The word "bento" comes from the Southern Song Chinese slang term meaning "convenient.”

A single-serving, packed meal, bento boxes historically star rice or noodles as the foundational starch, accompanied by a protein (fish, eggs, or meat.)

It was Chef Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar’s training and travels across South East Asia and her love for Korean dramas that served as an inspiration for Bento Bento.

Truly local at heart, the restaurant assures that each ingredient they serve, has been locally procured from quality purveyors who care about their produce. Bento Bento works with farmer collectives just south of Bengaluru for fresh veggies, gingers, and oils.

Here are some must-try dishes at Bento Bento

Prawn Katsu Tempura

This signature dish on the Bento Bento menu consists of prawns that are breaded and deep-fried until golden brown. The prawns are served with a sweet and savoury tonkatsu sauce on the side. The dish is perfect for seafood lovers and those who love crispy and crunchy textures.

Oyster Mushroom Tempura

This delicious Japanese dish is made with lightly battered and deep-fried oyster mushrooms. The tempura batter is made with flour, egg, and ice-cold water, which gives it a light and crispy texture. The dish is served hot with soy sauce and a dash of lemon or sriracha. Oyster Mushroom Tempura is a must-try dish for vegetarians who are looking for a delicious, crispy appetizer.

Braised Tofu and Vegetables with Gochujang

This is a Korean dish made with tofu, carrots, onions, and zucchini braised in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, a Korean chili paste, and then topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

The tofu at Bento Bento is tender and the vegetables are cooked to perfection. The gochujang sauce adds a spicy and savoury flavour to the dish. Braised Tofu and Vegetables with Gochujang is a perfect dish for vegetarians who want to try something spicy and flavourful.

Korean Cauldron Beef Short Ribs

Korean beef short ribs, also known as galbi, are marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce that is made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. The ribs are grilled to perfection, so that the meat falls off the bone. The dish is served with a side of rice and kimchi. The combination of the sweet and savoury marinade with the tender meat is simply delicious.

Thai Chilli Fish

If you love spicy food, you'll love the Thai chilli fish at Bento Bento! The dish is made with an entire fish, which is usually deep-fried, and then covered in a spicy chili sauce prepared with red chilies, garlic, and fish sauce. The dish is served with a side of rice and vegetables. The combination of crispy fish and spicy sauce is mouth-watering and will leave you wanting more!

We highly recommend a visit to Bento Bento to try some of their other most sought-after dishes like the sweet potato skewers and grilled pumpkin salad, among several others!

What you should definitely not miss in this weather are the in-house special drinks like the blueberry boba tea and the mango ginger cooler.

Have you visited Bento Bento yet? What dishes would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!