Bento Expo: The Global Lunchbox Project
(2017)Streaming Episode Guide
Season 9 | Season 8 | Season 7 | Season 6 | Season 5 | Season 4 | Season 3 | Season 2 | Season 1 | Specials | Top 5 Episodes
Season 9
Chakin-zushi (Omelet-wrapped Sushi) Bento & Stuffed Pepper Bento
Episode 11 - 12-06-2024
Today: Marc prepares bentos with cooking expert Yanagihara Naoyuki, a chef of Japanese cuisine. Together, the pair make two festive-looking bentos perfect for the holiday season.
Haven't Seen
Koyadofu and Chicken Teriyaki Bento & Koyadofu and Matsutake Rice Bento
Episode 10 - 11-15-2024
Today: part two of a special two-part series focusing on timeless Kyoto. Marc visits cooking expert Sugimoto Setsuko. Together, the pair make bentos featuring koyadofu, a dried tofu.
Haven't Seen
Miso Tamagoyaki Bento & Miso-marinated Cod (Saikyo-yaki) Bento
Episode 9 - 10-25-2024
Today: part one of a special two-part series focusing on timeless Kyoto. Marc visits cooking expert Sugimoto Setsuko. Together, the pair make bentos featuring Kyoto specialty shiro miso.
Haven't Seen
Tofu Dengaku (Miso-glazed Crispy Tofu) Bento & Teriyaki Tortilla Bento
Episode 8 - 9-26-2024
Today: a look at some popular bentos posted to our website. Maki and Marc make savory bentos perfect for an autumn picnic. From Bali in Indonesia, a tasty and protein-rich tempeh bento.
Haven't Seen
Umeboshi Chicken Bento & Ume-shiso Chicken Sandwich Bento
Episode 7 - 9-12-2024
Today: a special episode focusing on scenic Wakayama Prefecture. We meet local bento makers from Malaysia, Poland and Indonesia. Maki and Marc make bentos using umeboshi, a Wakayama specialty.
Haven't Seen
Caramelized Beef (Shigure-ni) Bento & Beef Onigirazu Bento
Episode 6 - 8-15-2024
Today: bentos with Marc and special guest Nozaki Hiromitsu, a legendary chef of Japanese cuisine. Their bentos feature beef shigure-ni. From Kagoshima Prefecture, a sweet potato tempura bento.
Haven't Seen
Tamagoyaki Five-color Bento & Scallion Pancake Bento (Negiyaki)
Episode 5 - 7-25-2024
Today: colorful and tasty bentos with Marc and special guest Nozaki Hiromitsu, a legendary chef of Japanese cuisine. From the Yatsugatake Mountains, a bento with fresh highland vegetables.
Haven't Seen
Pork Ketchup Bento & Glazed Tofu Bento
Episode 4 - 6-27-2024
Today: bentos with Marc and special guest Watanabe Akiko, a popular bento maker. They each use ketchup in their fun and easy recipes. From Shodoshima, a warigo bento for watching farmer's kabuki.
Haven't Seen
Morioka Jajamen Bento & Soba Inari Bento
Episode 3 - 6-06-2024
Today: a special episode focusing on Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan. We meet local Uyghur and Vietnamese bento makers. Maki and Marc make noodle-based bentos inspired by Iwate.
Haven't Seen
Citrus Teriyaki Pork Bento & Pork Kimchi Don Bento
Episode 2 - 5-16-2024
Today: health-conscious bentos with Marc and special guest Takahashi Yoshiro, a chef and athlete. Together, they make two flavorful pork bentos. From Thailand, a homemade bento for a boat captain.
Haven't Seen
Sweet Chili Chicken Tatsuta Bento & Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich
Episode 1 - 4-26-2024
Today: health-conscious bentos with Marc and special guest Takahashi Yoshiro, a chef and athlete. Together, they make two protein-rich chicken bentos. From Hyogo Prefecture, bentos featuring Tajima beef.
Haven't Seen
Season 8
Spring Blossom Chirashi-sushi Bento & Maki-maki Flower Bento
Episode 20 - 3-15-2024
Today: a look at some popular bentos posted to our website. Maki and Marc make gorgeous spring-themed bentos. From Shizuoka Prefecture's Izu Peninsula, a bento that features the best of both land and sea.
Haven't Seen
Quick Omurice Bento & 10-minute Hamburg Bento
Episode 19 - 3-01-2024
Today: bentos that can be made in just ten minutes. Maki makes a quick and easy Hamburg bento. Marc makes a fluffy and creamy omelet over ketchup rice. From Taiwan, delicious vegetarian bentos.
Haven't Seen
Peanut Fried Rice Bento & Peanut Tsukune Chicken Bento
Episode 18 - 2-02-2024
Today: a special episode focusing on Chiba Prefecture, located near Tokyo. We meet local bento makers from Pakistan, Vietnam and Italy. Maki and Marc make bentos using peanuts, a Chiba specialty.
Haven't Seen
Salmon Pita Bento & Good Luck Chicken Katsu Bento
Episode 17 - 1-19-2024
Today: bentos to support students studying for entrance exams. Maki makes a lucky chicken katsu bento. Marc makes a salmon pita that can be eaten with one hand. From Kitakyushu, a chicken rice bento.
Haven't Seen
Datemaki & Matsukazeyaki
Episode 16 - 12-22-2023
Today, Marc and Maki team up to make a tiered bento to celebrate the new year. It's full of auspicious dishes! From Melbourne, a sandwich bento made with love.
