still wondering how you plan menus, grocery shopping, and cold food storage. I’ll keep reading–you’ve probably already written about that somewhere; I just have to find it!
I have 3 kids, 2 of whom, like me, can’t have gluten, so I’m already spending a lot of time and organization space on gluten-free flours (I make all my own bread, biscuits, cookies, pizza, etc.). I need all the organizational advice I can get!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I am still wading through all the recipe pages–wow, wow, WOW, I am floored by the creativity, and even more by the ORGANIZATION!
Biggie, how do you do it? How often do you go grocery shopping, how do you plan your menus for dinner (and breakfast and lunch and snacks) and how do you keep up with it all and Bug, too? I know working at home can be even more tough than working outside the home.
Hmmmm…maybe you can do a whole other blog on organization in preparation for bentoing? Or at least a section in this blog? Where do you store all your bento ware? And where do you store all your frozen goodies? Do you have a separate freezer, and if so, where the heck to you put that???
I am just full of admiration–and questions!
I wonder if Food Network would build a cable TV series around you???
March 8th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
FYI for all the folks who can’t shop in Japan:
White Rabbit Press has a shopping service available. You have to do your research and tell them exactly what you want (and preferably where to buy it), and they will purchase the items and ship them to you. I used them to buy a beautiful wooden Bento box from Amazon.jp, since Amazon.jp said they couldn’t ship that item outside of Japan (to my US address). I’ll include the website here.
http://www.whiterabbitpress.com/product.php?productid=16137&cat=0&page=1
I have no connection with White Rabbit Press, but I have been impressed by their service.
I apologize to Biggie if this post is inappropriate. But I am familiar with the frustration of living in the US and trying to get my hands on Japanese items.
Luckily I am currently living in Japan (Tokyo, YES!!!!), so I don’t need them so much anymore.
March 8th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I love your site! I am an avid bento fan, but I’ve been having difficulty trying to come up with nutrious, fun, and delicious recipes for my bentos.
Your site is full of wonderful and useful ideas, and I really appreciate all the hard work you must put into it. Thank you.
March 6th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I love checking out your website…it has inspired me to make more beautiful school lunches for my two young daughters. My kids and their classmates are now intrigued by what they have for lunch everyday! Hopefully they are also eating a more well-rounded meal this way. Most of all it reminds me of the lunches my mom packed for me as a child. Thanks for helping me pass on the tradition! I have to admit that I also LOVE shopping for all the cute little bento containers!
March 6th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Oops! Found this guestbook page after I posted on one of your pages from 2007 (I’m kinda new at this).
To sum up long previous post: your site is AMAZING!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing all these insanely clever ideas!
March 4th, 2008 at 11:04 am
@ christina: Ooh, hot dog worms? I love it! Just gross enough to thrill a little boy.
March 4th, 2008 at 2:36 am
I’ve just come across your site, and it’s made my day! I live in Australia, and I’m not sure yet whether bento boxes are available here, but I plan to use lots of your tips and recipes.
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
A very clever lady, I never thought to do this all year in lunches, I only do this stuff for parties. weeners can also be sliced thin and dropped into water to make worms. Great web site! I’ll remember to check back
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Hi!
Just a thing…GREAT!
Your site is just tasty and make me happy!
Thanks
G-Chan
February 28th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
@ candice: Sorry candice, I can’t think of somewhere that’ll shop Daiso and send it to you. I believe there was one place that posted to the Bentolunch online community a while back, but I don’t recall the URL. You might try posting there (linked from my Shop and Lunch Links pages)?
February 28th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Hey biggie! Really enjoying your site! Recently started packing bento for myself (can’t get my hands on bento stuff in my country so I buy whenever I get to go to other countries). Fun to see another Alton Brown fan!
