Japan's rail networks are among the top in the world in terms of passenger density, and the train is definitely the safest, most punctual and comfortable means of transportation in the country.
Almost the entire territory is traversed by dense railroads, and in addition to the famous Shinkansen, very high-speed trains that represent one of the greatest technological achievements of postwar Japan, there is a multitude of smaller lines that are a real attraction for many Japanese.
The typical hustle and bustle of stations and trains constantly swarming with people has created a whole new food culture, represented by the ekiben, a term composed of eki, meaning station, and bento, i.e. lunchbox.
The 'ekiben is a ready meal to be consumed on the go: carefully packaged, it encloses numerous small samples neatly arranged. Even, in the art of "kyaraben", the components of the ekiben are arranged to depict characters from anime, manga and video games; while in the preparation method called "oekakiben" foods give life to people, animals, plants, flowers and monuments. Cheap, delicious and plentiful, this dish to be appreciated while watching the landscape parading in front of the window is an authentic experience.
The birth of ekiben
La ekiben practice originated in the 1870s with the development of long-distance travel. At that time, Japan's first railway line was opened, connecting Tokyo with Yokohama, and soon many became commuters. In those days, merchants sold ready meals in wooden boxes by running up and down crowded tracks, and every time a railway line was opened in a new city, a new regional ekiben was born. The popularity of trains grew at exponential rates across the country, and this dish in its myriad variations shared the same fate. Since high-speed "bullet" trains were science fiction at the time, the journeys were very long.Prepared with the freshest ingredients (given also the absence of a refrigerator in those days!) ekiben became the ideal solution for the ever-increasing number of hungry Japanese.
The different variations of ekiben
There are ekiben for all gusti: Among the different types of ekiben, two are the most original shaped boxes, the first is called "hangetsu" and is crescent-shaped, and the second is the "shokado," a container divided into four compartments of the same size inspired by the container in which painters mixed colors and inks. Let's discover some particularly popular ekiben!
- Shinkansen E7 Eki Bento
This type is really unique: it is shaped like a Shinkansen. It contains very classic items, such as onigiri, fried chicken, shrimp fritters.
- Hipparidako Meshi
This bento includes rice, octopus and vegetables, all inside a reusable ceramic pot. The name of this dish literally means "octopus in high demand"-the popularity comes precisely from its deliciousness!
- Moo Taro Bento Mie
Beef lovers visiting Mie Prefecture cannot fail to try Moo Taro Bento.
This meal, consisting of premium Japanese beef, rice and vegetables, is served in a cow-shaped container that rings when you open it.
- Daruma Bento Gunma
The Daruma doll is the symbol of Gunma prefecture. This traditional character has the likeness of the founder of Zen Buddhism and is a symbol of good luck. The Daruma Bento is filled with rice, chicken and local vegetables from Gunma, and the wrapper is meant to then be used as a money box.
Italian Food Academy's Japanese cooking course
Are you intrigued by Japanese cuisine? Italian Food Academy organizes an exclusive Japanese Cooking Course through which you will acquire the basic and advanced techniques of cutting, preparing and cooking traditional Japanese dishes.
The Japanese Cooking Class is aimed at chefs and bar managers who want to specialize in this type of preparation but also at enthusiasts, equipped with manual dexterity and creativity.
Request more information!
