I was just wondering whether I was the only one here that makes bento (Japanese version of a lunchbox) boxes for themselves or others?!

I've found it's a really good way of controlling your portion sizes, as you are limited by the size of box that you buy. For reference they have different sizes for men, women and children!

Also it's so much fun if you start decorating it as well, it helps make the food even more appetising!

I have loads of references for websites and blogs if anyone wants.

I only ask because I used to do them and I'm starting again, saves a lot of money as well for the credit crunch!

**EDIT**
There are pictures of various bentos on the next few pages! Go and have a look!

I hadn't heard of these before - can you post some web links for further info?

Thanks

Here's some examples

http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en...-8&sa=N&tab=wi

I think people who have issues with portion control could really benefit from putting their lunch into one (using certain amount of squares for fiberous carbs, proteins, etc and using the small portions for fats).

Just don't have a REAL bento box, lol! They are filled with junk.

i would never in a million years have time for this, but have you seen these?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kickint...7607227982802/

Aw, how cute!

so cute!! aw i want to do it

Okay, I've just spent a good 45 minutes digging through various websites, and when payday comes I'm going to buy myself a bento box! I really like this one or this one. Now I just have to choose!

Ah I'm so glad you guys are interested in it!

There is not so much stuff in the UK at the moment to do with bento but the Japan Centre in Piccadilly has a few things in the the store, they actually have much more of their stuff online!

Also the links posted above are great for finding cute things!

Sidhe - I would recommend the second one as it will be much easier to pack because of the shape. But they are both really cute, I need to get around to buying a new bento box, I'm getting bored of mine!

Apart from portion control I just love that fact that food can be so much fun!

sws19 - it's actually not so hard to do quickly, if you cook in the evening or night before, just make a little extra and then put it in the box overnight in the fridge.

Then in the morning you can chuck in some fresh fruit and veg, or nuke some in a steamer, and rice you can make the night before also.

A great way of seasoning rice (which if you follow Japanese 'rules' you are meant to have 1/3 rice/carbs/pasta) you can get something called furikake which you just sprinkle on top, you can get them in a million different flavours as well, some vegetarian (you have to double check Japanese food!) and loads of others...

Okay, I'm honestly really excited about this! I love the idea of built-in portion control and being able to pack "just right" meals the night before. I'm thinking about ordering two, so that one can be "lunch" and one can be "midmorning and afternoon snack".

I love this one, too. Now I just need it to be payday!

ETA: This website is great, and has lots of recipes, too!

Never used a bento box ... I don't think I'd have the patience to fill the thing ..

That's such a good idea doing an afternoon snack one, I hadn't thought of that!

I think a lot of people get freaked out with all these pictures of amazing decorative bentos, but as much as I love doing them, I find throwing stuff together is the best way. I only bust out my egg shapers etc if I want to treat myself/others!

I really like Air and Angels...I would post the link but I haven't written enough posts yet!

Love the Bento Box! I found this more "American" style Bento Box.

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/la...ook-p-528.html

A few of you have asked me about the links to places that I know are good for resources, apparently I have to have at least 10 before I can post PM's also, so I am going to go and talk in a few more forums and come back and let you guys know!

Also I just made my lunch (more likely going to be eaten for dinner!) for tomorrow, I cooked a spanish omlette for dinner tonight, ate half the rest went straight into one of my boxes. Added a corner cup full of blueberries, mini carrots (pointy end up as a 'wall' for the omlette) and 4 mini digestive biscuits and that's all done. Took 2 mins to put together!

I am going to take a photo later, and I'll try and post it here, failing that I'll link to it hopefully