Haven't Seen
Miso Ramen Bento & Tonjiru (Pork Miso Soup) Bento
Episode 15 - 12-08-2023
Today: tasty soup bentos with chef Ariga Kaoru. Together, our chefs whip up a variety of soup bentos featuring miso. We learn how to make a hearty pork miso soup, a miso ramen soup, and more.
Haven't Seen
Salmon Rice Bento & Rice Burger Bento
Episode 14 - 11-17-2023
Today, rice takes a starring role. Marc cooks rice and salmon in a single pot. Maki makes a rice burger with barbecued beef. From Kyoto Prefecture, an autumn bento featuring matsutake mushrooms.
Haven't Seen
Miso-glazed Pork Bento & Sweet Potato Korokke Bento
Episode 13 - 11-03-2023
Today: a special episode focusing on Saitama Prefecture. We meet local bento makers from Indonesia and the US. Marc and Maki make dishes with Saitama specialties: sweet potatoes and miso-glazed pork.
Haven't Seen
Mushroom Rice Bento & Wrap and Roll Sushi Bento
Episode 12 - 10-20-2023
Marc makes a fragrant autumn rice bento with lots of mushrooms. Maki rolls up a cute and colorful sushi bento. From Omori in Tokyo, a bento featuring nori, or sheets of dried seaweed.
Haven't Seen
Acorn Onigiri Bento & Japanese-style Baguette Sandwich Bento
Episode 11 - 10-06-2023
Today: bentos perfect for autumn picnics. Marc prepares onigiri shaped like acorns. Maki makes sandwiches with acorn decorations. From Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, a bento of sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.
Haven't Seen
Chicken Kara-age Bento
Episode 10 - 9-22-2023
Today: a beginner-friendly chicken kara-age bento. Marc shares tips and guidance on how to make chicken kara-age, a type of fried chicken. From Niigata Prefecture, a bento featuring a variety of fresh seafood.
Haven't Seen
Salt-cured Salmon (Shiozake) Bento
Episode 9 - 9-08-2023
Today: a beginner-friendly shiozake bento. Marc shares tips and guidance on how to prepare shiozake, or salt-cured salmon. From Hong Kong, a bento featuring a local favorite: XO sauce.
Haven't Seen
Rainbow Soboro Bento & Green Veggies and Chicken Sandwich Bento
Episode 8 - 8-11-2023
Today: colorful bentos. Marc prepares a colorful soboro bento. Maki makes a sandwich bento with lots of veggies. From Daigo in Ibaraki Prefecture, a bento featuring a local variety of chicken, Okukuji shamo.
Haven't Seen
Vegan Shogayaki Bento & Japanese-style Tuna Pasta Bento
Episode 7 - 7-28-2023
Today: bentos made with pantry staples. Marc prepares a soy meat shogayaki. Maki uses cans of tuna and corn to make a Japanese-style pasta. From South Korea, a market's unique bento cafe.
Haven't Seen
Katsu Curry Bento & Currywurst Bento
Episode 6 - 7-07-2023
Today: appetite-boosting curry bentos. Marc prepares a bento of katsu curry. Maki makes a bento using currywurst sausages. From Yui in Shizuoka Prefecture, bentos featuring sakura shrimp.
Haven't Seen
Scallion Oil Chicken Bento & Salmon Piccata Bento
Episode 5 - 6-23-2023
Today: Maki and Marc make bentos using just one pan. Marc prepares scallion oil and crispy chicken. Maki makes a salmon piccata and bacon rolls. From the Philippines, a bento featuring coconut.
Haven't Seen
Tamagoyaki Bento
Episode 4 - 6-09-2023
Today: a beginner-friendly tamagoyaki bento. Marc shares tips and guidance on how to make tamagoyaki, or rolled omelets. From Yanagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture, a bento featuring freshwater eel.
Haven't Seen
Onigiri Bento
Episode 3 - 5-26-2023
Today: a beginner-friendly onigiri bento. Marc shares tips and guidance on how to make onigiri, or rice balls. From Misaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, a bento featuring a variety of tuna dishes.
Haven't Seen
Lemon-marinated Shrimp Bento & Lemon Chirashi-zushi Bento
Episode 2 - 5-12-2023
Today: a special episode focusing on Hiroshima Prefecture. We meet local bento makers from West Africa, Malaysia, Vietnam and more. Marc and Maki make dishes with a Hiroshima specialty: lemon.
Haven't Seen
Chirashi-zushi Peacock Bento & Glass Noodle Lion Bento
Episode 1 - 4-28-2023
Today: animal-themed bentos. From Maki, glass noodles form the mane of an adorable lion. From Marc, an elegant peacock bento with lots of veggies. From Singapore, a bento featuring Indian paratha.
Haven't Seen
Season 7
Sobameshi (Fried Yakisoba-and-Rice) Bento & Pumpkin Mochi Bento
Episode 20 - 3-17-2023
Today: a look at some viewer-submitted bentos. Marc makes sobameshi: chopped yakisoba and fried rice. Maki makes kabocha dumplings stuffed with cheese. From Kobe, a bento made with Kobe beef.
Haven't Seen
Dashimaki Egg Sandwich Bento & Fried Meat-wrapped Quail Eggs Bento
Episode 19 - 3-03-2023
Today on BENTO EXPO, Maki fries up quail eggs wrapped in pork, and Marc uses a microwave to make a dashimaki egg sandwich. From Malaysia, a bento featuring Nyonya cuisine.