February 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Hi Biggie, my name is Amber a 19 in PA. I’ve always been fond of the Japanese Culture and even went there for two weeks in High School. Recently to get into a healthier lifestyle before living home I’m learning how to make more unique and tastier foods, including bento boxes to make lunch fun and livelier than before. I actually found your site when I looked up how to make apple bunnies and you’ve captured me completely. If you ever need any graphics done for your site I will happily help in return of your great and easy recipes. Keep up the good work!
February 24th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Your website, along with others, have got me hooked on bento. I love the ideas that you detail here and the pictures are inspiring. I started making some for my boyfriend and I, and can see how it would be perfect for kids’ lunches. I am slowly developing a bento equipment addiction!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Biggie,
I live in the land locked state of Ohio. We don’t have Daiso or any store that sells bento boxes. I have the typical Lock and Lock. Do you know anyone who would buy a whole lotta stuff from Daiso and ship it to me?
February 13th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hi Biggie! Your website is so inspiring and my 2 yr old keeps looking at the pics saying, “I want that!” I tried my first bento today and am so excited. Thanks for making things fun.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Thanks Lunch in a Box! Your website got me inspired, and I made a bento blog! I just made my very first ever bento and I’m so danged proud of me!
http://www.bentofett.blogspot.com Bento Fettish Rules! (Well it doesn’t, but it will!)
February 7th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Thanks for the bento shopping guide! In mid January one of my best pals moved from Denver to San Francisco and while I was there “helping”, went to both Daiso and Ichiban Kan! In trouble from the Hubby for buying too much, but so fun! He isn’t complaining anymore though as he really looks forward to his Bento! I bought a container at Ichiban Kan that is a clear, single layer and divided into quadrants - it has been really easy to use and allows for plenty of food and variety! Thanks again!
February 7th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Hi Biggie! I just wanted to say I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE! I’ve been into bento-making since my sons started school, 5 years ago, but my enthusiasm for it started waning and my lunches were getting seriously boring. Then I discovered your blog and you’ve inspired me to start up again! Thanks for the update on IchibanKan finally going online! I’m so excited! I live in Hawaii and despite the huge Japanese population here, bento supplies are slim pickins. We have Don Quijote & a Marukai Dollar store, but they offer VERY little, not like what you have in the Bay Area. Your website is the best - it’s cute, well-written, the pictures are awesome, fantastic instructions…I could go on and on! I tell everyone I know about it ! Keep going!
February 7th, 2008 at 3:38 am
All of your food looks so tasty, and healthy too! I completly enjoy reading your site! Thanks!
January 29th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Hi Biggie!
I came across Bento more by “accident” some time ago and since then it hasn’t let me go. Alas, there are few sources in Germany that I can turn to, but as I am only half German, I take great pleasure in reading through your blog.
In my particular case I came across Bento’s as I am more concerned about my fiancé’s health as he likes to eat out with the lads at work. Fast food, chocolate in between and all stuff like that. I on the other hand like to eat healthily, so I am trying to put him on to boxed lunches with vitamins and such - without making it too obvious
It’s great to be inspired by your site.
Keep up the good work!
Best,
Liz
January 28th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Love your site. Just started doing this and get loads of info from your site. Since I am in the Middle of Georgia and don’t have much acesses to places that carry bento stuff I improvise lots. I found fresh quail eggs in Atlanta, to use up the last of them and keep them from spoiling I did the redneck thing and boiled them and then dropped them into pickled beet juice. I see how they turned out in a week or so. I don’t so much try for cute as pretty and practical. I have been making photos of my bento but need to sign up on a flicker to post them
de mama Y
January 28th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Echt nett gemacht die Seite! Gefällt mir.
January 26th, 2008 at 11:14 am
@Stella: I found a new 20% off coupon for Reusable Bags: enter code a15447 at checkout (expires on February 3, 2008).
January 25th, 2008 at 1:19 am
You inspire me, Biggie! My 3 y.o. daughter is about to start preschool in 2 weeks, so I started to look for ideas for kids’ lunches and came upon your site! I’m so lucky and appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into this site! We live in Redondo Beach, CA and we’ve got japanese “super”stores called Marukai, so I’m heading there tomorrow in hopes to find the stuff on your site! Thanks again!
