Photo/Illutration The Wine no Meshi "ekiben" boxed lunch, which has been named the Ekiben of the Year 2021 (Provided by Marumasa)

HOKUTO, Yamanashi Prefecture--A boxed feast offered by a company here brought home the bacon from the Ekiben Grand Prix 2021 contest as the best “ekiben” lunch sold at train stations and on long-distance trains in eastern Japan.

The Wine no Meshi, which claimed the top Ekiben of the Year prize, pairs well with wine produced with local Koshu grapes.

It has been sold at shops at JR Kobuchisawa and Kofu stations and elsewhere since March last year by Marumasa, a long-established ekiben manufacturer and seller based in the Kobuchisawacho district of Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture. 

Founded in 1918, Marumasa has previously won a newcomer prize in 2014 and a prize commemorating the 135th anniversary of the birth of ekiben in 2020.

"Ekiben is a small box wrapped in wrapping paper, packed with local charms," said Marumasa Chairman Masahito Natori, 77. "We want to make further efforts to pursue the 'ultimate ekiben.'"

The Wine no Meshi is sold for 1,500 yen ($13), including tax. Unusual for a boxed lunch, the meal comes with bread, instead of rice.

Nine dishes served in appetizer style include a gratin made with a local specialty of "hoto" noodles and stewed chicken guts. Each dish is cooked with special ingredients such as locally produced pork, chicken and salmon.

Hosted by East Japan Railway Co. (JR East), the food contest is aimed at promoting Japan's railway culture and the rich diversity of ekiben.

For the 10th edition, 36,454 fans cast their ballots online in fall last year to evaluate ekiben based on three categories including taste, serving arrangement and wrapping paper.

Sixty-seven ekiben available in JR East's jurisdiction were entered in the competition. Of these, 14 were given awards.

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