Haven't Seen
Oyster Rice Bento & Miso-butter Oyster Bento
Episode 18 - 2-17-2023
From Maki, oysters sautéed in butter, served with miso sauce. From Marc, oysters along with rice cooked in a savory oyster dashi. From Colombia, a fiambre bento wrapped in a plantain leaf.
Haven't Seen
California Roll Bento & Crab Rice Bento
Episode 17 - 2-03-2023
Today: a special episode focusing on Shimane Prefecture. We meet local bento makers from Germany, Bangladesh and Brazil. Marc and Maki make dishes with a Shimane specialty: snow crab.
Haven't Seen
Salmon Daikon Bento & Tomato Sukiyaki Bento
Episode 16 - 1-13-2023
From Maki, a delicious one-pan tomato sukiyaki. From Marc, pan-fried salmon and simmered daikon glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. From Arita, a curry bento served in a bowl you can keep.
Haven't Seen
Kara-age with Tangy Scallion Sauce Bento & Layered Katsu Bento
Episode 15 - 12-30-2022
Maki layers cheese and basil between slices of pork to make deep-fried cutlets. Marc tosses crispy chicken in tangy scallion sauce. And from Taiwan, a bento featuring a local favorite: lu rou fan.
Haven't Seen
Tofu Kara-age Bento & Pork Belly Kara-age Bento
Episode 14 - 12-09-2022
Today: our chefs share their takes on kara-age! Marc opts for tofu instead of chicken, while Maki rolls up thinly sliced pork. From the port of Shimonoseki, a bento featuring fugu, or pufferfish.
Haven't Seen
Meat-wrapped Onigiri Bento & Fireworks Onigiri Bento
Episode 13 - 11-25-2022
Today: our chefs share their takes on onigiri! From Marc, sweet and savory beef wrapped around onigiri. From Maki, a "fireworks" boiled-egg onigiri. And from Mongolia, a bento featuring mutton.
Haven't Seen
Stamina Donburi Bento & Salmon Avocado Bento
Episode 12 - 11-11-2022
Today: energizing bentos! From Marc, sweet and savory pork belly on rice. From Maki, a colorful combination of salmon and avocado. From Kawagoe, a bento featuring sweet potatoes.
Haven't Seen
Curry Goya Champuru Bento & Purple Sweet Potato Korokke Bento
Episode 11 - 10-28-2022
Marc makes a bento featuring goya or bitter melon, a specialty of Okinawa Prefecture. Maki makes korokke, or croquettes, with purple sweet potatoes. From Thailand, a bento in a traditional pinto lunchbox.
Haven't Seen
Tochigi Special: Chicken Wing Gyoza Bento & Nori Gyoza Bento
Episode 10 - 10-07-2022
Today: we travel to Tochigi Prefecture and meet some of its foreign residents, including bento makers and restaurant owners. Maki and Marc prepare bentos inspired by Tochigi.
Haven't Seen
Maple-miso Chicken Bento & Maple-mustard Pork Bento
Episode 9 - 9-30-2022
Today: a look at some of the most popular user submissions to our website. Marc and Maki both make use of maple syrup in their bentos. From Hong Kong, a family picnic bento.
Haven't Seen
Kakiage Sandwich Bento & Veggie Menchi-Katsu Bento
Episode 8 - 8-19-2022
Marc fries up some shrimp and veggie fritters to make a Kakiage sandwich. Maki makes a colorful veggie Menchi-katsu bento. From Kamakura, a bento featuring a colorful assortment of local vegetables.
Haven't Seen
Lamb and Veggie Stir-fry Bento & Tori-ten Bento
Episode 7 - 8-12-2022
Today: bentos inspired by regional dishes. Marc makes a Hokkaido Prefecture specialty: lamb and veggie stir-fry. Maki makes Tori-ten fried chicken, a dish from Oita Prefecture. From Georgia, a tasty Khachapuri bento.
Haven't Seen
Curry Soup Bento & Creamy Kabocha Soup
Episode 6 - 7-15-2022
In this special episode, Marc meets a skilled soup bento maker, Ariga Kaoru. She's known for her easy yet tasty recipes for soup made in vacuum flasks. Marc prepares an original curry soup bento.
Haven't Seen
Kinchaku Tamago Bento & Pork Inari Bento
Episode 5 - 7-08-2022
Maki and Marc prepare bentos with Abura-age: deep-fried tofu. Marc makes a Kinchaku Tamago Bento while Maki makes a Pork Inari Bento. From Bali, a picnic featuring Ikan Bakar, a tasty seafood dish.
Haven't Seen
Sanga-burg Bento
Episode 4 - 6-10-2022
In this special episode, Marc reports from a fishing port in the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. He makes an original bento inspired by a local specialty, Sangayaki: grilled fish patties.
Haven't Seen
Beef and Spicy Mayo Roll Bento & Miso-mayo Sawara Bento
Episode 3 - 6-03-2022
Maki makes a Miso-mayo Sawara (Spanish mackerel) Bento. Marc makes a Beef & Spicy Mayo Roll Bento. From the Philippines, bento boxes that combine cute characters and traditional flavors.
Haven't Seen
Taimeshi Bento & Oyaki Bento
Episode 2 - 5-06-2022
Maki makes a bento with Oyaki, Nagano Prefecture's beloved dumplings. And Marc makes Ehime Prefecture's famous Taimeshi: sea bream with rice. From Singapore, a bento influencer!
