HokBen
![]() ![]() PT Eka Bogainti, trading as HokBen (formerly known as Hoka Hoka Bento), is an Indonesian chain of restaurants that serves mainly Japanese-style fast food. Headquartered in the Jakarta capital region, the chain of restaurants span nationwide across the Indonesian islands of Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. NomenclatureHokBen is a portmanteau word derived from an early name of the brand, Hoka Hoka Bento, which literally means "steaming bento (Japanese-style takeaway served in box)" in Japanese. It was originally named that way to attract the Japanese expats and the Japanese-enthusiasts in Indonesia. HistoryEstablished on 18 April 1985 in Kebon Kacang, Jakarta, under PT. Eka Bogainti by Hendra Arifin,[1] HokBen became the largest Japanese-style fast food chain in Indonesia. Although they serve Japanese-style fast food, the ownership,[2] management and cooks are entirely Indonesian.[3] There is no Japanese involvement in the business.[4] In April 2008, the firm had 98 outlets.[5] As of April 2010, there were around 120 outlets, with expansion planned to other Indonesian cities in Central Java, Yogyakarta and Bali.[6][7] Today[when?], HokBen has 141 restaurant chains in Java and Bali. Products![]() HokBen serves various Japanese fast food. However, unlike the common ordering and serving method in most fast food restaurants, HokBen's serving arrangement is set similar to a high school cafeteria where customers move along the line with a tray to collect their dishes. Their menu comprises both set meals and à la carte dishes.[8] Although they define themselves as a Japanese restaurant, most of the food served have been adapted to suit Indonesians' taste.[9] Examples of the change include stronger flavor compared to authentic Japanese food as well as the addition of sambal to cater to Indonesians' preference for spicy food. ![]() HokBen offers a kids' meal package called "Kidzu Bento" which includes toys. They are also able to accommodate for children's birthday parties in their restaurants.[10] The logo and toys offered are based on Hoka Hoka Bento characters. MascotThe mascots of HokBen are a pair of adolescent characters named Taro (boy) and Hanako (girl).[11] Both characters appear in the restaurant's logo. It is also used in Japan by New Life Hot Food's. References
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