Shirley Wong’s Bento Boxes Are the Essence of Kawaii

By
Amanda C
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Photo by Quang Anh Ha Nguyen from Pexels

Shirley Wong—better known by her online moniker “Little Miss Bento”—is an undeniable master when it comes to the art of the Japanese bento boxes. Considered the top bento artist, food stylist, and blogger in Singapore, she has won many prestigious awards for her food creations and has been featured in local and international publications. More importantly, she has amassed a massive following online, with some 330k fans on Instagram and counting.

With a total of 7 best selling cookbooks under her belt—which include titles like Kawaii Bento, Kawaii Deco Sushi, Kawaii Sweet Treats, Kawaii Bread, and the limited edition Miffy Cookbook—Wong’s creations have a common thread to them: they’re very much adorable.

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Had such a blast at the Breakfast with MILO Zoom session last Saturday. We made a quick & nutritious breakfast bento together with myself and special guest @iamjamieyeo. This breakfast recipe is great for busy parents and perfect to pair with MILO to give your children the energy to go further as they go about their school day. @milosingapore Here is how you can also make the📣🐣 Cheerleader Chick Sandwich Bento Ingredients needed – 2 slices wholemeal bread – 1 hard boiled egg – Low fat mayo / or mildly sweet greek yogurt – Pepper , salt – Carrot 1 slice – Black sesame seeds – Slice cheddar cheese – Sliced ham (halal ham can be used). – Ketchup or chili sauce (optional) – Packet MILO Steps: – Half one of the bread slices – Using a cup, cut a circle piece and a semi circle piece of wholemeal bread – Using scissors, trim and cut the semi circle into egg shell jagged edges – Using the cup, cut the slice cheddar cheese and place over the circle piece of bread – trim and cut carrot for chick’s beak – Trim a strip of ham for the exercise headband – half the remaining ham, make small cuts along the the center of the ham and roll up to create the pom-poms – Dice up any remaining carrots, ham bits and mix together with the mashed egg mixture. Season with salt and pepper , add in Greek yogurt or low fat mayo as desired – Place the uncut half slice of wholemeal bread as the base – scoop the mashed egg mixture and arrange the leftover bits of the bread on top, or at the side of the bento box – Arrange the final layer of chick design on top. – Add black sesame seeds for the eyes and place the ham pom-poms at the side – Dab some tomato sauce for blush (optional step) – Enjoy this wholesome fun breakfast with a packet of nutritious MILO #BreakfastwithMILO #PacktoSchool #EnergyToGoFurther

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“I am most drawn to the kawaii culture of Japan, as well as the traditions and omotenashi culture,” she remarked once in an interview with Parent & Child (Singapore).

“I think Japan is a beautiful country, where you can find both ancient traditions that have been passed down generations to generations to the modern otaku and kawaii popular culture that appeals to the young (or young at heart).

“For me, the creation process is the most challenging but also most fulfilling,” she adds, “especially when I successfully transform my idea into the creation. I also enjoy being able to share about my craft with my fans and followers, be it through the TV programs or on social media platforms.”