bento

/ˈbɛntoʊ/

Other forms: bentos

A bento is a Japanese boxed lunch for one person. A bento is usually served in special dishes or containers with separate compartments for each dish.

A bento typically consists of meat or fish, rice or noodles, cooked vegetables, and pickles, each tucked into its own little section. In Japan, people take home-cooked bento boxes to work or school, but they can also order a bento at a restaurant or buy one at convenience stores, in airports, or on trains. The Japanese bento comes from the Chinese biandang, "convenient."

Definitions of bento

1. noun

   a Japanese boxed lunch of rice, vegetables, and meat or fish
2. noun

   a traditional wooden or decorated box containing several sections for different courses of a Japanese lunch