Jane-Jane Hot Prepared Shredded Squid: I grew up eating this dried squid snack and continue eating it to this day. The stringy texture makes is more manageable and snackable than jerky, and its heavy MSG seasoning is full of umami. The Hot is not exactly spicy but had a satisfying kick. It's also just a little bit sweet. 3.5/5.0
squid janejane hmart seafood 3.5 recommended msg chinese hot prepared shredded
Kasugai roasted hot green peas: The one and only. Spicy, but not overly so; crunchy, but not dense. A true classic. 3.5/5.0
recommended japanese wasabi spicy kasugai roasted hot green peas 3.5
Koh Kae Spicy Hot Pot Peanuts Mala: Purchased from HMart in Midtown, this can of peanuts has a uniquely spiced chili flavor that actually does taste similar to a schezuan-style hot pot. It’s savory but not overly spicy, with just enough heat. The roasted peanuts themselves were pretty ordinary, but the seasoning makes them worth trying. 3.0/5.0
hmart asian nuts kohkae spicy hot pot peanuts mala 3.0
Mont Thabor Hot dog bread with cabbage: I ate this for my last lunch in Azabu Juban, purchased at the neighborhood bakery Mont Thabor. For some reason, a lot of asian pastry shops feature hot dogs in their savory breads. This hot dog bread had sour cabbage on top along with a drizzle of ketchup. It pretty much tasted exactly as it looks: salty from the hot dog, bitter from the cabbage, and sweet from the tomato ketchup. 3.0/5.0
azabujuban japanese bread montthabor hot dog cabbage 3.0
Pomo Tierra Farms Hot Apple Cider: When I stopped at Cheeseboard this morning to pick up some breakfast, I saw a handwritten sign for seasonal hot apple cider from Pomo Tierra farms. I purchased the drink, then saw a man pour apple cider from a bottle of Bernie’s, a local apple cider brand they sell at various East Bay shops. I asked to clarify-was it Pomo Tierra Farms or Bernie’s? They told me they were the same thing. Then I had a sinking feeling that I had become That Berkeley Person, challenging exactly which organic app... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks cheeseboard berkeley pomotierrafarms hot apple cider 3.5
Shake Shack salted caramel hot chocolate: On cold nights, there's nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate to keep you warm. This seasonal item at Shake Shack hits the spot, with a rich but not too sweet chocolate and caramel combo and slightly frothy top. Highly recommended. 4.0/5.0
shakeshack hotchocolate caramel drinks recommended chocolate 4.0 salted hot