Maruka Setouchi Lemon Flavored Ika-Ten: I found this bag in the dried squid / bar snack section of my local supermarket and was drawn to the colorful packaging. It contains ika-ten, dried squid that's battered and fried; in this case, it's coated with a strong lemon powder that's extremely addicting. I haven't come across a snack that is this tangy and acidic before, even though I've had a good number of citrus snacks by now. It balances the deep savory and salty flavor of the fried squid, which is very crispy rather than the u... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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Koikeya Mozzarella and lemon potato chips: In theory, this unexpected mozzarella and lemon combination seems like it would be a bit odd, but it's actually surprisingly good, like a more creamy and mild sour cream and onion flavor with a lemon kick. The acidic lemon seasoning is the first taste you get, but the chips have a milky and tangy finish, almost like a sour yogurt. I'm generally not a big fan of the cheese flavored snacks I've had here in Japan, but this is definitely an exception. Purchased at Lawson 100. 4.0/5.0
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福どら Matcha Doriyaki: I know doriyaki from Dorameon because the Japanese pancake-sandwich is a favorite of the beloved Japanese cartoon character. There's a little Japanese confectionary shop close to me that sells many different flavors of doriyaki, from traditional anko red bean to strawberry cream. I purchased their matcha creme flavor that has a whipped matcha filling and a piece of chewy mochi, all between two soft pancakes. The creme was pleasantly bitter and not too sweet, with a fluffy texture that cont... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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Dean & Co Ginger ale konatsu: This carbonated Japanese beverage mixes ginger with hyuganatsu citrus (a yuzu / pomelo hybrid), and cinnamon for a uniquely refreshing, pleasant drink. It's not particularly spicy, and the carbonation is light, but it does balance the three flavors perfectly and you can easily identify each. It reminds me of the fall, like a tart citrus take on apple cider with its spiced cinnamon and clove aftertaste. Haven't had anything like it before! Purchased at National Azabu. 4.0/5.0
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Ginza Akebono Strawberry Daifuku: For the most part, I've been able to try all the major traditional Japanese confectionary treats in my time in Japan, so I generally haven't been going out of my way to visit particular shops. However, if I see that a shop has a line, I'll take a look, especially as there are essentially no tourists in Tokyo now and so any place with a line is a local favorite. I hadn't known about this small shop in Ginza that opened right after WWII (about 60 years old), but their ichigo (strawberry) dai... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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Yomayoshi Akamaru Shinmi Ippudo Ramen Potato Chips: These chips are an official collaboration with the popular Japanese ramen chain Ippudo, featuring their spicy miso and pork bone broth ramen called Akamaru Shinmi. I previous had their more traditional tonkotsu pork broth flavor, and you can definitely tell the difference with this spicy ramen version. It has a decent amount of heat but more generally a sharper flavor compared to the more mellow, rich flavor of the tonkotsu. It really does taste that ramen broth, with a meaty and complex m... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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