When you visit Japan, you’ll be surprised by the variety of Japanese food options beyond sushi and ramen.
When it comes to delicious snacks to eat while traveling, you can: order Japanese snacksKnown as “okashi,” this dish brings a quirky, modern touch to ancient heritage and immerses you in the country’s food culture.
The main focus of this article is to introduce you to some of the best and most delicious Japanese snacks that you can eat while traveling abroad.
The importance of snacks in Japanese culture
Junk food is a big part of the Japanese lifestyle. Although it is a sweet, it expresses the seasonal rhythm of the region and allows you to enjoy the food culture of that country.
Beautifully crafted and packaged in attractive packaging, Japanese sweets are works of art and make great souvenirs and gifts.
Popular Japanese snacks you must try
1. Pocky
Pocky sticks are very famous all over the world as a Japanese snack item. These are thin, crispy sticks covered in chocolate or other flavors.
There are also savory flavors such as strawberry, matcha, tomato, and cheese.
2.KitKat
may not be exclusive Japanese food However, it has spread like wildfire in this country due to its unique and unique flavor.
Examples include unique flavors such as matcha, cherry blossom, and wasabi. Fit Kat snacks are distributed in multiple regions of Japan and are one of the most popular souvenirs due to their wide variety.
3.Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste. Most often you can come across these stands in street food courts and fairs.
Other innovative ideas include offering different toppings such as custard, sweet fillings such as chocolate, and even salty flavors.
4. Onigiri
Onigiri are not snacks, but they are convenient and very popular in Japan. Triangular or sometimes circular (covered with nori), these rice balls are usually stuffed with umeboshi, salmon, or tuna salad, depending on the buyer’s preference.
5.Mochi
Mochi is glutinous rice pounded into a mochi shape. Nutritious flavor temptations include sweet fillings such as bean paste, fruit, and ice cream.
Daifuku, which is a rice cake with bean paste inside, is especially popular.
6. Rice crackers
Senbei is a traditional Japanese rice cracker. They come in all shapes and sizes and different flavors.
There are salt and soy sauce versions and sweet versions. This goes back to the original method.
7.Japanese sweets
Japanese sweets are Japanese sweets that are commonly eaten with tea. This is a masterpiece made by hand using rice cakes, rice cakes, fruits, and other ingredients. Their motifs are usually tied to seasons.
8. Matcha flavored snacks
A popular flavor is matcha, which is found in many Japanese sweets. Examples include matcha flavored cocoa, cookies, ice cream, and more. Matcha flavored potato chips are also available.
9. Shaved ice
Shaved ice is the perfect summer ice cream dessert. It is most often topped with fruit syrup, condensed milk, flavored syrup, and sometimes with fruit or rice cakes. The most common flavors are strawberry, melon, and matcha.
10.Dagashi
These are inexpensive Japanese sweets and snacks that children love. They are usually very colorful and look like presents, and contain different types of treats, such as sugar candies, small rice crackers, and flavored gummies.
Where can I find Japanese snacks?
There are many Japanese snacks that you should try while traveling. You can purchase different types of Japanese snacks at different locations during the tour.
- Convenience stores: Places like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are the norm in this country and offer the most diverse selection of snacks.
- Supermarkets: In reality, eating local food is a matter of personal preference. Because the entire aisle is filled with different snacks and sweets.
- Department store: The first floor of a department store, known as the “depa basement”, is usually where the food hall is located with a variety of snacks and sweets.
- Specialty stores: Some stores sell regional snacks or specific types of desserts.
- Street vendors: Street vendors are often seen offering freshly made products such as taiyaki and shaved ice to visitors at food stalls and at festivals and other tourist destinations.
Seasonal and regional specialties
Japan’s snack culture is based on both seasonality and regional product types. Please keep the following in mind while traveling:
- Seasonal Manufacturing: One of the most exciting aspects of the arrival of fall is the arrival of Japanese snacks in limited or seasonal flavors. Therefore, in spring, the Japanese word for cherry blossoms, or “cherry blossoms,” is used on some products.
- Regional specialties: Each region of Japan has its own type of food. For example, in Hokkaido, sweets made with milk are the mainstream, while in Kyoto, local Japanese sweets are the mainstay.
Consideration for health
When eating sweets made in Japan, please be aware that some ingredients may not be included or you may be allergic to them. The most common ingredients found in Japanese snacks are:
- Gluten: Many Japanese snack foods are made from wheat flour, giving you options for sweet treats.
- Soy: Just like starchy Japanese snacks, soy sauce is one of the common seasonings used in Japanese snacks.
- Nuts: There is a risk that some snacks may contain nuts or be processed in places where nuts are also processed.
- Dairy products: In addition to butter and ice cream, milk is available from the Sapporo Dairy Factory in Hokkaido.
Remember at least some Japanese so that if you need a meal, you can ask about ingredients and see if there is allergy information on the package.
snack etiquette
When eating snacks in Japan, remember the following etiquette:
- Generally, it is considered rude to eat while walking on the street, except in fairs and special zones.
- Please dispose of garbage properly. Public trash cans are not readily available, so you will have to carry your trash with you until you can find a suitable disposal site.
- When sharing snacks with others, you should be considerate and try to use utensils without using your hands.
conclusion
The food options available give you plenty of opportunities to explore Japanese cuisine, while traditional and modern snacks give you the chance to learn more about the country’s food and culture.
Pocky, strangely flavored Kit Kats, and even Japanese sweets (traditional candy) are great at first, but that’s just a few of the many treasures you’ll discover.
While in Japan, don’t be afraid to try foods you’ve never tried before, but which may end up becoming your favorites.
For those on special diets, it is important to be aware of food allergies, observe local customs and etiquette, and enjoy the experience of discovering new and diverse flavors.
Local Japanese claim that until we acquire some level of language proficiency, we cannot taste any of their country’s food without learning basic Japanese in addition to tasting. Probably.
A love of tradition, a deep respect for culture, and almost surgical precision are all part of Japan’s food society. Good luck on your Japanese food journey!
