Bento aren't as well-known as sushi, but they have gained a certain amount of fame overseas. You can translate bento as boxed lunch, but it doesn't quite do justice to the delicious works of art that you can buy almost everywhere. From the basic bento in convenience stores, through to supermarkets, commercial bento chains and the special bento sold at train stations, there's a whole range of quality and price. For a happy medium, an independent specialist bento shop is the best, as you'll find out if you go to Cookin'.
Cookin' is a tiny shop at the end of one corridor of Iroha Yokocho, opposite a kindergarten. The sign features bright orange and the name is written in Western letters, so it's not hard to miss.
This small shop manages to provide a varied menu using a clever trick: they keep the same sides for each bento, but change the main part. This way you can choose from karaage, beef, nori (seaweed) and more. I chose the daily special, at ¥503, which that day contained oven-baked tuna and sesame meatballs, fresh and hot. After ordering, it was only a few minutes before I was already out of the shop.
It was one of the best bento I've ever had. The tuna was cooked until it was perfectly juicy and soft, covered in a lightly tangy, citrus sauce which cut through the strong flavor. The meatballs were also juicy, the sesame seeds adding a lovely, contrasting texture and their characteristic nuttiness. The first side was a small salad of chicken, cucumber and glass noodles in a mayonnaise-like dressing. I don't even like cucumber, but I thought it was delicious. The cabbage of the other side dish was refreshing, providing a simple support for the stronger flavors of the rest of the bento. I even ate all of the pickles, which I normally struggle to do because of either the texture or the flavor. As a lunchtime meal, the amount was just right, too.
Sadly, the opening hours are limited to weekday lunchtimes. It's also very popular, so don't arrive too late, or go if you're in a hurry.
Cookin' is a perfect example of why the bento is a great part of Japanese food culture. The attention given to contrasting textures and flavors, the complimentary parts of the whole and, even in a small way, the presentation, go towards making a wonderful meal. If you can make the time to come here, you're guaranteed a great bento experience.
