Morikawa Bento

For those in Illinois craving a taste of authentic Japanese home cooking, particularly in the form of meticulously prepared bento boxes, Morikawa Bento offers a convenient and flavorful solution. Operating primarily as a takeout and delivery-focused establishment in Chicago, Morikawa Bento brings the cherished "bento culture" directly to your doorstep. With roots that share a story from Hong Kong to Chicago, their mission is to deliver "delicious and beautiful bentos" that showcase a "well-balanced eating habit," a fundamental aspect of Japanese culinary tradition. If you're seeking a diverse array of classic Japanese dishes, thoughtfully portioned and ready to enjoy, Morikawa Bento is a promising option for locals in the Chicago area.

Morikawa Bento operates from 2537 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA. This address places it in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, a bustling area known for its residential buildings, universities, and easy access to downtown. While specific details about a physical dine-in restaurant space aren't the primary focus of the provided information, the location serves as a central hub for their delivery and takeout services.

Being on Wabash Avenue, a significant thoroughfare, Morikawa Bento is easily accessible for those picking up orders. The South Loop area is well-served by Chicago's public transportation system, including CTA 'L' train lines and bus routes, making it convenient for customers who might choose to pick up their orders. For those utilizing delivery, the location ensures efficient service across a wide delivery radius in Chicago. Morikawa Bento also has another location in Avondale, further expanding their reach for eager customers across the city. This multi-location strategy enhances accessibility for a broader range of Illinois residents looking for their authentic Japanese bentos.

Morikawa Bento primarily specializes in authentic Japanese bento boxes, alongside a selection of popular appetizers, rice bowls, and noodles, all designed for convenient takeout and delivery. Their menu reflects a commitment to traditional Japanese flavors and preparation methods:

• Bento Box Variety: The core of their offering is a wide array of bento boxes, each carefully crafted to provide a balanced and flavorful meal. Categories include:

  • Chicken Bento Boxes: Such as Chicken Katsu Curry Bento (crispy fried chicken cutlet with mixed vegetable curry), Goma Chikin Bento (fried chicken cutlet with Asian roasted sesame dressing), Teriyaki Chicken with Cold Udon Bento, and Yuzu Chikin Bento (crispy fried chicken tossed with ponzu sauce).

  • Pork Bento Boxes: Including Tonkatsu Bento (crispy fried thick cut pork cutlet), Tonkatsu Curry Bento, and Shogayaki Bento (thinly sliced pork belly and onions with ginger sauce).

  • Beef Bento Boxes: Featuring Sukiyaki Bento (traditional hot pot beef).

  • Fish & Seafood Bento Boxes: Such as Unagi Kabayaki Bento (slow-roasted freshwater eel) and Saikyoyaki Bento (grilled miso black cod).

  • Curry & Vegetarian Bento Boxes: Offering diverse options for various dietary preferences.

  • Makunouchi Bento: Premium multi-compartment bentos like Makunouchi (Unagi) and Makunouchi (Sukiyaki), which include a variety of items like tamagoyaki, sweet potato croquette, karaage, and simmered daikon radish.

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): A selection of classic Japanese rice bowls, including Oyakudon (chicken, onions, and eggs over rice), Katsudon (fried pork cutlet over rice), Gyudon (thinly sliced beef over rice), Unadon (roasted eel over rice), and Sanzoku-Yaki (black pepper fried chicken over rice).

• Curry Dishes: Beyond the bento, they offer Omu Curry (Japanese omelet with curry) and standalone Japanese curry dishes.

• Appetizers & Snacks: A range of popular Japanese street food and appetizers, such as:

  • Karaage (crispy fried chicken, also Octopus Karaage)

  • Gyoza (pork and vegetable dumplings, pan-fried)

  • Takoyaki (octopus balls)

  • Korokke (homemade sweet potato croquette)

  • Japanese Potato Salad (a creamy mix of mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, egg, and ham)

  • Yakisoba (Japanese fried noodles) and Yakiudon (Japanese udon noodles).

• Desserts: To finish the meal, they offer traditional Japanese desserts like Mochi Ice Cream (Matcha and Strawberry flavors) and other sweet treats like Osaka Cheese Cake, Tri-Color Dango, and Tiramisu Cup.

• Beverages: A selection of Japanese beverages, including Ramune (Japanese soda) and various teas.

• Takeout and Delivery Focused: Morikawa Bento operates as a "new outlet for Japanese bento takeout," primarily serving customers through pickup and delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Avondale's Food Pick-up.

