Oct82024
On your next trip, why not try an Ekiben: a special lunch box that you can buy at the station.
It is considered impolite to eat or drink on trains or the subway, which you normally use to get to work or school.
But not so on trains that travel long distances.
Some trains also have small tables and cup holders that can be used for meals.
The Japanese look forward to eating on these trains.
There used to be dining cars on Shinkansen trains, but unfortunately not anymore.
But the Japanese have not given up eating on long-distance trains. Because eating with a view is much more pleasant.
In the large stations where Shinkansen trains arrive and depart, there are usually ekiben stores. Here, many people ask which lunch box they should buy. It’s always a lot of fun.
The railroad magazine can also publish articles evaluating the popularity of the various ekiben.
The ranking of the Ekiben at Tokyo Station is as follows.
No. 1 Gyuniku domannaka
This is a beef bowl-style bento with ground beef and beef stew seasoned with a special sauce on a bed of Yamagata rice.
No.2 Chicken Bento
Introduced in 1964. It is a combination of fried chicken and tomato flavored rice. The former emperor (Akihito) is a big fan of this bento.
No. 3 Sumibi-yakifu Gyutan Bento
A specialty from Sendai – grilled beef tongue – on a bed of rice. It is served with salt obtained by boiling clean seawater and seaweed off the coast of Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture.
When you buy a bento, pay attention to how you hold the box. You should always keep it flat. Otherwise the beautiful presentation will be ruined.
The drinks can be Japanese tea or beer. These are also sold in bento stores.
Unfortunately, vegan and vegetarian ekiben are hard to find. This is due to the Japanese way of thinking. The Japanese believe that not only animals but also plants have life. For this reason, they are taught from childhood to be grateful for any food.
If there is food that is taboo for you, it is better to stock up beforehand at a specialty store and take the food with you on the long-distance train.
Ekiben are a part of Japanese culture. It is a Japanese food culture that has been around since 1885.
I want everyone to get to know Japanese culture and try good Japanese food.
↑ No.2 Chicken Bento
↑ No. 1 Gyuniku domannaka