In Japan, mothers like to pack their school kid’s lunches in bento boxes with nice presentation.

Bento boxes reflect the Japanese belief that each meal should have five colors. And some of the most colorful foods are fruits and vegetables. This way there is a balance of flavors and texture in your food.

There are even hand punches you can get to make those cute little eyes out of seaweed (Nori).  These meals may be perfect for those picky little eaters.

But bento boxes aren’t just for kids as the idea of bringing your own bento box or canisters to work has gain popularity in the U.S.  As more people find this helps with their portion control, eating healthy and also saves them money.

uckysundae from flickr has the cutest bento boxes.  This penguin looks like Pingu.  There are even honeybees too.  Some lucky kid will have some very cute lunches.

Photo from luckysundae via Flickr.  It’s almost too cute to eat those little piggies. In Japanese culture, having your food presented nicely is just as important as the taste. As the food looks more appetizing.

This is more my kind of bento box!  Mozorella cheese with tomatoes and basil.  Figs and grapes for the sweets.  Photo from NY Times, bento lunch made by Debra Littlejohn.

References: Bento Boxes Win Lunch Fans by NY Times.

luckysundae’s flickr photos of more cute bento box.