Quick Answer
A bento box and a bentgo box are both compartmentalized food containers used for carrying meals. The key differences are:
- Origin – Bento boxes originated in Japan while bentgo boxes were created more recently in the U.S.
- Compartments – Bento boxes traditionally have 5-6 small compartments while bentgo boxes have 1-3 large compartments.
- Use – Bento boxes are more commonly used for Japanese-style meals with rice, fish, veggies etc. Bentgo boxes can hold a variety of cuisines.
- Size – Bento boxes are usually smaller while bentgo boxes come in larger sizes.
- Lids – Bento box lids attach tightly while bentgo lids are removable.
- Materials – Bento boxes can be wood, plastic, or lacquered while bentgo is usually plastic.
What is a Bento Box?
A bento box is a traditional Japanese lunch box with compartments used to pack a balanced, nutritionally complete meal. The word “bento” comes from a slang term “bento-bata” meaning “convenient.”
Bento boxes likely originated in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) as simple boxes for carrying food. They evolved into elaborate, decorative boxes designed to showcase nutritionally balanced Japanese cuisine.
Features of Bento Boxes
Here are some key features of traditional bento boxes:
- Compartments – Most bento boxes have 5-6 small removable compartments for different foods.
- Shape – They come in various shapes like rectangles, circles, hearts etc.
- Lids – The lids fit tightly over the base to prevent spills.
- Materials – Commonly wood, plastic, or lacquered wood. Some are disposable.
- Accessories – Often includes small sauce containers and utensils.
- Size – Typically compact in size, around 15x10x5cm.
- Decorative – Many are beautifully decorated with elaborate food sculptures.
This compartmentalized design allows the contents to stay separated and neatly arranged. Different foods don’t mix together and flavors stay distinct. The small portions also provide variety and encourage mindful eating.
What Goes in a Bento Box?
While bento box contents can vary, they typically contain:
- Rice – Plain white rice is a staple carbohydrate. It may be seasoned with plum, seaweed, sesame seeds etc.
- Protein – Grilled fish, chicken, egg rolls, meatballs or other protein-rich foods.
- Vegetables – Such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, spinach, pickled vegetables.
- Fruit – Slices of apple, orange wedges, grapes, persimmons.
- Extras – Small portions of noodles, fried items like tempura or karaage, desserts.
Bento boxes aim to have an appealing mix of colors, textures, flavors and nutrition. Making an aesthetically pleasing bento box is considered an art form.
What is a Bentgo Box?
A bentgo box is a modern take on the bento box concept created by an American company in 2009. “Bentgo” combines “bento” with “go” to highlight its portability.
While inspired by bento, bentgo boxes have some key differences:
Features of Bentgo Boxes
- Compartments – Usually 1-3 large compartments instead of small, separated ones.
- Materials – Made from durable, BPA-free plastic rather than wood or lacquer.
- Lids – Removable lids instead of attached lids to prevent spills.
- Size – Typically larger than bento boxes to hold full meals.
- Design – Simpler designs focused on function over intricate decoration.
- Microwave-safe – Made to go right from freezer to microwave.
While you can find some bentgo boxes in fun shapes, most are rectangular for packing efficiency. The emphasis is on convenient functionality rather than artistic aesthetics.
What Goes in a Bentgo Box?
Bentgo boxes aren’t just for Japanese cuisine. You can pack them with all kinds of food:
- Sandwiches – Such as grilled cheese, deli meat sandwiches.
- Salads – Mason jar salads and other chilled salads.
- Pasta – Noodle salads, pasta bakes and casseroles.
- Snacks – Hummus, vegetables, crackers, cheese, fruits.
- Leftovers – Last night’s dinner or meal prep dishes.
Their simple design and generous capacity make bentgo boxes versatile lunch carriers.
Bento vs. Bentgo: Key Differences
| Category | Bento Box | Bentgo Box |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Japan | United States |
| Compartments | 5-6 small compartments | 1-3 large compartments |
| Use | Japanese dishes with rice, fish, pickled veggies | All cuisine types |
| Size | Typically small, around 15x10x5cm | Varying sizes including large capacity |
| Lids | Attached, tight-fitting | Removable lids |
| Materials | Wood, plastic, lacquered wood | BPA-free plastic |
| Design | Artistic, decorative | Simple, functional |
While bento boxes highlight Japanese culinary tradition, bentgo boxes offer a casual, convenient solution for any cuisine. Bentgo boxes borrow some bento box design elements but focus more on functionality than decoration.
Conclusion
In summary, bento boxes and bentgo boxes share some similarities as compartmentalized, portable food containers. But there are some clear distinctions:
- Bento boxes have roots in Japanese culture while bentgo boxes are a modern American invention.
- Bento boxes traditionally have many small compartments compared to bentgo’s fewer large compartments.
- Bento boxes are more decorative with tightly-fitting lids while bentgo boxes prioritize simplicity and spill resistance.
- Bento boxes cater Japanese cuisine with rice, fish, pickled items. Bentgo boxes accommodate all cuisine types.
- Bento boxes are typically compact in size while you can find larger bentgo boxes.
Bento box design highlights artistry and tradition while bentgo focuses on functionality.
While bento remains beloved for its charming aesthetics, bentgo offers a versatile, casual take on the compartmentalized meal box concept. Both provide an appealing way to transport homemade lunches and neatly proportioned meals.