New Game: What's the Word?

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: BENTO

pronunciation: [BEN-toh]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Japanese, late 19th century

 

Meaning:

1. A lacquered or decorated wooden Japanese lunch box.

2. A Japanese-style packed lunch, consisting of such items as rice, vegetables, and sashimi (raw fish with condiments).

 

Examples:

"Her bento collection was quite valuable, so she didn't use them for food."

"I usually order the bento lunch special on Mondays."

About Bento

If you’re a fan of Japanese food or culture, you’re likely familiar with bento, or a bento box. This is a Japanese word for either the lunch box itself, or the specific arrangement of rice, vegetables, and sashimi inside a bento box. The meal is traditionally packed at home and carried to work or school, but you can now find grab-and-go versions available for purchase.

 

Did you Know?

Besides the type of food, bento is unique for its tidy arrangement, with food taking up every inch of available space. Modern versions of the bento also feature decorative (and often adorable) elements. Imagine sushi that looks like a cat, and vegetables that look like a garden. The best bentos are attractive, convenient, and delicious.