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 am
haha I don’t think so ~
I’m living in germany ^^
January 21st, 2008 at 8:20 am
@ cammy: Hey, are you the same “cammy” from my son’s preschool? Hi there!
January 21st, 2008 at 8:02 am
hi biggie,
I’m really so happy that I discovered your blog … it’s really great
I just started with packing bento ~
thank you for your useful tips!
January 20th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
@ Bethany: Thanks for the Lock & Lock online source, Bethany!
January 20th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
http://www.foodnut.com.au/www/330/1001127/displayproduct/1001552_1001505_.html
“Lock and Lock Lunch Kits” you were purchased and many of your readers were looking for earlier. Come in Blue and Maroon. Will ship to US.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:18 am
Good morning! I was so surprised (and pleased) to see your comment. I can’t even remember the series of clicks that brought me here the first time, but I keep coming back because I LOVE your site. The demos, the pics, the recipes. I am SO inspired by your creativity and we share the same philosophy about “picky eaters.” I’m headed back to work in about 2 weeks (I’ve been on maternity leave) and I’m so excited to start experimenting with bento-style lunches!
January 17th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Great site! I love the tips for airline travel. I never thought of packing a bento, but it makes perfect sense. Airplane food (what is offered) has become inedible and buying lunch for the family in an airport during a layover is horrible expensive. A packed bento is a lifesaver. Cheers!
January 14th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Super-cute site! I’ve been drooling over all the bento displays over on deviantArt, and I found this through a series of links, and I’m already addicted!
January 11th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Love your site! I am just getting into Bento Boxes - I just spent a small fortune on Ebay to get started. I really wish we had a Daiso around here. I have seen a couple of sites where the people will purchase things for you at the Daiso store and ship them (kind of like a personal shopper, I guess) Are you one of them? I found them, but can not seem to locate their websites again. Do you know of anyone who would do this?
There is absolutely nowhere to buy Bento Boxes or accessories in North Carolina that I can find, unfortunately. It’s not popular here at all, but it’s definitely something I want to do for myself and my daughter.
January 10th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Someone from a message board I’m on recommended this site to me after I started a thread about what to pack in my new Fit-N-Fresh box. I think they got the idea because I said that I have a furoshiki that I plan to wrap the box in. Thanks for a great site!
btw, a suggestion- if you or your child don’t just want a “boring” bento box (like they can ever be “boring), find a cute furoshiki or make your own (there’s a site out there that tells you how to do that) and tie up the box. I’ve found that it adds personality and is a great discussion topic in the lunch room!
January 10th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
@ Stella: Thank you so much for pointing out that the 20% coupon code for Reusable Bags had expired! I’ve updated everything here with a new code (FREECP) for a free reusable shopping bag on orders over US$50; hopefully I’ll find another proper discount code soon… (Jan 2008 update: new code a15447 is a new 20% off code, good until February 3, 2008)
January 9th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Love your site, so thorough, so many great pics and tips. I spend a lot of time packing my food since I am following a gluten free diet and responding so well. It’s good to feel healthy again! I needed the inspiration to enjoy packing my food. I call it packing a lunch for life…It’s just what I have to do now.
Many, many thanks!!!
alex
January 8th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I just love all your suggestions. I was in search of new ideas for my son when I stumbled upon your web-site, what great luck !!!
I tried to use the code to get a discount on the bento boxes at reusable bags, but it didn’t work. The rely was that the coupon was expired. Any suggestions? Thanks again .
January 7th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Hey Biggie!
Awesome blog, I used the takoyaki tutorial/recipe for the very first time yesterday, they came out sooooo good!!!
I have never had it before, but always wanted to try it, and it tasted even better than I imagined.
I love all the tips for bento, you have inspired me! Keep up the wonderful work.
