Bento made with Kobe steak！ It's okay if it gets cold — it can even be reheated automatically without a microwave.

Photo & Text / Excerpted fromHop on the Shinkansen — that’s how you really travel Japan!: A taste bud journey through 25 cities and 60 bentos》

Kobe Steak Bento — A beef bento with heating function

A reheatable bento?! Is it heated by the shop owner, or do I need to microwave it somewhere myself?! The fact that it can be heated is really something special. Just for that, I have to see what this bento really looks like. Once I got it and opened it — well, it was a little bit plain, to be honest.

It had the main dish, sides, and rice — nothing unusual, but also not very appetizing. However, the heating function is hidden along a small strip on the side. When you gently pull this thin strip outward, all the ingredients’ aromas burst out instantly, with white steam rising continuously. Before long, the whole bento looked much more delicious. This magical instant-heating feature makes it hard to dislike this bento.

Tasting Report
Sunny Main: The beef is clearly marinated. When freshly reheated, the aroma is amazing. The thick slices have a steak-like texture.
Sides: Corn kernels and french fries — just okay.
Rice: The rice, cooked with mushrooms and soy sauce, doesn’t feel bland even on its own.
Barley OK — Such a cool bento, but the presentation could be better.

Bento Profile
Sold by: Awajiyasan Price: ¥1300 Type: Meat bento Sunny Rating: ★★★