Best Snacks to Try in Japanese Convivence Stores
When you first arrive in Japan, you’ll notice many convenience stores, also known as Konbinis. They are open 24 hours a day and are not just your regular 7-Eleven in Australia, with which you might be familiar with. Konbinis are great if it’s late at night and you need a pick-me-up or have run out of your travel necessities. They are essential in Japan, as many Japanese workers work long hours and have short breaks. Konbinis are known for their high-quality ready-made meals, fun Japanese snacks, household items, cosmetics, and services such as ATMs, Wi-Fi, scanners and printers. Popular chains include Family Mart, 7 Eleven and Lawsons.
1. Onigiri
During our stay in Ryogoku, there was a Lawson convenience store located within our hotel building. We’d often take the elevator downstairs to grab a quick breakfast before our adventures. Onigiri is a triangular rice ball typically filled with savoury ingredients such as salmon, tuna mayo, cod, chicken, pickled plum, and many more, and is wrapped in seaweed or nori. Onigiri is a great portable food and was one of our favourites when we were on the go.
2. Sandwiches
While most convenience stores offer basic sandwiches, the sandwiches at Japanese Konbini Stores are a whole other level. One option Konbinis will have is Furutsu Sando, a type of sweet sandwich made with fluffy white bread, a sweet cream filling and different fruit filling options. They are usually chilled and make a great sweet treat. However, if you’re in a savoury mood, some common flavours include egg salad, tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), tuna mayonnaise, shrimp, and many more.
3. Tea, Coffee and Drinks
When I first entered a Konbini, I was overwhelmed by the vast array of snacks, ready meals, and the diverse range of drink options. Popular drink options include Green Tea, Milk Tea and Black Tea. Canned Coffee is also a popular drink, and there are many varieties. Both tea and coffee can be served chilled or kept warm in refrigerators. If you want a fresh coffee or latte, most Konbinis will have a machine that can make it for you. Konbinis, of course, also offer a variety of popular sodas, such as C.C. Lemon or Ramune, as well as health and sports drinks. Konbinis even sell some alcoholic drinks, such as Highball, a combination of soda water and whisky, or Chuhai, a pre-mixed fruity drink that has a variety of flavours.
4. Pastries
Konbinis have a verity of delicious pastries such as chocolate croissants, dorayaki two pancakes sandwiched with red bean filling or a different flavour or melon pan a fluffy sweet bun with sugary crust on the outside.
5. Honorable Mentions
While all the snacks I mentioned were delicious, the huge variety meant that I unfortunately couldn’t try everything. Additionally, I purchased food from outside the konbinis at restaurants, market stalls, or at Don Quijote a popular discount store. Some popular snacks that I loved and that also are available in konbinis are fruity gummies and sweets, Taiyaki a popular fish shaped pancake filled with custard or a red bean filling, mochi a Japanese rice cake make out of glutinous rice and is usually has a sweet filling, Poky a sweet biscuit stick that comes in many flavours, Japanese KitKats with a bunch of interesting flavours you can’t find in Australia like Sakura and Matcha, fresh bento boxes, karaage a fried chicken snack and many more.
During my stay in Tokyo Konbinis where an absolute favorite when we were on the go and are essential for people living in Tokyo and around Japan. Whether you’re needing a delicious, sweet treat, your daily caffeine hit or a vitamin drink when you have a cold. Konbinis can be an essential life saver for travellers.
