Recently, my bento lunch boxes has grown in number. From 2 to 4. Previously, it was just a rice and one-dish stacked box. Now, it's a super combo meal which includes, 2 side dishes, rice, and snack/fruit. With that kind of combo meal two things generally follow. Great urge for afternoon siesta and bulging tummy. Let's talk about the bento and leave out the side-effect for next time.
Although getting no less popular nowadays, the bento has been traditionally prepared at home and brought to school or work. With advance in food-packaging technology and catering services, more and more bentos are bought elsewhere or ordered and delivered. I once read an article on the newspaper that mentioned about the additives that is put into the bentos sold at convenience store. In that article, the author, who has worked for many years preparing bentos said that he wouldn't let his family eat the bentos, for they contain so much presearvatives, it would make it to the world record for the most amount of preservatives used to keep the food looking fresh. So be extra careful when where you buy your bentos next time.
When I was in Malaysia and Singapore, I wasn't really acquainted with the concept of lunch boxes. Food was pretty much available everywhere and cheap too. I guess the hot weather there will make your rice with 汁 (broth?) into anything but palatable food by noon.
So what did I have for lunch today? Take a look at the picture. Rice with furikake (an assortment of minced fish, sesame seeds, seaweed), siew mai, pickles and kacang kuda. Needless to say, after this hefty lunch, I needed a lengthy workout.
