Navigating the World of Japanese Snacks

When I travel, my favorite souvenirs are food. Wherever I travel, I will no doubt come back with cases of snacks. I love to try snacks from different countries because what’s unusual in one country is the norm in a different country. Plus, it allows me to experience different flavor combinations I would never think to go together i.e. butter flavored chocolate.

I tried my best to taste all the snacks, amongst all the meals I ate, but it was a hard feat since there was such a large variety. Japan takes their snacks seriously. Chips, chocolates, and cookies in every flavor combination possible. And then there’s the matcha; it is not JUST matcha. There’s Uji matcha, sakura matcha, matcha with soybean powder, etc. It’s like snacks on steroids. The ones I didn’t have time to try, I brought home to savor. Below is a picture of all the snacks I bought.img_2590
Yes, I fit all the snacks above, 1.5 weeks of clothes, and a bottle of whiskey all in ONE carry on suitcase. I know I’m nuts, but I LOVE my snacks. Here is a breakdown of the snacks I think are worthy of trying:

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Strawberry Red Bean Mochi 

 Who knew such a concoction exists but man am I glad it does. While waiting in line for Sushi Dai, I had spotted the kid in front of me eating this. Out of hunger, I went and purchased one. It was everything I love in one bite. The Japanese strawberry has a tart yet sweet flavor to it. Overall the mochi wasn’t too sweet. It was so good that I went and bought two more.

You can find them in the first stall in the row behind Sushi Dai at the Tsukiji Fish Market. The little old man hand makes them along with characters made out of kidney and red bean paste. 

(Chuo, Tokyo, Japan)