Kappo-DELI

At Kappo-DELI, a take-away specialist in refined Japanese cuisine, bento boxes capture the savoury aroma of charcoal grilling and the dashi-rich softness of rolled omelette. The clay-pot rice bento may include dressed vegetables, seasonal simmered dishes, fish or meat, charcoal-grilled vegetables, dashi omelette, rice cooked in a clay pot, and pickles. Diners have remarked that the grilled fish and meat were not greasy, with excess fat and moisture having dripped away to leave the ingredients’ flavours clear. The omelette, they said, was smooth and generously infused with dashi.

One diner enjoyed charcoal-grilled ayu, a sweetfish, from head to tail with a drink. As the selection changes with the season and availability, however, this is best taken as an example of what was served on that occasion, not a regular feature of the bento. The standard clay-pot rice bento costs 3,590 yen. Order by phone or Instagram DM by around 18 on the previous business day.

For a more everyday option, there is the “Nichinichi Bento”, with a meat or fish main, dashi omelette, clay-pot rice, and side dishes, or “Ajimori”, an assortment without rice. Each serves one and costs around 2,000–2,500 yen, with the price varying according to the day’s selection. For lunchtime collection, order by around 18 on the previous business day; for collection from 17 onwards, place your order by around 14 on the day.

Those who would like more fish or meat, or want to discuss the balance of the meal and whether to include rice, can order the “Omakase no Omakase”, available from two portions. Choose a budget range of 3,000–5,000 yen, 5,000–7,000 yen, or 7,000–10,000 yen. How far ahead to order varies by budget, from 1 to 5 business days.