Barbara’s Cinnamon crunch Snackimals: Abstract but still easily-identifiable animal shapes make up this glazed corn and oat cereal. Puffed texture falls somewhere between Lucky Charms non-marshmallow pieces and Kix in density. Lightly sweetened with a pleasantly spiced cinnamon flavor. Organic take on kids cereal. 3.0/5.0
cereal berkeleybowl barbaras cinnamon crunch snackimals 3.0 organic
Calbee Hot Garlic Shrimp Crackers: Another unexpected take on this classic Chinese shrimp cracker, this time "hot garlic." Ridged crisps are tossed in a tangy seasoned coating that is unmistakably garlic but not particularly spicy. Somewhat reminiscent of a sweet paprika flavor mixed with MSG. Same delicious savory shrimp flavor. I don't know if I like it more than the original, but I don't regret trying it either. 3.0/5.0
berkeleybowl seafood chinese calbee hot garlic shrimp crackers 3.0
Yaokin Takoyaki Umaibo: Continuing my quest to try every flavor of Umaibo (a challenge I don’t think will ever end), I tried the takoyaki flavored corn snack. For those who haven’t had takoyaki before, takoyaki is a Japanese street snack consisting of battered octopus balls topped with shaved bonito flakes and a kewpie mayo drizzle. This snack version of a snack had a very smoky seafood flavor, savory and sweet like a deep brown gravy (Worcestershire-like). It isn’t one of my favorite Umaibo as I found the flavor b... (read more) 3.0/5.0
japanese yaokin takoyaki umaibo 3.0
Trader Joe’s Sweet & Salty granola bars: Chewy and flavor-heavy snack option combining almond butter and yogurt, along with grains and nuts. Barely a granola bar; more likely candy. Overly sweet for my palate. Surprisingly not so filling. 3.0/5.0
almond yogurt traderjoes sweet salty granola bars 3.0
Kekou Almond tofu gelato: Tofu jelly with canned fruits is a classic Chinese banquet dessert made not with actual tofu but with gelatin, sugar, water, and almond extract. It was one of my favorite sweets to eat growing up, so I was excited to see the flavor at the menu at Kekou, an ice cream shop off Spadina in Toronto specializing in asian flavors. Kekou doesn’t use any stabilizers, which translates to gelato that’s more fresh but not quite as smooth. The tofu gelato was a little icy and a bit too sweet for my palat... (read more) 3.0/5.0
icecream Toronto kekou almond tofu gelato 3.0 dessert
Minamoto Kitchoan Senbei: Crispy Japanese rice crackers from confectionary store Minamoto Kitchoan. First time I've ever had a snack that has a deep umami flavor but is not at all salty (some may even say underseasoned). An interesting one, but not a snack I would purchase. 3.0/5.0
ricecrackers japanese minamotokitchoan senbei 3.0