Even with all that Kobe beef, would you buy this $400 bento?

One of the interesting things to experience in Japan is their eki ben, where eki means station and ben is the short form of bento. In other words, it is the packed food you can eat when travelling on trains, especially on long distance rides.

Japan is well-known for its high cost of living, but bentos usually cost around 1,000 yen (about S$12). Some may cost more, depending on the ingredients used. But, at one train station in Osaka, there is a particular bento selling at the shocking price of 32,400 yen (about S$400) – nearly unheard of!

The bento consists of three quality-looking, different thick beef steaks, apparently more than one person can eat.

Named “Extreme”, this luxurious bento can be found in the Shin-Osaka station after you pass the gantry. The store “Kobe Beef Steak Deli” can be located in a shopping mall called “Exquisite Shin-Osaka”.

According to the official website, they use the centre portion of the Kobe beef fillet for the chateaubriand, Kobe beef sirloin for the steak, and black wagyu for the roast beef. The bento is also made to order to ensure the quality and freshness of the food served.

Quality notwithstanding, due to the price tag, people are still hesitant about buying it.

“Even with a tax of 2,400 yen, this is a very luxurious bento to me.”

“I will eat it if it is other people’s money”

“Looks great but I would rather eat in a restaurant”

In an interview with the store owner whether anyone buys this bento, he said that it is sold about once or twice a week, mainly on weekends.

“It is not about having the money or not, normal commuters can buy it. There are people who buy it as a birthday present or a present for wedding anniversary. There are also people who are regulars.”

This beef bento has been on sale since the store opened in December 2015. Even though it looks expensive, the store owner clarified that this is in fact a good bargain. He mentioned that this would have amounted to 50,000 yen (about S$610) if served in a restaurant.

Besides, there is no need for reservation and only takes about 5 to 10 minutes of waiting time. The bento also comes with garlic chips that go really well with the steaks. Would you give this luxurious beef bento a try when you visit Osaka?

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