What does ekiben mean in Japanese?
station bento
Literally meaning “station bento,” ekiben are special bento sold at train stations that are designed to be enjoyed on long train rides while showcasing the cuisine of the region they’re from.
Why is ekiben popular in Japan?
Eki means station and bento refers to lunch boxes that people generally bring to work or school. So basically ekiben literally refers to the lunchboxes from the station. In Japan, the convenient ekiben are widely known and available at stations, trains such as Shinkansen, and sometimes at department stores.
What is a typical ekiben?
Ekiben typically features beef, pork or fish as a main dish, with local vegetables and rice on the side, meaning it can be challenging to find vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free ekiben.
Why was ekiben made?
Ekiben were first sold in railway stations in the late 19th century, and developed at a time when meals on train were necessary during a long train journey. The popularity of ekiben reached a peak in the 1980s, but declined as air travel became more affordable and trains became faster.
How do you pronounce ekiben?
Portable food for long-distance travel is not unique to Japan, but “Ekiben” (pronounced ey-key-ben; 駅弁) is perhaps quite Japanese.
When did ekiben first appear?
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan’s railway system came into being, the ekiben (“station bento,” or box lunches sold at train stations) appeared. The first ekiben – rice balls with pickled apricots inside – was reportedly sold in 1885 at Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture.
How many ekiben are there?
Ekiben-ya Matsuri offers over 170 kinds of ekiben each day, including specialty bentos from prefectures across Japan.
What is the difference between bento and ekiben?
There are no set definitions for Ekiben, but it loosely refers to any packaged meal sold at train stations. While bento boxes will always have rice in some form, bento containing sandwiches, noodles, and non-rice dishes such as Shumai and Gyoza can also be called Ekiben.
Are ekiben only available in Japan?
As different kinds of ekiben are sold all across Japan, you just might find yourself wanting to try a new one at every station you visit. Each region is proud of its local delicacies which are presented in their different ekiben.
Where does bento box originate from?
Japan
Bento/Origins
Well, to start, Japan has a long history of bento. The boxes first appeared in their most basic iteration about 1,000 years ago, during the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333), when they were used to carry rice.
Is a bento box Korean?
Korean bento boxes (Dosirak) are a popular Korean lunch box packed with a homemade meal that can also be purchased from Dosirak stores. Like Japanese bento boxes, they are served with rice and an assortment of traditional side dishes. 4 How are Korean Bento Boxes Eaten?
What is the difference between ekiben and bento?
The Japanese word ekiben is essentially a combination of the words eki, meaning “station,” and bento, the traditional Japanese lunch box. Therefore, an Japanese lunch box. Therefore, an ekiben is a portable lunch that you have at the train station. Ekiben, however, are no ordinary fast food.
What is the meaning of ekiben?
Ekiben is literally short ver of Eki (Station in Japanese)+Bento. The culture of Ekiben in Japan is huge and many train stations at each region tend to sell their original bento box meals using their local ingredients or specialties. For many Japanese passengers on trains, Ekiben is a part of their journey.
What are Ekiben (駅弁)?
Ekiben (駅弁, railway bento) are a specific type of bento boxed meals, sold on trains and train stations in Japan. They come with disposable chopsticks (when necessary) or spoons. Ekiben containers can be made from plastic, wood, or ceramic. Many train stations have become famous for their ekiben made from local food specialties ( tokusanhin ).
What is the difference between Bento and ekiben?
For the 1999 Japanese film directed by Shungo Kaji, see Ekiben (film). Ekiben (駅弁, railway bento) are a specific type of bento boxed meals, sold on trains and train stations in Japan. They come with disposable chopsticks (when necessary) or spoons. Ekiben containers can be made from plastic, wood, or ceramic.
Where are ekiben held in Japan?
Annual ekiben fairs are held at various department stores, the first of which was held in 1966. The largest of these are the ones at the Keio Department Store in Shinjuku Station, Tokyo and Hanshin Department Store in Osaka. There many types of different ekiben available.