Tiffin box

Types of tiffin boxes

The Tiffin box is a traditional Indian lunch box made up of multiple stacked containers. It is used to carry home-cooked meals. Nowadays, it has become popular due to its convenience and ability to store food. Different types of tiffin boxes are available to meet diverse needs and preferences.

• Stainless steel tiffin boxes

  The most common one is the stainless steel tiffin. They are made of high-quality stainless steel and come in different sizes. They are rust-free and don't get worn out easily. So, they will last a long time. There are usually multiple tiers, so one can store various dishes in different compartments.

• Plastic tiffin boxes

  Plastic tiffin boxes are another popular option and are relatively affordable compared to the rest. They are lightweight and easy to carry around. They are the best option for people who don't want to carry their heavy lunch boxes to work or school daily. However, they are not as durable as the others and may get damaged if dropped from high.

• Insulated tiffin boxes

  Insulated tiffin boxes are made up of different materials such as metal, glass, or plastic. They have an insulated body that helps retain the temperature of the food. Even after some time has passed since the tiffin was last used, the delicacies inside will still be warm. They are great for people who want to enjoy warm, home-cooked meals.

• Eco-friendly tiffin boxes

  With the world going green, eco-friendly tiffin boxes have also entered the market. They are meant for people who want to do their part in protecting the environment. They are made up of biodegradable materials that break down naturally and don't contribute to land pollution. They are usually made from bamboo or stainless steel.

• Multi-purpose tiffin boxes

  Multi-purpose tiffin boxes are made up of materials like stainless steel, plastic, or glass. They are the best option for those who want to use their tiffin boxes for various purposes. They can be used to store food, carry gym bags, or bring picnics, etc. They often have a contemporary design and sleek look.

Designs of tiffin boxes

• Tiered design:

  The tiered tiffin box design is the most popular. It has stacked containers, one on top of the other. The stacked design allows for compact storage. It is easy to carry and ideal for transporting multiple dishes at once. Each tier can hold a different cuisine, and most stacked tiffins are secured with a latch or handle to prevent the tiers from separating. These tiffin boxes are commonly made of stainless steel or aluminum, with multiple tiers available.

• Bucket design:

  Bucket-style tiffin boxes have a single large container with smaller compartments inside, similar to a bucket. These compartments can be removed or adjusted to accommodate different food item sizes. The bucket design is convenient for storing various foods in one large container. It is becoming increasingly popular among students and professionals.

• Insulated design:

  Insulated tiffin boxes keep food hot or cold for several hours and are made with two layers of stainless steel or other insulation materials. The insulated design is ideal for carrying meals that need to maintain their temperature for long periods, such as lunch or dinner. Most insulated tiffins have a vacuum-sealed and leak-proof construction to retain heat or cold and prevent spilling.

• Leaf-shaped design:

  Leaf-shaped tiffin boxes are modern, elegant, and more stylish than traditional round or square designs. They are also called "Eco Leaf Tiffins." They come in various sizes and can be used to carry one or two dishes. Most leaf-shaped tiffin boxes have a double-insulated design that keeps food hot for hours. They also have an elegant design with multiple compartments for carrying different dishes.

• Modular design:

  Modular tiffin boxes have a container with removable and customizable compartments. The container can be customized by adding or removing the compartments. This design is convenient because users can change the number of compartments based on their needs. These tiffin boxes are also compatible with other modular tiffin accessories, such as an extra tier or dessert container.

• Sleek and minimalist design:

  These tiffin boxes have clean lines and a modern look, with an emphasis on functionality and aesthetics. They are mostly made of stainless steel or glass, with simple, elegant lids and clasps. The minimalist design is optimal for people who prioritize style in addition to functionality.

Scenarios of tiffin boxes

• Commercial

  Providing food to employees is a common practice in many businesses, especially in industries like manufacturing and construction, where workforces are large, and people work long hours. Companies use tiffin boxes to deliver hot, freshly-cooked meals to employees at workstations. This ensures that employees have access to nourishing food without needing to leave the premises during breaks.

