Bulk Bento Boxes

Restaurant Bento Boxes: What You Need to Know

Japanese bento boxes are traditional means of bringing homemade or take-out lunches to work that have developed over hundreds of years and recently have seen a revival in Asian restaurants. These small boxes have multiple compartments that separate ingredients, enabling you to serve solid and liquid dishes together without ending up with soup.

The multiple compartments give operators an opportunity to offer small portions of their best dishes and favorite sides. Food wells simplify portioning, and thin dividers enable operators to create visually intriguing color combinations without worrying about the food mixing. With different configurations and sizes, our selection of bentos will help you serve your guests a memorable meal.

Common Questions About Bento Boxes

How are bento boxes usually used?

Bento boxes originally referred to any sort of box that carried a small meal, usually lunch, for transport. Families would send kids to school with a bento, or take one to work, for an easily transported but full meal. The root word means 'convenience,' and that is one of the biggest benefits to using a restaurant bento box. Having one serving dish with separated segments means only one piece is carried to the customer and only one dish must be cleaned afterwards. For most sit-down restaurants, bentos aren't necessary, but are rather an aesthetic choice for table service.

Usually, bentos are used during a lunch service or with sushi. They're perfect for serving small portions of various items, such as a salad, pickled vegetables, proteins, and rice. A small central well is good for holding condiments, such as wasabi or soy sauce. Most boxes are decorated to fit with Asian-style décor, which means most Asian restaurants won't need to change anything else in their aesthetic to fit these new pieces.

What are bento boxes made of?

Most of these boxes are made of some type of plastic because it's cost effective to create the unique shape of a bento from plastic. Plastics are durable and easily colored, making them a popular choice for all manner of dinnerware. Most plastics are safe for cleaning in a commercial high-temperature dishwasher, so adding these boxes to your service is convenient.

Melamine is another popular option for bento boxes. Often used for dinnerware, melamine is a specific kind of plastic that's usually dishwasher safe. However, melamine can't be microwaved, so if that's part of your meal prep, opt for another material. Consult the product specifications page before purchasing any boxes to ensure the material will fit your warewashing and meal-prep procedures.

Do I need a lid?

Lids perform two functions when serving bento boxes. First, they add to the traditional feel of the plating, as a Japanese bento box would have a lid to keep the food safe during transport. Secondly, lids insulate the meal until it's eaten. Lids are often decorated, which adds to the ambience of the meal service. Consider whether or not you want boxes with lids and consult the product specifications page before making a purchase.