question: what is umeboshi? i’ve been seeing it in the menu a lot.

and also, our of curiosity, are the portions just too small or it’s more filling than they look?

I too think that these lunches look like I could never fill my stomach with them, but I’m sure I’ve mentioned that to you at some point.

The rolled omelette makes me want to make one right now, and the pink bento box is somewhat cute O.o

Anyways, congrats to the new layout, I like it a lot! Have you actually ever considered doing web design as a side job or something?

@biankita: It’s sour plum (which I try to avoid)

I though goya was bitter gourd. Hmm, reminds me that I should try it one of these days… If only the cafeteria put it back on the menu.

@biankita: The portions are more filling than they look. The bulk comes from the rice, but I’m not sure on the proportions. I’m going to guess about 1 cup, cooked.

Umeboshi is what issa-sa said, although I should note it’s pickled. There are many different types, some hard and crunchy like biting into an apple, others soft and mushy.

@Sasa: The pink bento box is mine and has Pingu on it. It was a Mister Donuts point card reward.

Thanks! ^_^ I’ve considered it, although I have absolutely no qualifications. During high school, it was easy because the net was still new but I don’t know what it’s like now. :(

@issa-sa: Goya doesn’t translate well. Vegetable, gourd, melon are all names it gets called, although I find vegetable and gourd better than melon. I think it’s seasonal though so better sooner than later!

Mmmm, so yummy. The pumpkin salad and oysters looks intriguing, I’d go for that one. :)

Umeboshi is pretty amazing, it makes rice taste even better!! Sort of the effect of sucking on a slice of lemon and then drinking water.

I think differently from the others. I still feel that there’s too much food on those plates! XD I think I did bring this up before and the other commentors also did mention that I’m eating way too little but ya, different people have different preferences when it comes to the food amount.

It’s good to see that the food posts are still running. ^.^

@Ryan A: The oysters were kind of gross, actually. Little wads of soy-based marinated things. I’d never make that for myself at home.

@Hynavian: Food posts will always be here. Just not a lot of time to get them up. :(

I would ask for double or triple portions if I was eating those. Japanese lunches look and sound a lot more varied from the ho-hum school lunches (chicken nuggets, burgers, pizza and the always dreaded mystery meat).

Noticed that they always serve milk. Can’t one ask for fruit juice or something else?

looks like i can finish them in a few mouthful ^^; , makes me wonder how the heck did my appetite grew so much.

@Yamcha: They’re much larger than they look. Of course, the teenage boys can eat 3x that amount of food and still have room for dessert!

@alafista: As far as I know, there are no substitutions in my area. As a teacher, I have the choice of not drinking my milk (and saving it for later) but you don’t get juice, tea, or water instead. You just have to hope your soup lasts long enough.

@pp: My guess is that Asian dude + army = huge appetite. :P

Watching the Super Size Me documentary made me realize how unhealthy American School lunches can be in comparison to these.