1.
traditional boxed lunch with assorted side dishes
A type of bento box featuring white rice with an assortment of small portions of various side dishes such as grilled fish, egg, vegetables, and pickles. Known for its balanced variety.
駅弁の定番は幕の内弁当だ。
The classic ekiben is the makunouchi bento.
幕の内弁当はいろいろなおかずが少しずつ入っているのが魅力だ。
The appeal of a makunouchi bento is that it contains a little bit of many different side dishes.
会議の昼食に幕の内弁当を注文したら、彩りも味もよくて好評だった。
When I ordered makunouchi bentos for the meeting lunch, they were well received for both their presentation and taste.
ETYMOLOGY:
The name comes from 幕の内 (between acts), referring to the intermission of kabuki theater performances when these lunches were originally eaten by the audience.
CULTURE:
Considered the most standard and representative type of Japanese bento. Common in 駅弁 (train station lunches), business catering, and hospital meals. The typical contents include 俵型のご飯 (barrel-shaped rice), 焼き魚 (grilled fish), 卵焼き (rolled omelet), 煮物 (simmered dishes), and 漬け物 (pickles).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 幕の内弁当を注文する (to order a makunouchi bento)
- 駅弁の幕の内弁当 (a train station makunouchi bento)