




Cut out some star shapes or any other shapes that you would like to use to decorate your bento as ornaments. Carrot slices are preferred due to their ease of using with bento cutters. Next, make any of the meat dishes you want to put into your bento. These can include Japanese fried chicken, ankake meatballs, or small sausages scored with a criss-cross pattern to add a decorative finish.
• If our beginner’s bento has you inspired there are lots of cookery books with inventive bento ideas, some great for everyday bento and others for when you really want that ‘wow’ factor. Remember deco-ben are supposed to show off your decoration skills as well as your culinary prowess.