Morikawa Bento aims to provide an authentic and convenient Japanese dining experience with several notable features:

• Variety of Bento Choices and Presentation: Customers appreciate the "variety of choices and presentation" in their bento boxes. The "design of food arrangement in our bento showcases an attitude for a well-balanced eating habit," reflecting true Japanese bento culture.

• Focus on Traditional Dishes: The menu emphasizes classic Japanese dishes like Tonkatsu, Sukiyaki, Unagi, and various Curry Bentos, offering a taste of authentic home-style cooking.

• Convenient Takeout and Delivery Model: Operating primarily as a "small kitchen for orders on the most popular take-out platforms in Chicago," Morikawa Bento prioritizes efficiency and convenience, making it easy for locals to enjoy Japanese food at home.

• Diverse Protein Options: They offer a wide range of proteins including chicken, pork, beef, and various seafood (eel, black cod), catering to diverse dietary preferences within Japanese cuisine.

• Homemade Sides: The inclusion of "homemade Sweet Potato Croquette" highlights attention to detail and a touch of home-style preparation.

• Sweet and Mild Curry: One reviewer specifically mentioned their "curry chicken" as being "mild and sweet," and the "fried veggie is so delicious," indicating a particular flavor profile for their curry dishes.

It's important to note that while many reviews are positive regarding convenience and specific dishes, some customers have expressed concerns regarding flavor consistency (e.g., "not the right flavor" for some traditional dishes, or "bland" karaage) and ingredient preparation (e.g., "mushy" pork belly, "pasty" curry). The potato salad also received mixed feedback regarding its authenticity and freshness. However, other reviews praise dishes like Unagi and Sukiyaki, describing them as "very high quality" and "incredible." This suggests a varying experience depending on the specific dish ordered.

Based on the provided information and a review mentioning discounts on popular delivery platforms, Morikawa Bento frequently utilizes offers to attract and retain customers, particularly given its takeout/delivery-focused model.

• Delivery Platform Discounts: As seen on Uber Eats, Morikawa Bento offers various promotions, such as:

  • Percentage Off: Examples include 20% off popular items like Tonkatsu Curry Bento, Chicken Katsu Curry Bento, and Sukiyaki Bento.

  • Buy One Get One Free: Offers on appetizers like Gyoza (Pork and Vegetable) and Korokke (Homemade sweet potato croquette).

  • Free Items with Purchase: Such as a free Soy Marinated Egg with a $30 purchase.

• Combo Deals: They offer combo meals like Tonkatsu + Gyoza, Yakiudon + Gyoza, and Yakisoba + Gyoza, providing bundled value for customers.

• Seasonal/Limited Specials: Morikawa Bento introduces limited-time specials, such as different variations of their Makunouchi Bento, which highlights unique combinations or seasonal ingredients.

For the most current and specific promotions, locals in Illinois should regularly check Morikawa Bento's pages on major food delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) or their official website, as these platforms are where their offers are most frequently updated and visible.

To place an order for delicious Japanese bento or to inquire about their menu, here's how to connect with Morikawa Bento:

• Address: 2537 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

• Phone: (773) 840-8833 (Note: This phone number is associated with their Avondale location, which also serves as a general contact for Morikawa Bento in Chicago. It's best to confirm if this is the primary number for the Wabash Ave location when calling, or rely on delivery apps.)

Their online ordering hours for pickup and delivery are typically from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Sunday.

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the bustling urban landscape of Chicago, Morikawa Bento offers a highly convenient and appealing option for authentic Japanese cuisine. Its primary suitability for locals lies in its strong focus on a delivery and takeout model, perfectly catering to the fast-paced urban lifestyle or those preferring to dine at home. The ease of ordering through popular delivery platforms makes enjoying a quality Japanese meal incredibly accessible.

The broad "variety of choices and presentation" in their bento boxes allows customers to explore a wide range of traditional Japanese dishes, from classic Katsu and Teriyaki to more unique offerings like Unagi and Sukiyaki, ensuring there's something for every palate. The frequent promotions and combo deals available through delivery apps also add significant value, making authentic Japanese food an affordable and regular option. While some dishes may experience occasional inconsistencies, the overall positive feedback on popular items like their unagi and sukiyaki, along with the convenience factor, positions Morikawa Bento as a solid choice for locals seeking a well-balanced and satisfying Japanese meal delivered right to their door.

Morikawa Bento

2537 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA