For schoolchildren, lunchtime is undoubtedly the highlight of the day. The moment the lunch bell rings, it signals a well-earned break, bringing the excitement of opening their tiffin boxes. In India, school lunches are a delightful surprise—fluffy aloo parathas with achar, fragrant lemon rice, grilled sandwiches, or the ever-popular rajma chawal. Some lucky students even find an unexpected samosa or a sweet treat tucked inside, lovingly packed by their parents. That first bite? Pure joy!
But have you ever wondered what school lunches look like in other countries? A viral video offering a glimpse into Japan’s school meal system has taken social media by storm, leaving viewers both impressed and envious.
A look inside Japanese school lunches
A content creator recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at Japanese school lunches, showcasing an extraordinary level of care and precision. Unlike the homemade variety of Indian tiffin boxes, Japanese school meals are meticulously planned, nutritionally balanced, and served with remarkable organization.
The creator explained that capturing footage inside a Japanese school cafeteria was no easy feat. They had to undergo a specimen test and obtain formal approval from the National School Lunch Organization before being permitted to record. This highlights Japan’s dedication to ensuring high-quality school meals.
Originally posted by Instagram user @jukananan727, the video has already garnered over 12 million views, sparking a lively discussion among netizens.
Internet reacts to Japan’s structured school lunches
Social media users were amazed by the level of discipline and nutrition in Japanese school lunches. One viewer commented, “This isn’t just food; it’s an experience! Look at how balanced and healthy it is.” Another user humorously added, “Meanwhile, I grew up eating chips and juice for lunch.”
Indian users, in particular, couldn’t help but reminisce about their own school tiffin experiences. One person wrote, “Nothing can match the joy of opening an aloo paratha from a steel dabba.” Another joked, “Our school lunch was just Maggi in a thermos, and yet we all fought over it.”
Several viewers also pointed out the discipline instilled in Japanese students. “Even their lunchtime is structured and organized. It’s really impressive,” observed one commenter. Another quipped, “If my school had lunches like this, I’d never have skipped class!”
This viral video not only highlights Japan’s commitment to nutritious and structured school meals but also stirs nostalgia among Indian viewers, reminding them of their own tiffin box joys. Whether it’s a well-balanced Japanese meal or a simple home-packed Indian lunch, one thing remains certain—school lunch memories are cherished forever.