Haven't Seen
Shichimi Chicken Bento & Shichimi Sausage Bento
Episode 1 - 4-29-2022
Maki and Marc prepare bentos with Shichimi Togarashi, a blend of 7 spices that is used all throughout Japan. From Tokyo, a hanami bento perfect for viewing cherry blossoms.
Haven't Seen
Season 6
Teri-tama Sandwich Bento & Mosaic Sushi Bento
Episode 20 - 3-07-2022
Maki uses an ice tray to make an easy yet beautiful Mosaic Sushi Bento. Marc makes a Teri-tama sandwich with teriyaki chicken and eggs. From Guatemala, a bento featuring stew, tortillas and pilaf.
Haven't Seen
Tonteki Bento & Clam Rice Bento
Episode 19 - 2-28-2022
Marc tops pork steak with sweet and spicy sauce to make a tasty Tonteki Bento. Maki makes an umami-rich Clam Bento, a longtime favorite of fishermen in Tokyo Bay. From Tokyo, a Tamagoyaki sandwich.
Haven't Seen
Miso-katsu Bento & Miso-chicken Sandwich Bento
Episode 18 - 2-07-2022
A special episode centered on Aichi Prefecture, featuring bentos made by foreign residents of Aichi. Marc and Maki prepare bentos using Mame-miso. From Nagoya, a Tebasaki chicken wing bento.
Haven't Seen
Satsuma-age Bento & Garden Beef Roll Bento
Episode 17 - 1-31-2022
Maki rolls veggies in sliced beef to make her colorful Garden Beef Roll Bento. Marc's bento features Satsuma-age, a traditional sweet and savory fish cake. From Australia, a meat pie bento.
Haven't Seen
Ebi Fry Bento & Cabbage Roll Bento
Episode 16 - 12-27-2021
Marc makes Ebi Fry, panko-breaded fried shrimp. A perfect match with tangy tartar sauce! Maki pan-fries bento-friendly cabbage rolls stuffed with sliced meat and cheese. From Taipei, a Gua Bao bento.
Haven't Seen
Tantanmen Bento & Veggie Wrapper Shumai Bento
Episode 15 - 12-20-2021
Marc tops noodles with sesame sauce and ground meat to make a spicy Tantanmen Bento. Maki uses sliced veggies to wrap her colorful shumai packed with meat and vegetables. From Tokyo, a tempura bento.
Haven't Seen
Triple Curry Soboro Bento & Saba Katsu Bento
Episode 14 - 11-22-2021
Marc makes a triple curry Soboro with ground meat and veggies. Maki uses canned Saba, or mackerel, to make a seafood version of Menchi-katsu. From Bangkok, a bento featuring riceberry.
Haven't Seen
Salmon Nanbanzuke Bento & Braised Pork Bento
Episode 13 - 11-15-2021
Marc marinates fried salmon and veggies, while Maki marinates simmered pork. Both dishes can be prepared the night before. From Awaji Island, charcoal-broiled conger pike over sushi rice!
Haven't Seen
Saikoro Pepper Steak Bento & Sweet Potato Rice Bento
Episode 12 - 10-25-2021
Marc dices a thick and tender steak to make a Saikoro Pepper Steak. Maki cooks Sweet Potato Rice in a pot. We also meet a Parisienne who has embraced the concept of sustainability in making bentos.
Haven't Seen
Ganmodoki Bento & Pork Kinpira Burger Bento
Episode 11 - 10-18-2021
Marc makes a bento with Ganmodoki, a traditional tofu and veggie dish. Maki makes a burger with teriyaki-style pork and veggies. And from northeastern Japan, a bento packed with Uni, or sea urchin!
Haven't Seen
Harumaki Bento & Soy Meat Dry Curry Bento
Episode 10 - 9-27-2021
Marc's bento features spring rolls packed with a rich and savory filling. Maki uses soy meat to make a healthy dry curry bento. And from Milan, Italy, a bento featuring an all-time favorite -- lasagna!
Haven't Seen
Miso-butter Salmon Bento & Fried Stuffed Nasu Bento
Episode 9 - 9-20-2021
Marc pays homage to a regional dish of miso-butter salmon. Maki's deep-fried stuffed eggplant is a favorite with kids. From the coast of the Sea of Japan, a specialty bento packed with turban shells.
Haven't Seen
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bento & Yakiniku Norimaki Bento
Episode 8 - 8-09-2021
From Marc, a bento-friendly version of Chicken Cordon Bleu. From Maki, sushi rolls with Yakiniku and vegetables. And from Trinidad and Tobago, a bento packed with classics -- and lots of chili peppers!
Haven't Seen
Colorful Inari-sushi Bento & Cabbage Menchi-katsu Bento
Episode 7 - 8-02-2021
Marc's bento is full of colorful Inari-sushi. Maki makes a crunchy cabbage Menchi-katsu bento. Bento Topics features Karashi Mentaiko, the spicy and umami-rich delicacy of Fukuoka Prefecture in southern Japan.
Haven't Seen
Sushi Sandwich Bento & Norimaki Salmon Fritter Bento
Episode 6 - 6-28-2021
Marc wraps various fillings with nori to make a handy sushi sandwich. Maki makes tasty Norimaki salmon fritters. And from Seoul, a Bossam bento of boiled pork and condiments wrapped in leafy greens.
Haven't Seen
Fried Wonton Bento & Whole Tomato Pilaf Bento
Episode 5 - 6-21-2021
Marc makes fried wontons filled with spicy pork and shrimp. Maki cooks a whole tomato with rice and bacon to make a one-pot tomato pilaf. And from Matsue, a bento packed with famous Shijimi clams.
