UPSIZE PH | What Are Bento Cakes And Why Are We Seeing Them All Over Social Media?

Sep 15

Sep 15 What Are Bento Cakes And Why Are We Seeing Them All Over Social Media?

The term “bento,” which means lunchbox, might be Japanese but all these cute minimalist cakes we’ve been seeing on social media first became popular in Korea where it’s known as the “no-share cake.”

Bento cakes are mini cakes that not more than four inches in diameter with options for cute designs and/or short messages. They are packaged in takeout containers, hence the name “bento cake.” They can be eaten in 2-3 bites. In South Korea, people send these cakes to others as expressions of love and gratitude.

Photo credit: Oh-Cake! Bakery on Instagram

Fans of Korean artists usually order bento cakes during important occasions in their favorites’ lives, such as birthdays, anniversaries or the release of a new song, album or drama. Then, they’d post images of the cake on social media.

Bento cakes became very popular during the pandemic when more people became fans of all things Korean and there were no big celebrations so these small minimalist cakes seemed more appropriate. They also make good party favors in quarantine. If you’re celebrating your birthday, for example, you can send out these cakes (which are quite inexpensive) to family members who don’t live with you and friends.

The cakes themselves are usually simple sponge cakes (carrot, mocha and vanilla) while the icing is buttercream as in these times when nearly everything is obtained via delivery, buttercream icing travels better than a whipped cream one.

So where can you get bento cakes in the Philippines?

Kaibakes, which is based in Cubao, Quezon City, is very popular among K-Pop fans. You can order their cakes via the website.