January 7th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
@ Jeanslatte: Will do. Your best bet would probably be to call Kukje Market in Daly City and tell them what you want — that’s where I tend to find the bento sets. They’re pricey there, though — if you ever see them at Kamei (maybe call them?) they’ll be half Kukje’s prices.
January 7th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Hi Biggie,
I have been on the elusive lock and lock lunchbox hunt in the Bay area. Can you let me know if you ever get your hands on an extra one? I have been stopping by various stores, but can only find the picnic set….thank you!
January 6th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I love your site! Since I found it I’ve started packing Bento lunches for my Husband and myself. They’re so much easier to manage than the multi box creations that went into our lunch boxes before! You (and Allison over at sushiday.com) have influenced me to start my own food blog. So far it’s a ton of fun. I look forward to more lunch ideas!
January 6th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Thank you very much! Youre recepies will be in so much use!! Now I know how to make obento. :] My school is starting soon so now I can make obento and eat on school, usually our school food sucks. It’s some plain sallad and lots and LOTS of fat, when you pic up a burger you’ll have to wait atleast 5 minutes until half of the fat is gone
January 5th, 2008 at 4:52 am
Hello…I’m an American living in Japan and currently in my fourth year of bento making for my children. For the past few months I have been feeling very uninspired in my bento making. I have even stooped to buying onigiri at Lawson and rewrapping it to make it look homemade. I stumbled across your website by pure accident and have spent hours now studying and taking notes. Thank you for some fresh ideas and well as some educational points that my Japanese friends were just not able to communicate clearly for me. Thank you…Domo arigato gozaimashita.
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Hello Biggie!
While we’re there, we might check out other restaurants and such. Got any cool favorites?
I’m a 17 year old high school student residing in San Jose (yay Bay Area), living the common hectic busy life.
I was looking for ways to cut down on food prep time then BAM! I came across your site. The tips and recipes that you’ve put are amazing and really helpful. I think my personal favorite is the frozen onigiri.
Pretty soon, my friend and I are going to SF Japantown because we missed eating okonomiyaki.
For sure I’ll be raiding the bento section at Ichiban Kan.
Thanks for inspiring me to take more of an interest in making my lunch instead of buying overpriced cafeteria food!
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:33 am
@ BJH: You might want to have a look at my post on food safety, which answers your question in more detail: http://lunchinabox.net/2007/05/08/food-safety-for-packed-lunches-updated/
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:29 am
@3 from Alden: I go to a number of different Asian markets in San Francisco for Asian food — check out my guide to ethnic markets in SF: http://lunchinabox.net/2007/05/18/ethnic-markets-in-the-sf-bay-area/
On moving to Japan, there’s so much information that I don’t know where to begin. A lot of location will depend on what kind of job you’re looking for, secondarily what kind of experience you’re looking for (rural vs. city).
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 am
@ lil’italy: You might want to check out my post on hot vs. cold bentos — it’ll answer your question on temperature in more detail: http://lunchinabox.net/2007/08/06/box-lunches-hot-or-cold/
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 am
I’ve had a ball checking things out and am all set to order some bento boxes for my husband and I. One question- I’m a novice- do you eat everything cold? I saw leftover spaghetti in one photo and thought it must me warmed somehow. Is the whole point of bento-ing to have room temp. foods? THANKS
December 31st, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Hey, love the recipies!!!! I use them a lot for my own lunches, and sometimes dinners. There a great help, keep on posting new recipies they’ll be great.
Oh, and two other things. One, where do you get all of the foods, you use that are chinese/japanese, do you go to the china town there?… and for my last year and after collage, im planing to movie to Japan, got any tips on where to go and what to do?
December 12th, 2007 at 5:00 am
Hey biggie! I’m a 15yearold student in singapore and I love your website! It really inspired me to bring my own lunch to school! (my school food is horrible!)
