THSRC Unveils 3 New Bento Boxes at Railway Bento Festival, Launching July 1

(Central News Agency reporter Huang Chiao-wen, Taipei, June 5) The 11th Railway Bento Festival kicked off today at Taipei Main Station. Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) announced three new bento box flavors: Orange Sauce Pork Rib Rice, Scallion Oil Chicken Cutlet with Millet Rice, and Braised Tofu Skin with Vegetables and Purple Rice. These will be available at stations and on trains during lunch and dinner hours starting July 1. THSRC is participating in the 11th Railway Bento Festival, held at Taipei Main Station from today until June 8, and is giving a sneak peek at three new THSRC bento boxes meticulously crafted by Kaohsiung Air Kitchen. According to a THSRC press release, the design theme is based on Taiwan's distinctive flavors. The "Orange Sauce Pork Rib Rice" uses domestic pork ribs, marinated and cooked until fragrant and tender, then drizzled with sweet and tangy Hakka orange sauce. The "Scallion Oil Chicken Cutlet with Millet Rice" features tender chicken cutlets carefully simmered in a fragrant scallion oil sauce, locking in the meat's sweetness and juiciness, served with nutritious millet rice. For vegetarian travelers, the "Braised Tofu Skin with Vegetables and Purple Rice" uses non-genetically modified tofu skin, slowly braised to absorb the rich soy sauce flavor, resulting in a soft and flavorful texture. To match the menu update, THSRC noted that the bento box lid also features a new design, incorporating the concept of "Fun in Taiwan," connecting famous attractions and various specialty items from across Taiwan, allowing passengers to feel as if they are exploring Taiwan's beautiful scenery by THSRC while dining. THSRC stated that the three new bento boxes are expected to be fully launched at THSRC stations and on trains during lunch and dinner hours starting July 1 (for details on meal service trains, please refer to the THSRC corporate website). Passengers who want an early taste can purchase them at the THSRC booth during the Bento Festival. On-site purchases are available at a special price of NT$110, with one complimentary bottle of water. Additionally, the "THSRC x Kanahei's Small Animals" collaboration product set and various THSRC commemorative items are available for purchase on-site. Buying them together with a THSRC bento offers an additional discount, while supplies last. To thank passengers for their support of THSRC bento boxes, THSRC noted that during the Bento Festival, anyone who purchases a bento or collaboration product at the THSRC booth and has a same-day receipt totaling NT$400 or more will receive one chance to enter a lucky draw; NT$800 or more will receive two chances, and so on. Prizes include THSRC free ride ticket vouchers, THSRC train L-files, and THSRC collaboration scarves. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150605