• Street food vendors

  Street food is popular in many countries, and vendors often serve dishes in tiffin boxes. Whether it's biryani, curry, or snack platters, tiffin boxes make it easy for customers to eat on the go. Street food vendors use disposable tiffin boxes for quick service and convenience.

• Restaurants and catering

  Restaurants and catering services use tiffin boxes for takeout and delivery orders. With the growing demand for takeout meals, tiffin boxes offer an attractive and eco-friendly packaging option for serving multi-course meals away from the restaurant. Catering companies also use tiffin boxes to present food at events, ensuring that dishes remain separated and neatly arranged.

• Railway catering

  In countries where train travel is common, tiffin boxes are often associated with railway catering. Train attendants deliver freshly-prepared meals to passengers in tiffin boxes, allowing travelers to enjoy homemade food while journeying. This system provides convenience and adds to the experience of traveling by train.

• Business lunches

  Professionals who want to have a home-cooked meal during work hours opt for tiffin boxes to carry their lunches to the office. Tiffin boxes allow for packing various foods, ensuring a satisfying meal. They are ideal for storing rice or bread with multiple curries or side dishes, making them perfect for busy days when one wants to eat healthily.

• Special occasions and picnics

  Tiffin boxes are also used during special occasions and outdoor events like picnics. Whether it's a wedding, birthday party, or family gathering, tiffin boxes can be filled with traditional dishes, snacks, and desserts. They allow for organized and enjoyable dining, as people can conveniently open their boxes to access the food they prefer. Additionally, tiffin boxes are great for picnics as they keep food fresh and allow for a variety of dishes to be enjoyed in nature.

How to choose tiffin boxes

Some factors that must be considered while choosing tiffin boxes are as follows.

• Material

  Among the multiples materials mentioned above, choose the one that is suitable for the intent of use. For instance, plastic tiffin boxes are light in weight and affordable but not suitable for carrying hot food. On the other hand, stainless steel tiffin boxes are durable and can be used for both hot and cold food. Moreover, if there is a need for carrying multiple food items and keeping them separate, then opt for the tiered tiffin box.

• Insulation

  For those who want to carry hot food, look for insulated tiffin boxes or tiffin boxes that have an insulation feature. In addition to that, if there is a need for carrying cold food, then also choose tiffin boxes with an insulated feature.

• Size and Capacity

  Choose a tiffin box that can accommodate the amount of food needed to be carried. For instance, if a large amount of food is to be carried, then opt for a tiffin box with multiple tiers. On the other hand, if only a small amount of food is to be carried, then a single-tiered tiffin box would suffice.

• Leak-Proof

  Select tiffin boxes that are leak-proof to avoid any spillage of food from the tiffin box. This way, not only will the tiffin box stay clean, but there will also be no mess created inside the bag or backpack.

• Easy to Clean

  Choose tiffin boxes that are easy to clean. In addition, ensure that it can be cleaned both by hand and in the dishwasher.

• Cost

  Among the above-mentioned factors, consider the budget and choose the one that is cost-effective without compromising the quality.

Q&A

Q1: Can one store liquids in a tiffin box?

A1: Yes,liquid can be stored in tiffin boxes with tight clasps and seals.

Q2: Are Tiffin boxes microwaveable?

A2: Tiffin boxes made from plastic and glass can be used in a microwave oven. However, metal tiffin boxes should be avoided in microwave ovens.

Q3: Which is better: a tiffin box or a lunch box?

A3: Both serve the same purpose of carrying food to work or school. However, a tiffin box has multiple tiers to carry different types of food separately, while a lunch box is a single container.

Q4: Are tiffin boxes disposable?

A4: Tiffin boxes are usually made from stainless steel, plastic, or glass and are reusable. However, there are disposable ones made from eco-friendly materials like paper or styrofoam. These are used once and thrown away.

Q5: How can one clean stains from the tiffin box?

A5: Baking soda mixed with a small quantity of water can help remove tough stains from the tiffin box.