What's for lunch?

Many days, it's just easier to pick something up for lunch, or enjoy a lunch out with friends or family.  What is a typical lunch in Japan?  Well, bentos (boxed lunches) or noodles are definitely in the top five spots.

This is a "karaage-hamburg bento" (fried chicken & hamburger) from a little shop near my father-in-law's house.  It's called "Utchan Lunch" and the kids and I like it quite a lot.  Along with the rice, chicken and hamburger, there's cabbage and spaghetti (under the chicken and hamburger, respectively), pickled cucumbers, and simmered burdock root.

This is the type of bento that is delivered for special meetings and ceremonies. It's a little bit more gorgeous, and includes things like sashimi and tempura, with a dish of seasonal fruit and miso soup.

This bento is made by Fukunaga Bento, and features local products.

Self-service udon shops are very popular, and this is one my family frequents for Sunday lunch, after a trip to the batting center! Order the type of udon noodles you want, grab some side dishes or tempura or onigiri rice balls, and you have a quick meal.

Funamoto is another favorite noodle shop. They are a very small, local shop that serves udon or soba noodles. Their udon is served in a very light broth. In the winter months, oden (simmered vegetables, meat, etc in a seasoned broth) is also served. Croquettes and other dishes are available in the summer months.

Of course, ramen noodles are another very popular lunch item. In this area, it's common to order a bowl or rice with them as well (I don't, but the guys in my family ALWAYS do!)

I enjoy "gyoza," or potstickers, with when we have ramen.