Haven't Seen
Yaki-udon Bento & Rice Korokke Bento
Episode 4 - 5-31-2021
Marc's bento features sweet and savory Yaki-udon noodles. Maki makes rice croquettes filled with cheese for her Rice Korokke bento. Bento Topics features Poland's favorite dish, pierogi dumplings.
Haven't Seen
Lamb Chop Bento & Tangy Chicken Bento
Episode 3 - 5-24-2021
Marc grills lamb and veggies in a fragrant curry sauce. Maki glazes chicken with a clear sweet and sour sauce. Bento Topics features Okayama Prefecture's famous Bara-zushi bento, eaten on festive occasions.
Haven't Seen
Shiitake Yaki-onigiri Bento & Kani Cream Korokke Bento
Episode 2 - 4-26-2021
From Marc, toasted shiitake stuffed with rice and glazed with miso butter. Maki uses crab sticks to make quick and easy cream croquettes. Bento Topics showcases a yummy bento from the Philippines.
Haven't Seen
Chicken Katsudon Bento & Maki-maki Omurice Bento
Episode 1 - 4-19-2021
From Marc, a crispy chicken cutlet with creamy egg sauce. Meanwhile, Maki makes a finger food version of Omurice. Bento Topics features the food culture of Japan's popular island resort, Okinawa Prefecture.
Haven't Seen
Season 5
Fruit Sando Bento & Hanami Bento
Episode 20 - 3-08-2021
From Marc, a bento of braised pork belly on rice, and from Maki, eggplant meat rolls. On Bento Topics, Hong Kong's fragrant lap cheong sausages provide a perfect accent to rice and taro cakes.
Haven't Seen
Crispy Tofu Bento & Sweet and Sour Meatball Bento
Episode 19 - 3-01-2021
From Marc, crispy fried tofu in a sweet ginger glaze, and from Maki, sweet and sour meatballs. And from Tottori Prefecture, Japan, famous for its sand dunes, a bento featuring another Tottori specialty, crabs.
Haven't Seen
Buta-don Bento & Nasu Meat Roll Bento
Episode 18 - 1-25-2021
From Marc, a bento of braised pork belly on rice, and from Maki, eggplant meat rolls. On Bento Topics, Hong Kong's fragrant lap cheong sausages provide a perfect accent to rice and taro cakes.
Haven't Seen
Salmon Teriyaki Bento & Apricot Butter Chicken Bento
Episode 17 - 1-18-2021
Marc brings you an all-time favorite -- salmon teriyaki. Maki cooks up a delicious apricot butter chicken bento. And on Bento Topics, Hiroshima Prefecture's famous oysters packed in an auspicious bento box.
Haven't Seen
Teriyaki Hamburg Bento & Chirashi-zushi Bento
Episode 16 - 12-28-2020
From Marc, a teriyaki hamburg bento, and from Maki, Chirashi-zushi. Bento Topics features 2 Balinese favorites -- spicy pork satay, and a dish called babi guling that features a spit-roasted pig stuffed with a mixture of spices.
Haven't Seen
Banbanji Bento & Miso Tsukune Bento
Episode 15 - 12-21-2020
2 chicken bentos! From Maki, Miso Tsukune, and from Marc, Banbanji with sesame dressing. Bento Topics features Kyoto's tasty heritage vegetables and pickles that have inspired a mock-sushi bento.
Haven't Seen
Steak Gyudon Bento & Kanitama(crab and egg)-don Bento
Episode 14 - 11-23-2020
Mark's bento features sweet and savory steak on rice. Maki uses crabsticks to make a Chinese omelet. Bento Topics takes you to New York City, where teriyaki and bento have become all the rage.
Haven't Seen
Butter-Soy Sauce Shrimp Bento & Ebi Katsu Bento
Episode 13 - 11-16-2020
Marc sautés shrimp with butter-soy sauce while Maki cooks up some delicious shrimp cakes. Bento Topics takes you to Shizuoka Prefecture for a taste of 2 local specialties, wasabi and wasabi-fed Shamo chicken!
Haven't Seen
Dry Nikujaga Bento & Colorful Shumai Bento
Episode 12 - 10-26-2020
From Marc, a dry version of everyone's favorite Nikujaga. Maki uses corn kernels and edamame to wrap shumai. And from London, a bento maker whose popularity is symbolic of the rise in vegan cuisine.
Haven't Seen
Chicken Tender Rolls Bento & Norimaki Meat Roll Bento
Episode 11 - 10-19-2020
Marc makes chicken tender rolls with 2 Japanese stuffing, while Maki wraps her meat rolls with nori! Bento Topics introduces a temple famous for its Zen Buddhist cuisine, including a vegan burger.
Haven't Seen
Braised Chicken Wing Bento & Stuffed Mushroom Bento
Episode 10 - 9-28-2020
Marc's bento features chicken wings braised in a sweet and savory sauce. Maki brings you a bento of meat-stuffed mushrooms. And from Lyon, France, a one-of-a-kind bento full of local specialties.
Haven't Seen
Spaghetti Napolitan Bento & Curry Pilaf Bento
Episode 9 - 9-21-2020
Marc's bento features pork chops with Japan's original ketchup flavored spaghetti Napolitan. Maki makes a one-dish curry pilaf. And from Tokyo Bay, a traditional bento of sweet and savory Anago eel!
