9 must-try snacks to buy back from Tokyo

If you're a fan of amazake, the traditional fermented rice beverage with a lower alcohol content than typical sake, then you have got to try this amazake-flavoured Pocky. The amazake used to coat these biscuit sticks originates from Tokyo's sole sake brewery, boasting a heritage dating back to 1812. Encased in delightful packaging, this premium Pocky is perfect for gifting, offering individually wrapped, extra-large pretzel-style sticks.

Touted as one of the more popular souvenirs in Japan, the iconic Tokyo Banana is a sweet treat that tourists love buying home whenever they visit Japan. A fluffy banana shaped sponge cake filled with smooth banana flavoured custard cream, these cakes sure taste as good as they look. If you’re looking for something special to bring home for your friends and family, look out for the Pikachu Tokyo Banana (1,242 yen or S$11.80 for eight pieces), created in collaboration with Pokemon. Available in six different adorable Pikachu patterns, and each cake comes in an individual bag that is designed to look like a Poke Ball.  

Available at Tokyo Banana stores in Tokyo, such as Ueno, Shinagawa, Daimaru Tokyo Store, and Tokyo Soramachi. 

Visit their website for more information.

If you’re a fan of potato chips and spicy flavours, this snack is right up your alley. Named after a Japanese word “Karai” which means spicy and the Spanish term “Mucho” which means “a lot”, Karamucho chips offer a shatteringly crisp crunch and the perfect amount of spice for a deliciously spicy sensation. There are several flavours and some of our top picks include the Sweet and Hot Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chilli Tomato, and Hot Chilli.  

Available at leading supermarkets and convenience stores in Tokyo.

Directly translated as sesame egg, Goma Tamago (800 yen or S$7.60 for an eight piece box) is one good example of how creative and innovative the Japanese are. Created to resemble an egg, this sweet treat features a smooth and aromatic black sesame paste encased within a thin layer of sponge cake. The former represents the egg yolk while the latter acts like the egg white. The sponge cake is dipped in luscious white chocolate, which resembles the egg shell. Delicious and visually appetising, you will want to grab a few boxes home – for yourself and the goma lovers in your life.  

Available at depachika (department stores) as well as the brand’s official outlet in Ginza. For more information, visit their website.

Some call Japan a KitKat lover’s paradise, and with good reason. The country is home to many unique KitKat flavours – an estimated 300 – some of which are only available exclusively in Japan. If you’re looking for some unique Japanese flavours, try the Momiji Manju flavour. Inspired by a traditional Japanese dessert from Hiroshima consisting of a cake filled with red bean paste and flavoured with maple, this KitKat version offers a lovely combination of maple and red bean paste flavours, paired with crispy wafer pieces. Other premium KitKat flavours like yuzu and wasabi can also be found at Tokyo’s KitKat Chocolatory outlets.  

Prices for premium KitKat bars start from 324 yen (S$3) each.

You’ve tried sweet monaka (a popular Japanese treat comprising azuki bean paste sandwiched between two thin mochi wafers), but how about savoury monaka? While the sweet ones are delightful, these monaka suimono (Japanese soup base packed within wafer shells) are truly unique and exceptional.  

Available in different flavours such as hotate (scallop), matsutake (mushroom), fugu (pufferfish), and yuba (tofu skin), these exquisitely shaped treats are extremely easy to prepare – simply place them in a bowl, crack the wafer shells and pour boiling water until the shells are fully submerged. Give it a good stir and serve hot. We love how the monaka offers a chewy-like texture while the broth is fragrant and full of flavour. For a heartier meal, place monaka suimono on top of a bowl of rice.  

Available at major departmental stores like Daimaru and Takashimaya.

Matcha is another item that ranks high on the list of “things to buy from Japan” – the country is home to some of the finest matcha. Look out for Ippodo Tea, a heritage brand founded in 1717 in Kyoto, offering an extensive selection of teas from matcha to hojicha and gyokuro. Visit the Ippodo Tokyo Marunouchi Store for a unique tasting experience – their matcha is well loved for its sweet smelling aromas and subtle sweetness.  

Ippodo Tea is also available at major departmental stores. Visit their website for a list of locations.

Delightfully soft, springy, slightly chewy with deeply eggy notes and an immaculate, caramelised dark crust, it is easy to see why people love lugging these Japanese castella cakes home. Also called kasutera, these cakes are masterfully made with just a few simple ingredients: bread flour, syrup, sugar and whipped eggs – it contains no oil or butter, but packs wonderful flavours. If you’re not sure which brand to buy, we recommend getting the ones by Bunmeido – founded in 1900 in Nagasaki, it is one of the most ubiquitous castella brands in the country. Prices start from 6,480 yen (S$61.65) per box.  

Available at 1-13-7, Nihonbashi Muromachi, or various malls like Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi. Visit www.bunmeido.co.jp/shop/list.php for more info.

Chock-full of delicious flavours that are reminiscent of rich, juicy pork ribs, this nifty cup does an amazing job when you need a quick supper fix or when the instant noodle craving hits. We love how the noodles offer a nice springy bite, while the broth features lovely umami flavours with a nice spicy kick. It also comes with a packet of “special sparerib-style oil” to mix in, coupled with toppings like the much-loved “mystery meat,” cabbage and carrots. You might want to consider setting aside an empty luggage just so you can lug home more of this hearty and comforting treat. 

Available at leading supermarkets in Tokyo at 245 yen (S$2.30) per cup.