However my lunchhour is at 1pm and my school starts at 7am! Do you think my food would spoil by then? :\
December 6th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
I just found your site today and I am instantly addicted. Your children’s lunches are so inspiring and informative. My kids have been very attracted to Japanese food since they were young (my husband grew up learning Judo around Japanese families). I always have held a firm belief in providing healthy lunches for children as well as updating the US norm of bad children’s lunches. Your insight and recommendations are very helpful for us parents packing a lunch for our children everyday… Thank you!
November 30th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Aloha and Alii (hello in Palauan) Biggie! Thanks for stopping by ^-^.
Just wanted to say your site is very informative and helpful in many ways, other than just packing Bento(s). Your site has inspired me to pack better bento(s) and to start a blog. Keep up the great work!
Happy Holidays!
.tia*ungil.
tiaungil.blogspot.com
November 26th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
I’m fascinated by your site, and the community of bento folks…i have been experimenting with new ways of cutting and punching nori, and am curious about people’s feelings about commercially available pre-cut nori…have you ever seen nori shapes in bento that were purchased at stands / in cafe’s? Where did the nori punch phenomena begin?
happy nibbling!
basementkids
November 24th, 2007 at 4:19 am
I’ve found something that may add the perfect touch to some people’s bentos.
Beetle spoons and sporks at the Container Store:
http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=62523&PRODID=10020963
I hope this helps some of you!
November 19th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Natalie, here’s my post with info about Daiso opening in London November 2007: http://lunchinabox.net/2007/11/02/just-bento-interesting-new-bento-blog/
In the thread I posted on Flickr, Bento Business writes that they went but were disappointed: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bentoboxes/discuss/72157602872792573/
November 19th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
I love this website! I don’t have kids and don’t pack bento boxes (yet), but your site is so colorful, organized, and fun. I love looking at your lunches, because you are such a multicultural cook/meal preparer…even the pre-purchased meal components are a great help in coming up with meal ideas for two.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Dear biggie!
Greetings!
Robert-Gilles from Shizuoka City!
Enjoyed my first visit to your blog enormously but certainly did not have the time to read all!
Since my better (worse?) Japanese half has to prepare at least 3 bento a week for my person, I might have to post more articles about them, although my wife might be a bit shy about it!
Looking forward to coming very soon!
You do seem to have loads of friends, too!
Cheers,
Robert-Gilles
November 19th, 2007 at 8:24 am
hi biggie, I love your bentos - coming accross you (by chance) originally on livejournal inspired me to start bento myself!
(one question… recently you posted about a new japanese store openning in london but I can’t find the post - can you direct me?)
November 12th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Hi Biggie!
I love your website! It’s really inspiring. As a 16 year old girl caught up in a “mid-lunch crisis”, I recently decided to start packing my own healthy and delicious snacks for the school day. However, I’ve been so used to the flavorless, monotonous sandwiches that I don’t really know where to start with homemade goodies!
Reading this site has been a great start. I’ve been very interested in Japanese bentos before, but I never quite knew where to start or how. Please keep up the good work and continue posting quick, easy and delicious lunches! I’m sure I’ll be back! Thank you!
November 12th, 2007 at 4:57 am
Hi Biggie,
I just found your site yesterday and I love it! I have three kids (7, 5 and 1), and I am always trying to find creative ways to keep them eating healthy. We all like cute food that is served in compartments, so I think this may be the way to go! Your site is a great resource, and I will definately be back!
November 7th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
My kids love Japanese food, having been turned on to it by the Japanese kids at their international school here in Kathmandu. However, they’re now in grades 5 and 6 and I want to start packing lunches that are in between the ones you feature for your preschooler and the ones you pack for yourself. Some ‘tween/teen content would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
November 5th, 2007 at 5:14 am
Hi,
I came across your website in a search for freezing cooked pasta. Your ideas
are great and I will do that as soon as I finish this message.
What also caught my attention was your comment about Japan. My son and his family moved to Japan in August for a two-year stay for his job. I am going to forward your website URL to my daughter-in-law who might be interested in your experiences.
Thanks for the information and what looks to be an informative site for additional recipes, especially bagged lunches.
