Luna Isey Skyr: It's rare to see greek yogurt in grocery stores in Japan; this version of icelandic skyr was purchased at Seijo Ishii and is strawberry flavored (though the packaging also shows peaches). It's noticeably thicker than other yogurt options, but it pales in comparison to Siggi's yogurt, which I miss a lot. Overall, I found this particular brand to be unpleasantly sour as well, despite its fruit flavoring. 2.0/5.0
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Mah Ze Dahr Banana Bread: Mah Ze Dahr is a small bakery in Greenwich Village with pastries carefully organized on wooden boards and raised platters, somehow conveying both abundance (through its variety of baked goods) and scarcity (there are <10 of each). This banana bread was served in a sizable disc, like an enlarged, leveled-off muffin top, or an especially thick cookie. Unfortunately, while banana bread is one of my favorites, I found it to be a bit on the dry side, and the sugar coating on top made it far too... (read more) 2.0/5.0
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Marin Food Specialties Fig Bars: I think figs are one of the most underrated fruits. Since I moved to Berkeley, I've enjoyed eating the Berkeley Bowl fig cereal bars fairly regularly, so I don't usually buy packaged fig bars anymore. This product was on sale, though, and given that it was a local brand, I thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, the filling was overly dense and far too sweet, while the cookie was too crumbly and a little bit dry. I have yet to find a good snack with the word "great tasting" on the labe... (read more) 2.0/5.0
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Maruhiko uni suki: uni-flavored rice crackers. seafood-like flavor, but doesn't taste distinctly of uni. odd smell. 2.0/5.0
hmart crackers ricecrackers asian japanese maruhiko uni suki 2.0Marusan litchi soymilk: Japanese soymilk juicebox flavored with litchi. Neither juice nor soymilk, this strange combination is overly sweet. Despite listing 3g of sugar, the drink contains sucrolose, an artificial sweetener. Overall, one of the more unpleasant drinks I've had recently. Don't be like me and fall for the cute packaging. 2.0/5.0
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Mashti Malone Cucumber Sorbet: After getting a scoop from Saffron & Rose, my sister and I stopped by Mashti Malone to compare. Half of Mashti Malone has regular American ice cream, while the other has more interesting Persian options. The difference in quality between S&R and Mashti is immediately noticeable, though, even before tasting. While the cucumber sorbet I tasted had an interesting savory vegetable flavor, it was more of an italian ice than a sorbet, with a very icy texture. When it comes to Turkish flavors, ... (read more) 2.0/5.0
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