Biàndāng Lunch Box Offers Fast, Efficient Midday Meal In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — Government workers who are returning full-time to their offices might be looking for a fast, efficient way to enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors for lunch.

Mala Tang, which is located at 3434 Washington Blvd. in Arlington, may have the solution with its new express lunch special.

“The Mala Tang Biàndāng Lunch Box features three pre-fixe dishes and rice, served bento box style for $15. The term bento is derived from the Chinese term biandang (便當, pinyin: biàndāng), which means ‘convenient,’” according the restaurant’s release.

The pre-fix menu will change daily but may include: Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Sichuan String Beans, Beef Tripe in Mala Sauce, Drypot Cauliflower, Cumin Fish and Chengdu Chicken.

Originally offered as a delivery-only service for Mandarin speakers via WeChat, the box lunch allows Chef Liu’s team to prepare a larger array of off-menu dishes, as a way for Chinese students and expats living in the area to get an authentic taste of home.