Soy Amazing – 4 Venues to Appease Bento Box Cravings

The concept of bento can be traced back to the late 12th Century when the Japanese packed their lunch to take to work, hunting, fishing or when waging war – they carried parcels of packed food to eat on the go.

These portable meals would contain food such as white rice, millet or potatoes – fast forward to 2024 and bento boxes are a staple on many Japanese restaurants lunch menus as busy city workers look for quick and easy options.

Here are four venues to get your bento box fix this week:

For classic Japanese dishes from sashimi to bento boxes, Kensington foodies head along Anzac Parade to find Sushi Tengoku. A minimalist vibe of polished concrete and blond wood is lightened by a full glass frontage letting in an abundance of natural light, while overhead geometric wire pendents emit a soft glow, ideal for grazing on plates sure to tempt all tastes.

 

Order a bento unagi box and enjoy unagi, a California roll, takoyaki, salad and miso, or bento chirashi with takoyaki, edamame and a California roll; carnivores opt for bento sashimi with katsu, teriyaki, karaage, Wagyu beef teriyaki and a tempura mix.

Discover the joys of Shyun, a cosy Melbourne gem serving all your favourite Japanese dishes, just minutes from Carnegie train station on Koornang Road. Traditional Japanese seating amidst a pleasantly modest setting creates an instantly familiar feel, settle in with a sparkling sake, creative cocktail or imported beer, before browsing an extensive menu of fresh seafood, meat and vegetables.

 

If you're feeling like a bit of everything, create your bento box with choices like teriyaki fish, miso chicken katsu and sukiyaki beef, served with rice, a small salad and an appetiser; or tuck into Japanese beef steak with mushroom sauce, rice and salad.

Culinary traditions meet modern innovation in a symphony of flavours embodying the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine at Ippin Japanese Dining at West Village in West End. This Brisbane restaurant is renowned for curating a remarkable dining experience taking you on an immersive journey into the soul of Japanese gastronomy in elegant surrounds, where every dish tells a story of tradition, innovation and culinary excellence.

 

Order a lunchtime bento box such as catch of the day and experience the ocean’s bounty with fresh, delectable sashimi, selected daily for the highest quality and flavour, paired with a variety of classic Japanese sides for a taste explosion to transport your senses to the Orient.

Contemporary Japanese izakaya dining using traditional methods is what is on the menu at Mr Kojima on Thomas Drive in Surfers Paradise. This casual Gold Coast restaurant is best enjoyed with friends and family lingering over several courses in surrounds of recycled timber, potted greenery and vibrant artwork while perusing a menu designed for slow dining.

 

 Experience the art of Japanese cuisine over lunch when bento boxes give you the convenience of eating a variety of dishes on a single tray with choices like teriyaki chicken, teppan beef and tempura prawn, plus sides of salad, rice, pickles, edamame and miso.