The Formosa Railroad Bento Festival kicked off on Friday, drawing huge crowds to Taipei Main Station. Early birds arrived at the crack of dawn to line up for the hottest bento offerings. The Taiwan Railway Corporation aims to attract some 500,000 visitors, to generate more than NT$10 million in revenue.
Eel, mackerel, and pork neck glisten like gems in a nine-compartment surf-and-turf bento. Even baked lobster and abalone make an appearance, tucked inside this themed ceramic box.
The four-day Formosa Railroad Bento Festival opened Friday. People began gathering early in the morning, eventually packing the lobby of Taipei Main Station.
Member of public
I got to Taipei Main Station when it opened, at around 4:30 a.m. Why so early? This is something of a hobby of mine, because I’m a rail fan and highway enthusiast. And the bentos they’re debuting at the festival have never been sold before.
Member of public
I arrived around 7 a.m. Today I’m buying the E3 and E8 railway bentos for my collection.
One fan arrived at 4:30 in the morning to buy the Yamagata Shinkansen bento, a feast of fried chicken and rice balls. There’s also a beef edition of the Yamagata bento line. Another boxed meal features a Rakuten Girl cheerleader on the cover, to stand out on the shelf.
Member of public
If you buy one, you can take a photo with the Rakuten Girls. I got up really early to come out here.
Tu Wei
Taiwan Railway Corporation chairman
This year’s event is grander than ever. As far as revenue is concerned, we project bento sales of more than 10 million.
Featuring 53 vendors, this is the first bento festival organized by the rail operator since it became a corporation. The Taiwan Railway Corporation hopes the festival will continue to be a prime source of revenue for the company.
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