I was browsing Flickr and I found some pictures of bento box lunches that were a feast for the eyes! 

For the uninitiated, dosirak (in Korea), or bento boxes (in Japan), has been the standard packed lunch for schoolkids, picnics, and of course, demonstrators!  The key to their tastiness is the variety of healthy goodies packed inside: from veggies, fruits, rice, and banchan to specially prepared dishes.  This is nothing like the obscenely unhealthy Kraft Snackables with their nearly 10-percent sodium intake.  Dosiraks are complete meals that are balanced, nutritious, and of course, made from love! 

A long time ago, in both Korea and Japan, the boxed lunch was simply prepared but conscientiously made by nearly every mother.  Nowadays, with moms being so busy they are hard pressed to do such things.  If you’re a teacher, you already know how much junk food kids bring into class.  The dosirak is almost an artifact of a bygone, tastier and healthier era.  For shame!  I think it’s time to bring dosirak back!  

A popular takeout brand in Korea is called Hansot Dosirak (Try the Chicken Mayo).  These places are strictly no frills affairs nestled in every which corner of Seoul’s neighborhoods.  Look for their bright yellow logo and cheap eats!

Also, if you’re interested in packing a tasty lunch these days instead of buying, I found this site called “Lunch in a Box” with tons of information about bento boxes, recipies and articles.  It’s almost enough to start a new hobby or a new lifestyle while I’m in Korea.

I’m already going to the local supermarket and looking for plastic containers.  Cheers!

–J.H. Lee is a teacher in Nowon-Gu and is addicted to dosirak

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