A Taiwanese bentoand time for tea.

Braised pork, honey chicken or fried chicken sets the direction of a bento, with rice and vegetables alongside. The crisp coating of the fried chicken is especially memorable. Each box brings the main dish and its accompaniments together as a complete meal.

Small sides matter too. Spinach with sesame adds a different texture and fragrance beside the main dish. The accompaniments can change from day to day, so the bento is more than the same fixed set of compartments.

Three-cup king oyster mushrooms and a vegetable mince option give meat-free bentos their own centre. With rice and sides, they make a full meal in the same format.

Dry noodles with minced pork or braised tofu offer an alternative, and there are soup options too. A bento keeps the main dish and sides distinct; noodles bring sauce and ingredients together in the bowl.

Taiwanese tea goes beyond bubble tea here. The small restaurant on Torstraße has a relaxed atmosphere, with terrace seats in good weather. A cup of tea gives you a reason to stay a little longer after eating.

A bento works well for a simple meal on your own. With friends, the same table can become a place to sit over tea. MIBAP leaves room for either kind of visit.