Flo
November 4th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
@ Tyr: When a recipe calls for a tsp of miso, they’re looking for miso paste like you found at the link you supplied. There are lots of different kinds of miso, including flavored misos (i.e. yuzu miso), textured miso with barley, different colors of miso (red, brown, white), and even miso paste with dashi bonito stock seasoning mixed right in (for instant miso soup — just add hot water, no separate dashi required). In general, if you have some regular brown (and maybe white) miso that’s not specially flavored, textured, etc. you’ll be just fine for most recipes. Hope this helps!
November 4th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
‘Questions about Miso? Whenever a recipe in the new books I just got request a tsp of Miso, do they mean miso soup? or do they mean “Miso Paste” Like found at this website…? http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5067 If so anyone recommend a good one to use?
October 29th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
thank you for the useful and easy tips.I`ve just found out about bento and became almost obssesed,lunch meals in boxes are so “weird “here in my country, now i`m inspired to cook more like “cute” or dress up better my lunch boxes…
Nanay
Venezuela
October 26th, 2007 at 10:35 am
Hey Biggie - you are wonderful and inspirational - can you tell me which books i should study if i want to get into bento. thanks for your beautiful mind.
October 25th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Hey Lindsay, thanks for stopping by the site! Good chatting with you at the pumpkin patch as well; it’s a small world!
October 24th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
It was good talking to you at the pumpkin patch today. I like your website. I look forward to talking with you some more as we may share similar thoughts and ideas. Take care, Lindsay
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:43 am
I came across your website a few weeks ago and a lightbulb went off in my head. Within a few minutes I had ordred a bunch of bento box items. I’ve been packing both my kids Bento boxes for lunch and they’ve become a big hit!
My eldest likes the variety and NOT having to stand in the lunch line.
My youngest is still the pickest eater in the world. He will not eat any kind of sandwich. Now that I can send him off with dipping sauces, he is so much happier! One of his favorites that I will share with you are his mini pizzas. In a 3 sectioned box, I put 4 whole wheat crackers, shredded cheese and fruit. In a little condiment holder I add pizza sauce. He loves to make his own mini pizzas for lunch. The other boys are always after his lunch! Thanks for such a great website.
October 18th, 2007 at 4:35 am
This is great!! I got here thru Yahoo and sent a link to my oldest daughter - we both love Japanese culture and food! I’m working on printing out some of the recipes so I can try them! Totally ichiban!
October 16th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Hi,
LOVED your site and the slow-cooked salmon recipe. I just made it last night. I don’t think I’ll ever make salmon any other way! After I pulled it out of the oven, I brushed a little soyvey teriyaki sauce on it. Yummy!
Thank you for your site.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:51 am
At the hour of the morning we are not getting any sunlight here! I will just have to find a better-lit part of the house.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:29 am
@ snappiness: Um, I stick the lunches by my kitchen window on a piece of green paper, nothing fancy, no professional lighting equipment at all. Sorry it’s not more impressive-sounding, but the good news is that anyone can do it with a little experimenting!
October 15th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Biggie, your photo lighting and backgrounds are so professional, what lighting are you using? And do you have special photographer’s backgrounds? I would like to improve my photos.
October 13th, 2007 at 12:42 am
Hi Biggie! I came across your website whilst looking for takoyaki recipe.
I am of Chinese background, grew up in Australia and my husband is caucasian.
To save money & because my husband had high blood pressure, I started packing lunchboxes for both of us. We recently went to Japan and I was inspired by their intricate, well-planned and nutritious bento boxes.
Your website is very informative, filled with both tips that I have learned over the years and new tips that will fill in my knowledge gaps (esp the anti-bacterial section).
A job well done! Thanks for sharing your experience and information.
October 11th, 2007 at 11:23 am
brilliant website so informative thanks so much!
October 8th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I just wanted to say that I love your website! I was looking for healthy lunch box ideas to inspire my to bring lunch to work every day, and came across Lunch in a Box. I was hooked! I showed one of my girlfriends at work, and after work that day, we went down to our local markets and bought a bento box each.
