Affordable, quality Japanese food is often rare to find in Phnom Penh these days. One such food gem is Marugame Bento, which has been quietly charming students and office workers with their affordable Japanese bento. 

The term "bento," which refers to a Japanese to-go box containing an entire meal, often for lunch. Bento originated in the 5th century - Japanese men used to carry compact meals called Bento when going fishing and hunting - and became trendy around the world in the past decade. Undoubtedly, the finest meal for workers and students during their hectic days is a bento. Why is BENTO the greatest option? Since a box of Cereal has a variety of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and proteins, all of which are beneficial to health. Bento, on the other hand, is a kind of lunchbox that is portable and may be kept for a long period. This is what Marugame Bento brings to customers in Cambodia.

At Marugame Bento, there are up to 7 different types of bento, including Beef BBQ Bento, Teriyaki Chicken Bento, Chicken Karaage Bento, Pork-katsu Bento, Orange Chicken Bento, Hamburg Bento and Beef Sukiyaki Bento. 

We have tried a few dishes from the menu, let us share the experience with you. 

We started with the Beef BBQ Bento which came in a black and red food container with rice, pickles, coleslaw, sauce and yes, the beef BBQ that can’t be missed in the box. The Beef BBQ was really juicy and very flavorful but not dense in flavor. We didn’t forget about the sauce, dipping into the sauce and taking the first bite of it, we almost forgot to chew because it’s soft and very flavorful.

It is not the only dish that we try and love, Pork Katsu Bento is a chef's kiss. Who wouldn’t love to eat crispy deep fried pork? The pork was deep fried in a set timer and temperature. Just by taking the first bite, you don’t feel it greasy but surely we all love taking more and more bites of it. Similar to the above bento, it is served with rice, pickles, marinated lotus root and sauce. What is really good about this is the price: each bento costs only $3.90.

We couldn’t end our meal without trying some of their side dishes and sushi. We spotted Mentaiko French Fry which is served with Mentaiko Mayonnaise and drizzled with shredded seaweed. Taste-wise, It was slightly salty and spicy, but complemented the fries neatly.

Coming to Japanese restaurants, we can’t miss the sushi, and today we enjoy it here a lot. The roe attracted us, so we ordered the California sushi. It has a perfect combination of different foods, with the taste of the crab, the crunch of the cucumber, and the smoothness of the avocado. With masago mixed with rice, it looks so attractive and when it comes to taste - it’s perfect to finish your meal. 

Aside from 4 dishes, there are more dishes that you can find at Marugame Bento. They have just launched a lunch menu featuring the most glamorous dishes, including Tonkotsu Ramen, Hamburg Curry Rice, Sukiyaki Dashimaki Tamago, Katsu Don and more.

What amazes us the most is the fresh cooked food. Each order was freshly cooked for you. Yes, you have to wait, but it doesn’t take long and you can eat freshly cooked bento for your meal, who wouldn’t want it, right? 

With a good price and quality Japanese food, Marugame Bento will be the place that we will always check out for bento on a busy day. 

Opening hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM

Location: #8B-9B, Monireth Blvd, Sangkat Steung Meanchey, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh | Googlemap

Contact: 010 504 666