The new 498 yen noribento

FamilyMart's noribento has been revamped. The new 'Famima The Noribento' launched on October 6th, priced at 498 yen.

Recently, FamilyMart was selling its 'Noribento with Tartar White Fish Fry' for 598 yen. This new noribento is 100 yen cheaper, coming in under the 500 yen mark.

Some might think, "Noribento has always had an affordable image, so isn't around 500 yen normal?"

However, even at Hotto Motto, often considered the originator of noribento, their 'Noribento' currently costs 530 yen. With rising prices, it feels like many noribento have quietly surpassed the 500 yen mark.

Amidst this trend, FamilyMart has introduced the 'Famima The Noribento' for 498 yen. Curious about the taste? Let's check it out!

First Noribento from the "Famima The" Series!

'Famima The' is a series that has featured products like 'Famima The Melon Pan' and 'Famima The Curry Pan.' It aims to offer staple products that are the 'face' of FamilyMart, focusing on quality while remaining affordable. The series name itself, 'Famima The,' suggests a strong commitment, as if to say, 'This is FamilyMart!' This time, a noribento has been added as the series' first bento.

▲Famima The Noribento 498 yen

"Famima The Noribento." The name just rolls off the tongue perfectly!

Now, let's look at the ingredients. In addition to classic noribento sides like chikuwa tempura (fish cake fried with nori) and white fish fry with tartar sauce, it also includes a croquette and a boiled egg.

The previously sold 'Noribento with Tartar White Fish Fry' included items like tsukune (chicken meatballs), but those are absent this time. Instead, a boiled egg has been added.

Visually, this boiled egg makes a surprising impact. The yellow adds a touch of excitement to an otherwise often brown-toned noribento. The container is also flat and wide, giving it a substantial look despite the 498 yen price tag.

857 kcal! Excellent Calorie Performance!

What's also noteworthy is the calorie count. It packs 857 kcal per serving.

857 kcal for 498 yen. While separate from nutritional value, in terms of simply 'how much it fills you up for this price,' it offers quite impressive 'calorie performance.'

A substantial weight

It feels substantial when held. According to materials distributed on October 5th, the day before its release, the rice portion is '220g,' indicating a good volume.

Thoroughly covered in nori

When it comes to noribento, the nori (seaweed) is always a key concern. Looking at it, the rice is thoroughly covered in dark nori. Even areas not fully covered by the sheet nori have shredded nori sprinkled on top, giving it a truly 'nori-packed' appearance.

This is important!

I've heard that nori prices are also rising, so lately, it's not uncommon to see noribento where the rice isn't fully covered by seaweed. In this context, it's pleasing to see a noribento that looks 'properly noribento' right from the start.

Underneath the nori, there's also katsuobushi (bonito flakes). However, in the one I ate, it wasn't spread densely across the entire surface, but rather concentrated more towards the center. The seasoning is a sweet soy sauce flavor, not overly strong.

A simple croquette with sauce

At that point, I started wondering, 'Is there enough side dish to finish all the rice?'

While some bento shop noribento come with a separate soy sauce packet, this one doesn't. Moreover, while croquettes and boiled eggs are side dishes I (Nabeko) enjoy, I wouldn't necessarily say they're the kind of sides you can 'power through' plain white rice with.

The white fish fry has a reasonably thick coating and is also simple, topped with tartar sauce

However, as I continued eating, I managed to finish the rice and side dishes in a perfectly balanced way, right down to the last bite!

The white fish fry comes with tartar sauce. With the croquette and chikuwa tempura also present, pairing each little by little with the rice ensures you can enjoy it all the way to the end.

The boiled egg is also seasoned with salt

This is Just Right for a 500-yen Noribento

After finishing it, I can say it's not a noribento with any extraordinary surprises. But perhaps, for a noribento, this level of simplicity is actually ideal.

Personally, I prefer the katsuobushi to have a slightly stronger flavor. However, considering it's meant to be a staple bento that can be eaten almost daily, perhaps keeping the flavor not too strong is a thoughtful choice?

Ultimately, the affordable price of 498 yen is what makes me happiest.

The chikuwa was about 17-18 cm long!

And for me, Nabeko, a key highlight is the chikuwa tempura. I measured it, and it was approximately 17-18 cm long.

Some previous FamilyMart noribento products featured cut chikuwa, but this time it's served whole and long. As a chikuwa lover, just having this one long piece makes it satisfying!

By the way, from October 6th to 12th, purchasing 'Famima The Noribento' will get you a free exchange ticket for one eligible 'Oi Ocha' drink. The eligible drinks are 'Oi Ocha Green Tea 600ml' and 'Oi Ocha Koikukaoru Hojicha 600ml.' The redemption period is until the 19th.

You can buy a noribento for under 500 yen and get a free drink ticket? FamilyMart really gets it, doesn't it?

*All prices in the article include tax.

Some descriptions of past products have been corrected (October 6th).

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