Suntory Bikkle drink: This tastes exactly like Yakult, the Asian yogurt i had growing up in miniature plastic milk jug contained. It's very sweet and doesn't taste of plain yogurt - I think e have comes more from the milky opaque color thank any flavor profile. Purchased at a vending machine in Tokyo. 3.0/5.0
drinks vendingmachine japan suntory bikkel drink 3.0
Sweet Box Co. Singapore Chilli Crab Potato Chips: These potato chips are somewhere between Pringles and Lay's in terms of thickness and texture, with a ridged surface. They have a slice kick and generally taste of a seafood-flavored snack (not necessarily identifiable as crab). Overall, I enjoyed them - I would try other flavors front this brand, but I probably wouldn't buy this exact flavor again as there are so many more snacks to try in Japan. 3.5/5.0
recommended japan japanese potatochips sweetboxco singapore chilli crab potato chips 3.5
Wanpo Tea Shop Oolong milk tea with boba: I've had bubble tea in Japan at a handful of shops, and most have been very disappointing, with watered-down powdered tea and overly soft boba. When I saw that there was a Taiwanese chain of bubble tea shops near Ueno station whose wall is lined with loose-leaf tea canisters, I thought they might be different. Luckily, my suspicions were confirmed, and I was actually able to communicate with the shop in Mandarin, a big win for me as I normally feel pretty useless with the little Japanese I... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended bubbletea japan wanpoteashop oolong milk tea boba 4.0
根津のたいやき Taiyaki: One thing I will sincerely miss when I leave Japan is the little mom & pop stands selling traditional Japanese treats like imagawayaki and taiyaki. This little stand in Nezu always seems to have a line, even in COVID times, and serves anko (red bean) filled fish-shaped pancakes. They cost just about $2 USD and they take care to snip off the burnt edges with scissors before placing your pancake in a to-go pouch, meant to be eaten quickly after it comes from the grill. Their red bean paste ... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional japan nezu anko redbean tokyo taiyaki 4.5