If like us you crave those delectable ramen bowls and cakes that practically leap off the screen in beloved Studio Ghibli films… Then get ready for a treat [in this blog post]! Over the past year, we’ve fallen down a delightful rabbit hole—watching countless Japanese food videos. From street food stalls in Osaka serving piping hot ramen, to peaceful countryside kitchens where onigiri is made with careful, loving hands, to intricate bento box preparations filmed with soothing, almost meditative attention to detail. All those videos didn’t just entertain us; they planted little seeds of curiosity and longing. They built a quiet love for Japanese cuisine—not just for its flavours, but for its philosophy: simple, heartfelt, and beautiful in its authenticity.
So, when Bento Bento announced their Studio Ghibli-themed pop-up, it felt like all those months of watching, dreaming, and virtually tasting had finally come full circle. We weren’t just spectators anymore—we were participants. Chef Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar of Edible Archives (Goa) and Bento Bento (Bengaluru) is bringing the magic of Ghibli’s culinary world to life. Imagine savouring dishes inspired by classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle at her upcoming Studio Ghibli Food Series pop-up.
🍱 My Pick: The Vegetarian Bento Box
I went for the Bento Box, and it was a visual and gastronomical delight. A neat arrangement of sticky rice, seasonal pickled vegetables, some purple cabbage, delicate ooey gooey omelette, sautéed spinach with strong sesame oil flavour, and two sausages with a single pickled plum on top. This was serviced in a beautifully presented in a beautiful wooden box. Every bite felt intentional and balanced—from the sweet-and-salty to crisp and fragrant rice. The best part? The portions were generous, but not overwhelming. It left me full and content yet already planning my next visit.
🍜 The Star of the Show: Ham Ramen
Partha on the other hand went with the Ham Ramen, a dish that looked simple on the surface but offered layer upon layer of flavour. Inspired by the iconic bowl of ramen from Ponyo, this dish struck the perfect balance between nostalgia and nourishment. The broth was rich yet clean, with that umami depth that only a well-stewed stock can offer. The ham slices were smoky and tender, pairing beautifully with springy noodles and the soft-boiled egg that oozed just right. we were served a chill oil on the side, which elevated the ramen and the sauce was YUMMMM. We even asked them if they plan to bottle and sell it. 😀
It was the kind of bowl that makes you slow down, breathe in the steam, and savour every spoonful.
🍙 A Bite of Nostalgia: The Onigiri
To wrap things up (or so we thought), we couldn’t resist trying the Onigiri—those triangular rice balls you’ve probably seen in countless anime scenes. And they did not disappoint. Lightly salted, filled with just the right amount of filling [tuna and mayo] and wrapped in crispy nori, each bite was comfort incarnate. And that sweet umami packed sauce was oh so divine. I licked the bowl clean… Simple, yes—but that’s the beauty of Japanese food. It doesn’t scream for attention; it quietly wins your heart.
The Verdict: A Meal Worth Remembering
There was something special about this meal—not just the food, but the atmosphere it created. Bento Bento managed to infuse a sense of playfulness and calm into the entire experience. For a little while, it felt like we weren’t just eating—we were part of a story.
Final thoughts? We can’t wait to go back and try their regular menu. If the pop-up is any indication of their culinary creativity and attention to detail, we’re in for many more fabulous meals ahead. Studio Ghibli gave us stories that soothed the soul. Bento Bento served us food that did the same. Looking fwd to their next popup~
We had book a slot- reservations was at Rs300 per pax, which was deducted from total bill
Total bill was Rs1800 odd, and we ended up paying Rs1200
Totally worth it..
Address:
#197, Paramahansa Yogananda Rd, Binnamangala, Hoysala Nagar, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
Phone:+91 91138 87578
