Japan’s First Century-Old Railway Bento Debuts in Taiwan at Himeji Maneki Traditional Railway Bento – Now Available in Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

Established in Himeji, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, MANEKI Foods specializes in selling railway bento boxes and station noodles, and is also the pioneer of Japanese railway bento sales. Founded in Meiji 21 (1888), the brand has been revived by its fifth-generation owner, bringing over 128 years of traditional flavors to life. This beloved Japanese taste has now crossed the ocean to Taiwan, with its first railway bento branch in Taiwan opening at Breeze Taipei Station on October 31.

The earliest scene of railway bento sales inside train stations. (Photo/Maneki)

In addition to traditional Japanese railway bento boxes, there are also modern diet-friendly options such as the “Cute and Compact 99-Yen Square Lunch Box” and the iconic signature “Makunouchi-Iroha Railway Bento.” The Makunouchi Railway Bento is one of MANEKI Foods’ representative offerings.

A specialty shop selling station noodles on the platform. (Photo/Maneki)

The bento features a two-tier design with rice and side dishes separated. The side dishes in the “Makunouchi-Iroha Railway Bento” include 13 traditional Japanese ingredients: grilled sea bream, datemaki (sweet rolled omelet), grilled fish cake, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), simmered kelp and soybeans, burdock root, lotus root, lily bulb, bamboo shoots, carrots, peas, and plums. At a time when 1.5 kg of rice sold for 6 sen (about 1,200 yen), this bento was priced at 12 sen (about 2,400 yen), making it quite a premium railway bento. Since opening its branch in Taiwan, locals can now enjoy fluffy, fragrant rice that retains the original aroma of freshly harvested grains.

The Makunouchi-Iroha Railway Bento. (Photo/Maneki)

[Info]
Maneki Taiwan Branch
Address: Breeze Taipei Station (No. 3, Beiping West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City)
Opening Date: October 31 (Tuesday)

 

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