5 Underrated Japanese Snacks

  • Categories

    • Japanese culture
    • Food / Gourmet
    • Others

  • Update date

    • 2019-06-13

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When it comes to Japanese snacks, sweet and salty treats like Pocky, Pretz, and even matcha flavored KitKat have gained legions of dedicated fans worldwide. Given the popularity of these snacks, it’s certainly easy to overlook classic snacks that still remain popular in Japan. Let’s take a look at five underrated Japanese snacks that deserve your attention. You’ll be able to find these treats in convenience stores, supermarkets and even on the basement level of department stores, so keep an eye out for them while you’re exploring Japan.

Kaki Pi

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A classic Japanese snack that will make you wonder why you waited so long to try is Kaki Pi or Kaki no Tane. Both refer to the same snack: peanuts (pi) and crescent shaped rice crackers coated with a slightly spicy soy sauce seasoning. Kaki refers to the Japanese word for persimmon, whose seeds (tane) the rice cracker bits resemble. This snack goes perfectly with alcoholic or carbonated drinks and is available in many flavors that evoke a sense of Japan. Be on the lookout for wasabi (Japan's notoriously spicy green paste) and shiso (a flavorful leaf with a bold flavor).

Okaki

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One reason why classic Japanese snacks are so great is that they use few ingredients yet deliver when it comes to flavor. Okaki is one such snack. Made only from rice and seasoned with soy sauce or salt, okaki are crispy and crunchy treats packed with flavor in each bite. Okaki are made from mochi, or rice cakes, that have been cut into small pieces, then deep fried, making them an excellent snack to have on hand when you’re binge watching the latest J-drama or anime.

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