The Japanese are famous for their artistic flourishes whether in food,their living spaces,their attire,their tea ceremonies and the way they present their wares. It’s a culture where respect and reverence is steeped in every action,the guest is indeed treated on par with the divine. They shower so much attention on their guests from the moment they walk into their home and make them feel so special and welcome,that one just cannot help but enjoy being pampered !
I would like to share with you some pictures of an amazing meal at the home of a Japanese friend and the well packed lunch that was presented to my spouse at a luncheon meeting…the care and precision taken keeping in mind our food preferences was absolutely amazing ! An absolutely unforgettable experience both for the palate and for the eyes !!!
Bento is a single portion meal usually consisting of rice, meat/fish ,pickled vegetables and other accompaniments…they are arranged together artistically,whether it was carried to work or to school,the same perfection was always a requirement ! Japanese homemakers do spend a lot of time on carefully prepared lunch boxes for themselves,their spouses and their children. These were arranged in beautiful wooden lacquered boxes,which are a visual treat themselves ! Nowadays you do find the aluminium and plastic Bento boxes too along with the beautiful wooden ones ! Bento boxes taken to work or school were tied daintily with a cloth and secured with chopsticks,these when opened became the napkin/tablecloth and eating utensil respectively ! How very ingenious !
Many restaurants also serve their meals in well crafted bento boxes as it makes for elegant dining…and the Japanese are masters at making everything look so pretty and minimalistic !!! Nowadays ready made Bento boxes are available at airports,at railway stations for people on the move…it certainly makes for a convenient meal !
The flavours of soy,wasabi,Norri along with pickled vegetables and cured fish,tempura make for a very satisfying meal and will suit most palates ! If you do have the opportunity to taste a home cooked Bento Box meal…I promise you,it will be an experience worth mentioning to others ! :))
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