Our asociation with fast food is as a recent American creation and the evolution of the hamburger in America. However, the Bento Box, a Japanese compartmental lunch box can be dated back to the Kamakura period between 1185 and 1333 in Japan when hoshi-ii or a "dried meal" was developed for workers to be carried and eaten during hanami. Those plastic trays and multi-compartment polyfoam containers had their origin in lacquered or woven bamboo box. At Zen Box located in the skyway at Six Quebec you can order bento sets and sushi rolls.
Now, a sushi purist might find better and argue but this inexpensive alternative to the burgers, pizza and subs at lunch in downtown is refershing and highly welcomed. Mix and match items like Chicken Kara-Age or Tonkatsu (stuffed pork cutlets with cheese) that double as appetizers or entries when ordered as bento box (served with rice, salad, and drink). Try the Zen Box Beef Ribs ($6.99) or Teriyaki Hamburg ($6.09) in bento sets. There sweet ginger "kamikaze" and soy sauces give their dishes the decided edge over their lunch rivals.
The owner, operator, chef team who moved here from San Francisco of Lina Goh and John Ng are friendly and a fabulous addition to downtown food faire. There are a few tables in the minimal pea green lined and vanished cement floor diner but comre prepared to take out and eat on one of the nearby outdoor plaza parks next to the Government Cener or One Financial Plaza.
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