Getting Started with Bento Making

Bento is a home cooked and packed meal widely known in Japan that is gaining popularity here in the Philippines as well. I have mommy friends who are into Bento making and post their beautiful and cute finished products online that I have been thinking about doing it for my kids too!

Bentos can be arranged and styled so that the food will look like popular anime characters (character bento) or other cartoon characters and animal shapes that's popular among kids these days. I've seen Bentos made to look like Pikachu, Hello Kitty and Winnie the Pooh. They look so cute that if they we're mine, I would have a hard time eating them because I do not wan't to ruin the design.

image from www.rolledin2onemom.com and used with permission

I think this would be a great way to encourage picky eaters into trying food/vegetables that they otherwise wouldn't even take a bite from. My 5 year old daughter does not like carrots but she usually takes a  bite or two if they are cut into flower shapes.

Bento making is also a great way to bond with your kids by allowing them to help in preparing the food and not to mention, this can help them develop the love for healthy food!

If you are thinking about trying this at home, you might want have to start by acquiring a few bento making tools so it will be easier for you to come up with elaborate styles with little effort. Here in Cebu, I have seen Bento tools sold in Daiso Stores in Ayala, Robinson's Galleria and Starmall Cebu. You can also order from online shops like Lazada. 

You can also take a look at this 5 Basics of Bento Making by Rolled into One Mom to help you get started. There are great tips in this article! 

So are you ready to take a Bento Making Journey? Let us know in the comments!

Jhanis V. - Top 10 Blogs Voice Boks Comedy Edition, featured on BlogHer.com, HumorWriters.org, Bloggys 2015 - Finalist, Family and Relationships Category, ESCooped -Cebu's Top Family Blogger 2016. She blogs at The Vanilla Housewife and The Cebu Gazette.