Cute Lunches for Kids and Bento Boxes for Adults

A friend of ours moved to Japan for work a number of years ago. She had a young son who, after the first day of school, came home in tears. Once she calmed him down, he exclaimed, "My lunch isn't cute!" Oh, the heartbreak and the new challenge of figuring out how to create a bento box (and clearly, Lunchables weren't going to cut the mustard here).

The beauty of the bento is that you can fill the box with any kind of food: American, Tex-Mex, Asian, Italian...the beauty comes in marrying beauty and nutrition, combining freshness and plating. Bento boxes typically consist of a variety of foods, including rice or another grain, protein, vegetables, and sometimes fruit or dessert.

Creating a kid-friendly bento box is all about making a fun and balanced meal. Here's a simple guide:

Materials Needed:

Bento box or a container with compartments

Knife and cutting board

Small cookie cutters (optional)

Food picks or toothpicks

Napkin or food separators (optional)

Colorful silicone cupcake liners (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Choose the Box:

  • Pick a bento box with compartments to keep foods separate and visually appealing.

Plan the Meal:

  • Opt for a variety of foods that your child enjoys. Aim for a balance of flavors and nutrients.

Prepare Ingredients:

  • Cook and prep ingredients in bite-sized portions. Common items:

  • Rice or Pasta: Use colorful options for appeal.

  • Protein: Include cubed chicken, cheese, or mini meatballs.

  • Veggies: Slice carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into sticks or fun shapes.

  • Fruits: Offer berries, apple slices, or grapes.

  • Snacks: Add a few whole-grain crackers or pretzels.

Get Creative:

  • Shapes: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes in cheese, veggies, or fruit.

  • Food Picks: Use picks or toothpicks to make picking up food more enjoyable.

  • Cupcake Liners: Place foods in colorful liners for easy separation.

Assemble the Bento:

  • Arrange the ingredients in the compartments creatively:

  • Main Course: Place protein and carbs in larger sections.

  • Veggies and Fruits: Fill smaller sections with colorful veggies and fruits.

Add a Touch of Fun:

  • Faces: Make faces using ingredients, like grape eyes and carrot smiles.

  • Dips: Include a small dip cup with hummus or yogurt.

  • Surprises: Add a small treat like a piece of chocolate or a gummy.

Pack and Enjoy:

  • Securely close the bento box. Add a napkin or separator if needed. Pack utensils and put it in their bag.

Creating a bento box for kids is a great way to encourage them to try new foods and make mealtime exciting!

When you're looking for a bento box for yourself and you want someone else to make it, we have 8 great places that will fill your order. Meant for adults and more beautiful than cute, these will also scratch that sushi itch.

  • Nijiya Market - 2130 Sawtelle Blvd Ste 105 (at W Olympic Blvd), Los Angeles, CA. This little grocery at Sawtelle Place can put together a bento box or can create a suschi platter for your party.

  • Marukai Market - 12121 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Aisle 22 is where you'll find the sushi and bento. You're welcome.

  • Eat My Sushi - 2915 Main St (Kinney), Santa Monica, CA. The dinner bentos are the perfect light bite after a hot day.

  • K-Zo - 9240 Culver Blvd., Culver City CA. One of our favorites with lots of choices.

  • Nobu - 903 N La Cienega Blvd (at Willoughby), West Hollywood, CA. Of course Nobu is on this list.

  • Katsuya Hollywood - 6300 Hollywood Blvd (at Vine St), Los Angeles, CA. The $15 bento lunch is a crazy good deal.

  • Sushi by H - 480 S San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA (Mid-City West).We recommend the bento box with miso grilled black cod and tempura.

  • M Café - 7119 Melrose Ave (La Brea), Los Angeles, CA (Mid-City West). Vegan and Vegetarian options!

We also recommend checking out myriad options on Uber Eats, of course. Enjoy!


.Cecilie Korst\