Haven't Seen
Sukiyaki Soboro Bento & Scotch Egg Bento
Episode 8 - 8-10-2020
From Marc, a sukiyaki-flavored ground meat and spinach Soboro bento. Maki makes a cute Scotch egg bento using quail eggs! Bento Topics look at the popularity of bentos using organic herbs in Thailand.
Haven't Seen
Salmon Menchi-Katsu Bento & Chicken-Nasu with 4S Sauce Bento
Episode 7 - 8-03-2020
From Marc, Salmon Menchi-katsu: deep-fried breaded salmon cakes! Maki cooks up a delicious Chicken-nasu bento with her 3S sauce plus one. Also, a look at Taiwan's "san-bei" or "three-cup" cuisine.
Haven't Seen
Mabo Nasu Bento & Sauce Katsu-don Bento
Episode 6 - 6-29-2020
Marc uses a Chinese sauce to make a spicy eggplant dish. Maki brings you a rich sauce Katsu-don bento! We also meet some bento makers on the US West Coast whose creations reflect their cultural roots.
Haven't Seen
Karokke Bento & Ebi-Mayo Bento
Episode 5 - 6-22-2020
Enjoy Marc's Karokke, or original kabocha croquettes and Maki's Ebi-mayo, or shrimp with mayonnaise sauce! We'll also meet some moms in Singapore who are enjoying bento making with their kids at home.
Haven't Seen
Orange Chicken Bento & "Tuna-burg" Bento
Episode 4 - 5-25-2020
Marc creates some sweet and tangy orange marmalade chicken. Maki turns pantry staples into a savory "tuna-burg." Also, a look at what bento makers in France and the U.S. are doing while staying home.
Haven't Seen
Rainbow Kakiage Bento & Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Buns Bento
Episode 3 - 5-18-2020
Marc creates Japanese-style fritters with rainbow veggies. Maki uses sweet-and-sour chicken to make some funky Chinese steamed buns. We also meet a Dutch family who has embraced slow life, slow food!
Haven't Seen
Tori-suki Okowa Bento & Meat-wrapped Onion Rings
Episode 2 - 4-27-2020
Marc's bento features mixed rice with 3S sauce flavored chicken. From Maki, pork-wrapped onion rings, finger-licking-good! Bento Topics looks at how to use barley miso, a Japanese regional specialty.
Haven't Seen
Italian-style Chirashi Sushi Bento & Sesame Nuggets Bento
Episode 1 - 4-20-2020
Marc goes Italian, making sushi with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, prosciutto and more. From Maki, crispy sesame chicken nuggets. On Bento Topics, an array of German favorites, including pretzels!
Haven't Seen
Season 4
Chicken Tebasaki Bento & Ten-musu Onigiri Bento
Episode 10 - 3-23-2020
Maki and Marc team up to make a fun picnic bento of crispy fried chicken wings and Ten-musu -- onigiri stuffed with tempura! Bento Trip heads to Nikko for a taste of its famous Yuba made from soybeans.
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Drop-fried Tofu Bento & Sweet and Sour Pork Bento
Episode 9 - 1-27-2020
Maki brings you a healthy version of chicken nuggets using tofu. From Marc, a bento of classic Chinese sweet and sour pork. Bento Trip takes you to Belgium where cold cooked meats are a bento staple.
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Grilled Karei-pan Bento & Salmon Tatsuta-age Bento
Episode 8 - 12-30-2019
Marc makes a perfect grilled sandwich packed with ground meat curry, pumpkin and cheese. Maki's bento features deep-fried pink salmon with a pure white coating. And on Bento Trip, a yummy wagyu bento!
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Nikumiso Dengaku Bento & Wafu Steak Bento
Episode 7 - 11-25-2019
Marc's bento features fried eggplant cups stuffed with sweet and savory miso dip. From Maki, a tender Wafu Steak Bento. And on Bento Trip, a look at Malaysia's favorite portable food, Nasi Lemak.
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Gyoza Bento & Pastel Korokke Bento
Episode 6 - 10-28-2019
Marc's bento features gyoza that stay crisp when cold, thanks to panko. From Maki, colorful croquettes made with ham, spinach, and potatoes. Bento Trip heads to Ibaraki Prefecture, home of Japanese chestnuts.
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Ramen Salad Bento & Chicken Chashu Bento
Episode 5 - 9-30-2019
From Marc, a salad bento of ramen noodles with colorful toppings, while Maki shows you how to make quick and easy chicken Chashu rolls. Also, a look at the Dutch love for sandwiches on Bento Trip.
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Loco Moco Bento & Double Maki-maki Bento
Episode 4 - 7-29-2019
Marc shows you how to make a Hawaiian-style Loco Moco bento with a hamburger patty and boiled egg in beef and mushroom gravy. From Maki, a double Maki-maki bento featuring 2 sushi rolls -- one inside out, and the other wrapped in an egg sheet. Bento Trip takes us to Toyama Prefecture for a look at a traditional Masu or cherry salmon sushi bento.
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Miso Butter Chicken & Plump Fried Shrimp
Episode 3 - 6-24-2019
Introducing bento from around the world filled with delicious ideas! This time, we'll show you how to make a miso butter chicken bento and a plump fried shrimp bento.
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Kakuni & Curry-flavored Grilled Onigiri
Episode 2 - 5-27-2019
Marc demonstrates how to make kakuni, tender braised pork belly. Maki makes pan-fried rice balls seasoned with curry powder and packed with cheese. Bento Trip features a shirasu bento from Hamamatsu.
