1.
bento heating service; warming up boxed meals
A service offered at convenience stores where staff will heat up your purchased bento or food items in a microwave.
お弁当温め refers to the free microwave heating service at Japanese convenience stores. When buying a 弁当 or similar prepared food, the cashier will typically ask if you want it heated.
Common exchange
- 店員: 「お弁当、温めますか？」(Shall I heat your bento?)
- To accept: 「お願いします」(Yes, please)
- To decline: 「結構です」(No, thank you) or 「大丈夫です」(I'm fine)
Cultural note
This question is one of the first set phrases visitors to Japan encounter at convenience stores, along with 「レジ袋はいりますか」(Do you need a plastic bag?) and 「ポイントカードはありますか」(Do you have a point card?).
Usage
Some items have specific heating times printed on the packaging. The service is free and standard at all major convenience store chains.