幕(まく)の内(うち)弁当(べんとう)

まくのうちべんとう
noun
traditional boxed lunch with assorted side dishes
foodculture
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(えきべん)の定番(ていばん)は幕(まく)の内(うち)弁当(べんとう)だ。
The classic ekiben is the makunouchi bento.
幕(まく)の内(うち)弁当(べんとう)はいろいろなおかずが少(すこ)しずつ入(はい)っているのが魅力(みりょく)だ。
The appeal of a makunouchi bento is that it contains a little bit of many different side dishes.
会議(かいぎ)の昼食(ちゅうしょく)に幕(まく)の内(うち)弁当(べんとう)を注文(ちゅうもん)したら、彩(いろど)りも味(あじ)もよくて好評(こうひょう)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(まく)の内(うち) (between acts), referring to the intermission of kabuki theater performances when these lunches were originally eaten by the audience.

Cultural note

Considered the most standard and representative type of Japanese bento. Common in 駅弁(えきべん) (train station lunches), business catering, and hospital meals. The typical contents include 俵型(たわらがた)のご飯(はん) (barrel-shaped rice), 焼(や)き魚(ざかな) (grilled fish), 卵焼(たまごや)き (rolled omelet), 煮物(にもの) (simmered dishes), and 漬(つ)け物(もの) (pickles).

Common collocations

Related Words

Related: 弁当(べんとう) (boxed lunch (general))
Related: 駅弁(えきべん) (train station bento)
Related: 精進弁当(しょうじんべんとう) (vegetarian lunch box)
general
Added 2026.3.13 12:55 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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