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Sukiyaki & Japanese Style Sandwich
Episode 1 - 5-06-2019
Marc makes a bento with sukiyaki, which is popular worldwide. Maki makes a Japanese-style sandwich bento, with butter-soy sauce pork and vegetables. Bento Trip features a bento shop in Paris, France.
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Season 3
Age-teri
Episode 14 - 3-21-2019
Marc makes a colorful, nutritious bento featuring fried cod and a variety of vegetables. Everything is flavored with "3S sauce" (an equal mix of soy sauce, sugar, and sake) that's been boiled with dashi and ginger. Maki shows off various bento she's made using the versatile 3S sauce, including chicken teriyaki meatballs and sukiyaki-flavored onigirazu. Bento Trip heads to a theater in Ueno and features an inarizushi bento with a 160-year history. Maki also makes her own cute inarizushi.
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Triple Kara-age
Episode 13 - 3-21-2019
Maki makes a tri-colored karaage bento. She uses three marinades—soy sauce and ginger, curry and yogurt, and a simple brine. This keeps the chicken tender and flavorful even at room temperature. Marc demonstrates a trick for preparing juicy shrimp: whipping them with egg whites before cooking. It can be used to make a shrimp shumai or ebi chili bento. Bento Trip features a popular bento delivery service in Brazil whose colorful, traditional Japanese-style bento are packed in wooden boxes.
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Katsu Sandwich & Hot Dog Onigiri
Episode 12 - 3-10-2019
Marc demonstrates how to make a delicious and filling pork cutlet sandwich bento, which is widely popular all around the world. Maki introduces a unique hot dog-inspired onigiri bento. Rice is shaped into short, thick cylinders and then wrapped in seaweed. A slit is cut along the length of each onigiri and fillings such as sausages and tuna are placed inside. Bento Trip showcases a shumai bento from Yokohama Chinatown and investigates the secret behind keeping it delicious at room temperature.
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Okonomiyaki & Mayo-yaki Chicken
Episode 11 - 3-06-2019
Marc demonstrates how to prepare a bento featuring okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake made with cabbage, shrimp, and bacon. Maki introduces a simple and delicious mayo-yaki chicken bento. She uses mayonnaise instead of butter when cooking the chicken. Bento Trip travels to Indonesia, where kyaraben (character bento) have become all the rage. A local mother who loves to make bento shares her recipe for a beef balado kyaraben made with cassava leaves.
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Keema Curry & Ham-katsu
Episode 10 - 2-27-2019
Maki shows us how to make a ham cutlet bento. Ham cutlet is a popular everyday side dish. Maki makes them with two kinds of fillings: cabbage with cheese, and fried egg. Marc introduces a Japanese style keema curry bento that's flavored with tomatoes, grated apple, and soy sauce as the secret ingredient. Bento Trip takes us to Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture, where a kinmedai sushi bento is showcased. Maki also makes an original kinmedai tatsutaage bento with hand-made kamoboko.
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Chicken Nanban & Takikomi-gohan
Episode 9 - 1-30-2019
Marc introduces a dish from his mother's hometown in Miyazaki Prefecture: chicken nanban bento. The chicken is topped with a Japanese-style tartar sauce made with egg, resulting in an extra-filling bento. Maki makes an umami-packed bento featuring rice mixed with vegetables and other delicious ingredients. The final product is extra colorful, and Maki uses common ingredients, so anyone can recreate this bento at home. Bento Trip showcases a steamed pork patty bento from Hong Kong.
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Ebichiri & Temari-zushi
Episode 8 - 12-26-2018
Marc makes a bento with stir-fried shrimp in chili sauce, a classic Japanese-style Chinese dish. He adds red chili peppers to ketchup to create a sweet and salty flavor combination that children will love. Maki demonstrates how to make delicious temarizushi with marinated vegetables. Temarizushi keep their shapes well, so they're perfect for bento. Plus, they're fun for children to help make. Bento Trip showcases the inrou bento from Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, which features local ume plums.
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Honey Lemon Chicken & Stuffed Pepper
Episode 7 - 11-28-2018
Marc creates a lemon chicken bento reminiscent of a dish his mother cooked when he was young. Made with ketchup, it's sure to be popular with children. Maki introduces a colorful bento featuring green bell peppers stuffed with ground meat. She also shares tips on how to prepare it for children with an aversion to green bell peppers. Bento Trip showcases adobo, the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. Marinated in vinegar, adobo keeps well in warm weather and is perfect for bento.
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Summer Roll & Yakitori
Episode 6 - 10-03-2018
Marc introduces a simple and delicious salmon roll bento. He stuffs rice paper wrappers with braised pork belly, rice and shiso. Maki demonstrates how to make a yakitori bento, a crowd-pleaser around the world. To make the chicken easy to eat, no skewers are used. The chicken is cooked in a frying pan until the skin is perfectly crispy. Bento Trip showcases Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture, a city famous for clam digging. The local ekiben there is an asari clam bento.
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Taco Rice & Mosaic Soboro
Episode 5 - 9-05-2018
Maki uses ground chicken, scrambled eggs and canned salmon to make a mosaic-like soboro bento. She adds vegetables to make it a well-balanced meal. Marc introduces a taco rice bento. Taco rice is a fusion dish with Okinawan origins made with soy sauce flavored ground beef. Marc also demonstrates mixing chopped shirataki noodles into rice before cooking to cut calories. On Bento Trip, we head to Singapore to meet Shirley, a popular bento blogger who shows off her eye-catching sushi roll bento.
