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While BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), we also believe in celebrating the contributions from Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders year-round. Please enjoy this APAHM-themed product post from BuzzFeed Shopping and know that you can enjoy these businesses well beyond this wonderful, dedicated month.
1. An ultra-chic "Poketo" bento box from Takenaka, which packs up smaller portions of food in a fun and modern style.
Takenaka is a Japanese brand established in 1925 that has specialized in beautiful, hand-crafted bento boxes. They've since evolved their brand and now specialize in sleek and sustainable food containers for storage and transportation. Check out their full selection of bento boxes and bowls here.
Get it from Takenaka for $34.
2. A two-tier cedar wood bento box for anyone looking for a minimalist design, or for someone looking for a blank canvas to decorate to their maximalist preferences.
Goenne Japan is a Japanese small business that offers a wide variety of handmade home and lifestyle goods. Check out their full selection of bento boxes here.
Promising review: "I will cherish this item and reduce my plastic waste. I really enjoy making bento meals for work. Every time I open it, the smell of the wood is so inviting. Rice made the day before always comes out fresh and fluffy the next day. I need to get better about stuffing my bento with food. I ended up getting the medium size too as I wanted more rice than I could get with one tier." –Brendon B.
Get it from Goenne Japan for $63.40+ (available in six elastic band styles and with the option for engraving).
3. An absolutely precious Hello Kitty bento box sure to promt tons of awwws from anybody lucky enough to be graced by its (and by extension, your) presence.
4. A three-tiered, stainless-steel, Tiffin-style bento box hand-painted in India and made to minimize waste, optimize food transportation, and look stunning.
Boho Homes Ldn is a woman-owned small biz based in London that sources and hand-makes sustainable home decor and goods, inspired by founder Tullika Bhalla's home country of India. Check out their full selection of kitchenware here, and their full story on their UK site here.
Promising review: "Lovely tiffin boxes, delivered promptly and well-packed." –Kathryn Wilde
Get it from Boho Home Ldn on Etsy for $58.06 (available in four base colors).
5. A two-tiered Hanako Kokeshi-inspired bento box so unique, you may struggle to decide whether to pack food in it or use as decor.
The awe-worthy bento boxes from Bento&co, a Kyoto-based company, are made with environmental and cost-effective benefits in mind. Check out their full selection of bento boxes and accessories here.
Promising review: "I absolutely adore these Kokeshi-inspired bento boxes! I bought Hanako and Ichiro as a set for some friends who just got married, and just had to get a Maneki Neko for myself because it was so cute! Love that they're unique in shape and function. I know I'll be using mine a lot for bento meals this year!" –Kristen D.
Get it from Bento&co for $19.50.
6. An ornate, handmade, and traditional-style jubako bento box with a beautiful cherry blossom design that you'll want to add to your "fancy dinnerware" cabinet ASAP.
Japan Kitchen is a small business located in Osaka, Japan that hand-makes traditional-style kitchenware, some very simply and others with unique designs. Check out their full selection of bento boxes here.
Promising review: "Such a lovely item, and the shop was a pleasure to work with. Great communication!" –rdiundergwood
Get it from Japan Kitchen on Etsy for $52.99.
7. An adorable (and expressive!) animal bento box for kids so the little one in your life can make a new pal and get excited about lunchtime!
Sclipacktokcer is a small business that has a ton of awesome kitchen and tableware supplies that'll make you smash the "add to cart" button. Check out their full selection of bento boxes here, or head over to my colleague Allison Jiang's roundup of the best bento boxes for kids.
Promising review: "it is very adorable! it's big enough for my toddler's meals, and small enough to fit both of our boxes in one bag!" –marolotiu
Get it from Sclipacktokcer on Etsy for $22.67 (available in four varieties).
8. A double-layer bento box that's both simple and functional. And for major bonus points, you have the option to purchase it with a matching insulated lunch bag, so you know for sure your food will stay hot or cold (and not lukewarm).
If you're looking for an odd or end to your stock of home goods, Rabitto Fakutori, a Hong Kong-based small business, has got you covered. Check out their full selection of lunch-ware here.
Shipping note: Shipments from Hong Kong to the US are experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of delays due to the ongoing pandemic.
Promising review: "Came with no problems! Was safely wrapped in bubble wrap. The bottom is microwave-safe and each space can hold a good amount of items. It is also easy to clean." –Abby Venable
Get it from Rabitto Fakutori on Etsy for $21.59+ (available in three colors and with the option for a matching lunch bag).
9. An artful and cheery two-tier bento box from Bento&co inspired by traditional kimono patterns, which is basically the definition of ~dining in style~.
And FYI, this bento box comes with an equally beautiful matching bag carrier.
Promising review: Lovely! What a lovely lunch box! I could also use it for a travel water color kit… so pretty." –Susan S.
Get it from Bento&co for $23.
10. Some traditional and stackable bento boxes made from walnut that are ideal for bringing food on the go or simply serving it on your kitchen table.
Kings Collection Group is a small biz located in Hong Kong that sells everything from bridal accessories, to kitchenware, to children's toys. Check out their full selection of bento boxes here.
Shipping note: Shipments from Hong Kong to the US are experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of delays due to the ongoing pandemic.
Promising review: "The package arrived in the timeframe of which the owner stated. It a lovely piece well made and I love the wood finish. I will be looking into your shop again, I truly enjoy seeing the boxes in my house." –Betty Varlamos
Get it from Kings Collection Group on Etsy for $47.78.
11. A splurge-worthy jubako bento box adorned with an intricate pine tree illustration, plus tons of other beautiful detailing so you can embrace tradition.
Musubi Kiln specializes in traditional Japanese tableware and curates a breathtaking selection from across the country. Check out their full selection of bento boxes (with free Furoshiki wrapping) here.
Promising review: "The unpacking ritual was intense. Quality of the lacquer inside and out was immaculate. The aged pine makes one pause…then onto detail. There are small jewels inserted to give the sense of bark from a distance. This is a mindful piece to cherish." –John B.
Get it from Musubi Kiln for $393.
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Reviews for this post have been edited for length or clarity.