We’ve been bento-ing every day since then (about two weeks now), and by 11:45am, we start asking each other “Is it bento time YET?!” Love it - thanks for all the ideas, I’ve even been inspired to start my own bento blog.
October 7th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Hi, I’m new to food blogs and was searching thru till I got here. Your blog site is very interesting and cool! I love it and would definately link u as my fave! Arigato gozaimasu!
September 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
@ Amisup: I’ve seen a few different utensil sets like you describe; they’re linked in the Utensils & Napkins section of my Amazon store.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
wooo, i just got a Bento Lunch box, and now with all the recipies from here, i can make may boxes!!! yaaaaaaaaaa
September 26th, 2007 at 9:06 am
You know how we all use plastic cutlery for our lunch boxes. Well years ago I came across a phenomenal thing,a spoon,fork and knife ,all bundled together in a box (like those eye glasses ones),but now i am unable to find one which i can buy.why use disposable plastic when you can reuse,talk about going green!! HELP have you seen anything like this?
September 19th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Hey Biggie,
I stumbled upon your site and was totally hooked! After reading your posts and checking out your photos on Flikr, I was so impressed with the whole concept of bento lunchboxes. Now it seems I’m a little obsessed with the whole idea and have been endlessly searching for bento supplies…both in cyberspace and at my local asian markets. I even talked about it on my newbie blog! Thanks for sharing your great ideas…I can’t wait to make my own bento lunch very soon!
September 15th, 2007 at 6:27 am
Hi Biggie!
What a great and inspirational site….I’m so glad I found it.
My daughter is an avid Anime fan and has a passion for all things Japanese. She introduced me to the Bento concept and I have been trying to make her lunches as true to bento as possible. (she has a Mr. Bento as well as a small two tiered Mamegoma) I was feeling a little stale in my efforts and found your site! I am inspired and informed! Thanks for the time you put into this!
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Hey, I recently started checking out your site and I just love it! It is such a cute idea and while I don’t yet have a need for lunches like such, you are getting all sorts of ideas in my head for when I do get my first job! I think you do some of the cutest and most constructive things, I never would’ve thought of them. And it’s a brilliant thing for me since I eat out way too much! Quick, cute, and yummy!
August 31st, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Wow Biggie…I am so happy to have discovered your blog! I joined your Flickr group and now I can’t wait to start reading through your blog for some lunch packing tips. I am amazed at the variety of foods that you put in a lunch (and the fact that you cook like that daily!) Thank you, thank you, thank you for having a blog that shares so many great tips!
August 31st, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Hi Biggie,
I just found your site and wanted to thank you for both the inspiration and information!
I’m a big fan of bento boxes, but am concerned about the possible presence of BPA (bisphenol-A) and other toxins in the containers. It’s a topic that’s been discussed quite a bit in my moms’ groups, specifically related to bottles, sippys and food containers for our little ones. Here’s a link to some info:
http://www.agobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083
It seems that bento box packaging has quite a bit of information on it regarding what materials are in the box (at least I think it does!), but since I can’t read Japanese, it doesn’t help me much. Have you come across this issue before, and if so, any suggestions on what to look for on the packaging that might raise red flags? Thanks so much!
August 28th, 2007 at 6:02 am
Hi Biggie,
Thanks so much for the kind words you left at my blog site, amansbento.blogspot.com. I really appreciated them as your site was a big inspiration for me. Have an amazing day!
August 16th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Hey Biggie! Thanks for stopping by theOriginalWhatsForLunch.com! I’m glad that you seemed amused by our lunching banter! And of course that you were not offended by me linking to your site. I’m often browsing through foodie blogs and I like to pass on the ones that I enjoy! This is really the most I’ve read in depth about bento lunches. It’s great and I think it is perfect for kids! And I’m totally impressed at the array of foods that you get your son to eat. I’ll have to pass on some ideas to my friends who have little munchkins that are a wee bit picky.