Ekiben - Akita's Tori Meshi Bento

Description

If you have traveled to Japan, maybe you might have tried one of the Eki Bens (Train station bento). Eki Ben is a large part of the Japanese bento culture. 

And Tori Meshi Bento is a very popular Eki Ben from my hometown Akita. I have fond memories of eating this bento on special occasions as a child, and I still get one when I go back to my hometown as an adult. 

Tori Meshi is an award winning Eki Ben, with rice cooked with rich chicken broth and served with a variety of side dishes. Several years ago Tori Meshi made a debut in Lyon, France! (https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g01233/) The rice in the original bento is rather sweet (Akita is known for sweetening savory dishes) so it could be a surprise to some people, so I made it a little less sweet and added more dashi flavors.

Menu:

Tori Meshi cooked with regular and sweet ricen. Topped with chicken, egg and asparagus

Black cod Saikyo yaki

Homemade Hiryozu (fried tofu cake)

Simmered Shiitake and Carrot

Satsuma Yam and Kabocha Tempura

Eggplant Dengaku with Walnut Miso

Fresh Fruit

Homemade Pickles

This bento is "NOT" GLUTEN FREE.

Disclaimer: Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

 Ingredients:

rice, chicken, egg, asparagus, gluten cake, kabocha squash, mayo, eggplant, walnuts, miso, tofu, carrot, wakame, shiitake, yuzu, daikon, cucumber, satsuma sweet potato, rice flour, wheat flour, seaweed