When it comes to snacking or tasting something new, one of the first places that comes to mind is the Japanese market Mitsuwa Marketplace. I have fond memories of going here, especially when getting food to share with my Japanese classes in both middle and high school. Food just has a way of connecting people together, and allows us to culturally exchange something that is uniquely amazing. There’s always something to look forward to when shopping at Mitsuwa since there is a wide variety of assorted food and snacks, which sometimes tempts me to want to buy the whole store. Here are a few of my select favorites whenever I go shopping at Mitsuwa:
1. Calbee Seaweed & Salt Potato Chips (ポテトチップスのりしお)
These potato chips are very addicting and are a flavor in which you don’t usually find in most American grocery stores. The seafood taste of the seaweed and the salt blend nicely together with every crunchy bite. The chips aren’t too thick to bite into and are on the healthier side than most chips I’ve come across. The chips are always a go-to whenever I’m in the mood for a salty snack on the go or just at home.
2. Sangaria Ramune (ラムネ)
This drink is a fizzy Japanese soda that comes in a wide array of flavors such as the original, strawberry, orange and even melon flavor. It’s perfect to drink especially on a hot summer day, or if you want something a bit on the sweet side. Personally my favorite is the strawberry flavor since I’m a huge fan of strawberries in general. The sweetness is super refreshing and quenches my thirst on any given day.
3. Japanese Rice ball (おにぎり)
Onigiri is hands down one of my favorite Japanese snacks to shop for since I grew up eating it. It’s rice that is formed into a triangle with seaweed wrapped around. There is usually a vegetable, seafood or meat filling that is placed inside. Some examples of the fillings can be tuna, mackerel, chicken, pork or mushroom just to name a few. This snack is perfect if you are a busy person or just want something quick to eat without having a full-on meal. The spicy tuna filling is my favorite as it has a nice kick in every bite.
4. Yaokin Cabbage Taro Corn Puffs (キャバツ太郎)
I came across these snacks randomly, and decided to give them a try. I ended up really enjoying them, and I’m glad I gave these a chance. These corn puffs have a distinct, interesting flavor. It is a savory puff with a Japanese sauce flavor and vegetable taste. It’s hard to describe exactly what kind of flavor it has since it’s not common, but I really like the crunchy texture of these snacks. If you want to try something out of the ordinary, or want a snack to share with your friends, this is the one you should check out.
5. Meiji Gummy Chocolate (グミチョコ)
Now for something on the sweet side, these small chocolates come in a tube of all different fruit flavors like mango, apple, grape and mixed fruit. The outer chocolate shell compliments the chewy fruit center when you taste both at the same time. The burst of fruit flavor comes to life with every bite, perfect for any sweet tooth craving you may have.
6. Daifuku Red Bean Cake (大福もち)
If you’re not in the mood for chocolate, then what about a soft mochi rice cake? These red bean cakes are still on the sweet side and serve as a small dessert. They come in different colors and have various toppings for you to choose from. The red bean paste filling inside the mochi makes it a yummy treat. It’s perfect if you don’t want something too heavy, yet just want the taste of a traditional Japanese dessert.
With all this food in mind, I hope I’ve inspired you to try out some Japanese snacks!