Ekiben

A typical 1000 Yen ekiben, purchased at Tokyo Station

Ekiben (駅弁, railway boxed meals) are a specific type of bento boxed meals, sold on trains and train stations in Japan. Today, many types of ekiben can still be purchased at stands in the station, on the platform, or on the train itself. They come with disposable chopsticks (when necessary) or spoons. Ekiben containers can be made from plastic, wood, or ceramic. Many train stations have since become famous for their especially tasty ekiben, made from local food specialties. The "Golden Age" of ekiben, however, ended in the 1980s. At that time, air travel was quite expensive and trains were slower. Many tourists needed them during their train journeys.^[1]

Ekiben style meals are also popular around East Asia especially Taiwan (see Taiwan Railway Mealbox).

• 
  Ekiben for sale in 1902
• 
  A regular Taiwan Railway Mealbox for 60NTD (2USD)
• 
  Ekiben shop on a platform (Kamakura Station)

See also

• Ikameshi
• Masuzushi
• Kyaraben
• Makunouchi
• Shinkansen
• Taiwan Railway Mealbox

References

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