Hey everyone in Japan! Springtime means one thing: ohanami! 🌸 Spreading out a delicious bento (lunchbox) under the blooming cherry blossoms is one of the best ways to experience Japanese spring.
But if you’re thinking, “Bento making? I’m not so confident…”, don’t worry! This time, I’m sharing easy-to-follow, yet impressive ohanami bento recipes that will have everyone saying “Wow!” Plus, I’ll reveal some insider tips to make your ohanami 10x more fun!
1. Bento is 90% Presentation?! “Instagrammable” Techniques
Aim for 3 and 5 Colors:
Red, yellow, and green instantly make your bento more vibrant. For example: shrimp (red), dashimaki tamago (Japanese omelet – yellow), broccoli (green).
The Golden Rule of Packing:
Rice should fill about half of the box. Pack the other dishes tightly, leaving no gaps. Combine taller and shorter items to create a three-dimensional effect.
Elevate with Japanese-Style Accessories:
A furoshiki (wrapping cloth) with a wagara (traditional Japanese pattern) or cherry blossom-themed picks will instantly add a touch of authenticity. You can find cute ones at 100-yen shops!
2. Easy Yet Authentic Recipes for Beginners
The Foundation: Dashimaki Tamago (Japanese Omelet)
The key to fluffy dashimaki tamago is to use plenty of dashi (Japanese broth). Adding mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or green onions enhances the flavor and color!
A Viral Sensation: “Mugen Piiman” (Endless Green Peppers)
Just stir-fry green peppers with tuna and sesame oil – it’s incredibly addictive and goes perfectly with rice. It tastes great even when cold, making it ideal for bento.
Get into the Hanami Spirit! Sakura Onigiri (Cherry Blossom Rice Balls)
Mix rice with sakura denbu (sweet pink fish flakes) for a spring-like pink color. Instead of nori seaweed, top them with sakura no shiozuke (pickled cherry blossoms) for the ultimate ohanami vibe!
A Refreshing Break: Sunomono (Vinegared Salad)
Simply combine cucumber, wakame seaweed, and crab sticks with a sweet vinegar dressing. It’s colorful and refreshing, perfect for cleansing your palate.
3. Make Your Hanami 10x More Fun! Insider Tips & Handy Goods
- Choose a “Patterned” Picnic Sheet
Patterned sheets (like checkered or floral) look much better in photos than plain ones! - Use “Deep” Paper Plates
They’re great for holding dishes with sauces without spilling! - Bring a “Large” Pack of Wet Wipes
For sharing and cleaning up, a large pack is a must! - A Portable Charger is Your Ally
No need to worry about your smartphone battery running out!
4. Solving Common Bento-Making Woes!
“I can’t wake up early…” → Do what you can the night before!
Chop the vegetables, mix the dashimaki tamago ingredients, etc.
“Not enough color…” → Use frozen vegetables!
Keep colorful frozen veggies like broccoli and corn on hand.
“I don’t have enough time…” → Use pre-made items strategically!
Pickles and frozen side dishes can be helpful!
So, how about making your own bento this spring and enjoying the best ohanami ever? 🌸🍱