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Shumai & Tendon
Episode 4 - 8-01-2018
Marc teaches how to make a pork and shrimp shumai bento. Vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and soramame fava beans are steamed alongside the shumai, making for a healthy meal that's easy to prepare. Maki demonstrates how to make a classic tendon bento featuring imitation crab, cod, asparagus and kabocha pumpkin. She reveals the secrets behind making flavorful, crispy tempura using batter made with only flour and water. On Bento Trip, travel to Indonesia!
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Kushiage & Wasabi Chicken
Episode 3 - 6-27-2018
Marc introduces a kushiage bento featuring skewered and deep-fried ingredients such as chicken, onion, lotus root and kabocha pumpkin. This type of bento is popular because it's easy-to-eat and filling. Maki demonstrates how to make a bento containing chicken that's been cooked with wasabi and soy sauce. When cooked, wasabi loses its bite and imparts a refreshing aroma. On Bento Trip, we head to Kobuchisawa in Yamanashi Prefecture to try a kamameshi bento that showcases local wild vegetables.
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Hamba-gu & Sukiyaki Onigirazu
Episode 2 - 5-30-2018
Maki shows us how to make a sukiyaki-style onigirazu (rice sandwich) bento. Her onigirazu are filled with fried eggs and beef seasoned with honey, soy sauce and sake. Marc creates a "one-bite hambagu" bento featuring bite-size hamburger steak. It comes together quickly, so it's perfect for a busy morning. Bento Trip introduces us to Korean kimbap, seaweed and rice rolls flavored with sesame oil. We visit a family in Korea that makes healthy kimbap bento using Western ingredients.
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Miso Salmon & Minced Meat Cutlet
Episode 1 - 5-02-2018
Maki demonstrates how to make menchi-katsu, a deep-fried ground meat patty that's loved by people of all ages. Her version for bento has cheese inside, making it extra delicious. Recently, fish and miso dishes have been trending in America, so Marc introduces the most popular amongst them: miso salmon bento. On Bento Trip, we head to the city of Akashi in Hyogo Prefecture to get a taste of octopus pot bento, a well-loved local ekiben that uses octopus caught right off the coast of the city.
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Season 2
Hanami Bento & Fun Rolls
Episode 4 - 1-18-2018
Marc shows us how to make a colorful bento to eat during hanami, cherry blossom viewing. Maki uses a variety of delicious ingredients to make an easy spring roll bento. This time on Bento Trip, we introduce some bento from Bangkok, Thailand and meet local bento bloggers.
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Shirataki Yakisoba & Shogayaki
Episode 3 - 1-11-2018
Maki shows us how to make a bento using the ever-popular ginger pork. Marc demonstrates how to make a simple and healthy yakisoba bento. We head to Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture during Bento Trip.
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Vegetable Garden with Niku Miso & Mixed Rice with Mackerel
Episode 2 - 1-04-2018
Mark introduces a nutritious miso-flavored ground pork bento that goes along wonderfully with vegetables. Maki uses oily and delicious mackerel to make a grilled fish and rice bento. This time on Bento Trip, we travel to Indonesia to take a look at local bentos.
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Teriyaki Maitake & "Oyako" Teriyaki
Episode 1 - 12-24-2017
On this episode, Marc and Maki introduce variations of the always-popular teriyaki bento! Marc demonstrates how to make a healthy bento featuring a delicious teriyaki maitake mushroom served with scrambled eggs and rice. Maki shows how to make a nutritious bento that pairs everyone's favorite teriyaki chicken with vegetables and a teriyaki-style fried egg. She also teaches us how to make an adorable cherry tomato chick to add to a child's bento.
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Season 1
2016-2017 Highlights
Episode 4 - 3-21-2017
Bento Expo covers the healthy, appetizing and economical world of bento! A special thanks to the bento lovers from nearly 30 countries who sent in photos of their bento ideas. On this episode we'll introduce recipes for the most liked photos as chosen by our viewers. Then, bento creator Maki Ogawa shows off an easy-to-make bento that's perfect for a picnic during cherry blossom season. We'll also review some of the most popular bento recipes from previews episodes.
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Salmon Nanbanzuke & Maki-maki
Episode 3 - 12-21-2016
Marc Matsumoto makes a bento with marinated fried-salmon, Maki shares a recipe for rolls made from boiled vegetables wrapped in meat. And we introduce the most popular bento sold in Taipei Station.
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Meatloaf Sandwich & Tamagoyaki
Episode 2 - 12-14-2016
BENTO EXPO covers the healthy, appetizing and economical world of bento! On this episode we take a look at bento ideas from our viewers. In the studio, chef Marc Matsumoto makes a delicious and nutritious sandwich bento using leftover meatloaf. Maki shares her favorite tamagoyaki recipes. With the same ingredients and a little ingenuity, she makes 2 dishes: a healthy snack for her children and a hearty meal for her husband. Tune in to find out the secret to making delicious bento!
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Omugiri & Kara-age
Episode 1 - 12-07-2016
Healthy, appetizing and economical, it's no wonder that bento are now so popular worldwide. This show will present bento ideas and anecdotes from overseas viewers. Starting with omurice made from the remnants of Christmas dinner, Marc Matsumoto demonstrates how to give your leftovers a bento makeover. Bento guru Maki Ogawa, meanwhile, shows how to use shared ingredients to meet the whole family's bento needs, beginning with a much-loved lunchbox staple: kara-age fried chicken.
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