A Little Bit of Bento

Leeanne | Tristan | Monica | Ashvin

Q: What is your favourite Japanese food and why?

A: Tempura Prawn Udon! Where do I start? The texture of the udon noodle is so nice. It must have the right bounce and not be too soft or hard. I can never get enough of the broth either. Rain or shine, whether I am feeling 100% or not I can always go for some hot udon. 10/10 I leave the joint with broth splashes on my clothes. Tristan: Sushi, definitely sushi. I’m a huge rice guy! I just love the fresh flavours of raw fish that sits on top of a soft bed of sushi rice. I won’t ever get bored of it either since there are literally a million ways to prepare sushi! Oh, and getting hit by that wasabi is oddly thrilling. Monica: Katsu Chicken Curry has got to be my favourite. But of course, it has to have a little spice in it! I couldn’t resist and had to order a bowl almost everyday when I was in Japan. Ashvin: It’s ramen of course! I definitely can never say no to a flavoursome broth and some amazing noodles. When it’s topped off with a runny egg and some slices of tender roast pork, you know there will be nothing but slurping coming from my end of the table.

Q: If you were flying out to Japan tomorrow what would be the first thing you would do?

A: I am for sure hitting up one of the many street markets in Japan. There are so many in Japan and I would want to see them all! I am certain I will be spoilt for choices. What do I eat first? Takoyaki maybe? Tristan: That’s an easy one! I will be checking out the local food scenes. The culture is so different to what we have in Australia, the experience definitely enhances the taste of the food! Monica: I’ll definitely be hunting for delish local food from the vending machines and visit Akihabara to satisfy my inner weeb. Who else is with me? Ashvin: The first thing I’m doing is searching for somewhere to eat. With such a unique food culture, where else would I start? I would be like a kid in a candy store running from restaurant to restaurant wanting to try everything!

Q: What part of the bento box would you be?

A: I think I am the ever-changing main dishes. I wear many hats in the studio and just like the main I have to make sure the bento box works well and is delicious! After all a Bento Box is not complete without the main dish. Tristan: I would have to say the rice. As the Creative Director at Bento Box and in my personal life I support all those around me. Just like the rice in a bento box, I am the base that connects all the ‘side dishes’ together.

Monica: As I’m quite tall, I would say that I’m the really long tempura prawn that doesn’t fit in the bento box. It tastes really delicious on its own and even better when paired with other dishes. This is exactly how I work in the office as part of the team!

Ashvin: I think I would be the miso soup because it is not only a dish you taste, but one that you hear as well. That echo of slurping is very distinct and I am one of the loudest of the team when we are out and about.