Japanese Candy/Groceries... advice sought.

[phalaeo]

Looking for suggestions on Japanese candy/fun foods to try. This is for something to do for an 11 year old and myself... she's interested in Pocky, and we've tried Ramune Soda, but would love some more suggestions.

So.... what's good out there that you've tried? We have a large Chinese/Asian grocery at our disposal, so pour it on us! Links are always helpful, especially if the label isn't in English.

Thanks, DDO community, as always.

[LoveNeverFails]

shr plz?

[Quarterling]

Pocky is always good, but I find it hard to like any flavor besides chocolate. To me strawberry and banana just taste strange as a pocky flavor, but I guess if some people like it, they will continue making them.

Milky are pretty good, so you might want to try out some of those. A package that I still have with some un-eaten Milky in it.

Any kind of gummy candy is usually great, especially if you have a sweet tooth since there are quite a few sweet kinds out there; I do believe there are sour ones as well.

Another kind of popular candy is unsweetened crackers, though most have a small coating of sugar on them or even soy sauce. I guess if you could imagine Ritz crackers with soy sauce, you might have an accurate representation of them, but I only ever tried like two different brands because I really don't like them.

Finally, be sure that you do not buy erasers! I bought this package of what I thought was candy, but it turned out to be erasers.

[Missing_Minds]

Any kind of gummy candy is usually great, especially if you have a sweet tooth since there are quite a few sweet kinds out there; I do believe there are sour ones as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Japan-Ka...f=pd_sim_gro_3
Brand that I prefer.

Another kind of popular candy is unsweetened crackers, though most have a small coating of sugar on them or even soy sauce. I guess if you could imagine Ritz crackers with soy sauce, you might have an accurate representation of them, but I only ever tried like two different brands because I really don't like them.

Sembei. Love the stuff. But becareful of the hot pepper ones, and if you see a pea, chances are it is wasabi coated.

Wasabi, Japanese horseradish. Do NOT confuse it with American/English horseradish. Normally I love to get people to try wasbi with sushi and give them a good helping of it just to see the first time response. Not something I'd do to a kid.


Also, when in doubt, just pick it up and try it!

[haku-ba]

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Sembei. Love the stuff. But becareful of the hot pepper ones, and if you see a pea, chances are it is wasabi coated.

You should definitely look out for senbei. They are fantastically tasty and come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and flavours. You should try them out even if you have a sweet tooth, as they can be quite sweet.

I recommend the larger, round ones that are very light in weight. The packets don't last more than a few minutes at home with the kids around.

[Zeruell]

You might give daifuku/mochi a shot. They come with various fillings; common ones are sweetened red bean paste, strawberry, or ice cream. My wife swears by them.

[FrancisP.Fancypants]

Dried squid. It's kinda like jerky, but a little sweet.

[English_Warrior]

I like wasabi covered peas or soy beans (edamame).

Maybe a touch too spicy for an 11 year old to like...but worth a try just for the experience.

[Battery]

I like wasabi covered peas or soy beans (edamame).

Maybe a touch too spicy for an 11 year old to like...but worth a try just for the experience.

make sure you videotape her reaction and put it on youtube!

[AnYtHiNg23]

I like wasabi covered peas or soy beans (edamame).

Maybe a touch too spicy for an 11 year old to like...but worth a try just for the experience.

I live in VietNam and have to say that Wasabi Peas are fantastic! In fact, you've just reminded me to get some more, thanks!

[DoctorWhofan]

The chocolate stuffed panda bear cookies are good (red or pink hexagon shaped box, forgot the name).

As for fun, we have wasabi covered macadamia nuts here. But everyone's favourite snack is Spam Musubi (sp), a local fusion favourite. They eat as a snack or as a lunch.

[Missing_Minds]

As for fun, we have wasabi covered macadamia nuts here. But everyone's favourite snack is Spam Musubi (sp), a local fusion favourite. They eat as a snack or as a lunch.

If they are going for that, might as well pick up some miso soup as well as some somen or soba.

I really don't hear about spam musubi outside of Hawaii.

[Victor_1]

The chocolate stuffed panda bear cookies are good (red or pink hexagon shaped box, forgot the name).

Probably Koala's March Not sure on availability outside of Japan though.

[DoctorWhofan]

Probably Koala's March Not sure on availability outside of Japan though.

I think so. They are in here in Hawai'i.

[Niarda]

never give an 11 year old sake

[phalaeo]

Great suggestions so far- thank you!

We're going to be trying more flavours of the Ramune Soda (we only tried Strawberry). I liked it- worth trying in case you have a chance to buy it. Be forewarned that it takes a little practice to open the bottles.... took myself, someone with a Ph.D. and the 11 year old to get it open, lol.

[Missing_Minds]

Great suggestions so far- thank you!

We're going to be trying more flavours of the Ramune Soda (we only tried Strawberry). I liked it- worth trying in case you have a chance to buy it. Be forewarned that it takes a little practice to open the bottles.... took myself, someone with a Ph.D. and the 11 year old to get it open, lol.

*grins* smack the top and down it goes.

*snaps fingers* just remembered another one. Try out Pocari Sweat.

[Ugumagre]

Phalaeo, if you can find this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr-qewC-4gY

it is great fun for kids... and adults!
But maybe not so easy to find.

[haku-ba]

Phalaeo, if you can find this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr-qewC-4gY

it is great fun for kids... and adults!
But maybe not so easy to find.

That is just a whole pile of awesome there! Definitely gotta get that one for the kids and the wife.

[Lithic]

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but a friend of mine recently made candy sushi for a bake sale.

You use fruit rollups instead of seaweed sheets, ricecrispie squares mix instead of rice, and gummies and candies instead of fish on top of the rice balls, or inside the rolls. I didn't get to try any, but the pics looked pretty good. She even used gummy fish for the fish-on-top kind (always forget if the rolls are sushi, or if the rolls are sashimi).

Don't think you can buy this in a store though, you'd have to make it yourself.