Japanese Railway Bento from Awajiya X Torikki – Star-Rated Cuisine to Go

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
Originating in Kobe, Japan’s Awajiya has been selling railway bento since the Meiji era, for over a century, and has launched many distinctive railway bento boxes. During the SOGO Zhongxiao Store’s Japan Exhibition, a temporary booth was set up on B2 to sell, for the first time, an exclusive introduction of a popular item ranked among Japan’s top 3 railway bento – Awajiya’s Akashi Specialty, the Octopus Pot Bento “Hippadakorice.”

Featuring a whole octopus leg, conger eel, steamed rice seasoned with Japanese sauce, topped with a generous helping of shredded egg and mushrooms, all served in a special octopus pot-shaped container. The container is modeled after the traditional fishing gear used in Akashi, Kansai region of Japan, for catching octopuses. After eating, it can be washed and reused, and even kept as a souvenir. It’s an alternative local hit as a gift.

The general perception of Japanese bento is that they are served cold, but Taiwanese people prefer hot meals. Awajiya pioneered the “microwavable container” bento in Japan. Made of ceramic material, the bento can be reheated using a microwave or by steaming, allowing Taiwanese who aren’t used to cold food to also enjoy the deliciousness of the octopus bento.

Among them, to ensure the octopus is neither too soft nor too tough, Awajiya uses a special cooking method to maintain the tender and chewy texture of the octopus, which remains unaffected even after heating. A special Japanese-style sauce offers a savory-sweet flavor that whets the appetite, and it all ends with a unique food surprise.

In addition to Awajiya’s Octopus Pot Bento, Taipei Torikki produced by TORIKI is also launching a limited-edition yakitori bento. Taipei Torikki is trained under Tokyo Torikki’s main store, which has received Michelin one-star for ten consecutive years. Professional chefs’ grilling skills, paired with Torikki’s exclusive sauce, bring Michelin-level meals easily to your family dining table.