Oyatsu Karupasu and Umaibo: My Favorite Dagashi Snacks
Have you ever heard of the Japanese snack genre “Dagashi (駄菓子)”?
It is actually the collective term for cheap (and unique) Japanese snacks and candies, particularly for kids.
Several decades ago, the treats were available at Dagashi specialty shops called “Dagashiya (駄菓子屋)” scattered around the city.
But the circumstances surrounding them have changed, and the number of Dagashiya drastically decreased.
Instead, Dagashi treats are today sold in the snack and candy section of convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstore chains.
My Favorite Dagashi Snacks
Even now, some Dagashi treats only cost 10 yen (about 0.1 USD), and they are the cheapest snacks in Japan.
Representative examples of such 10 yen Dagashi snacks include my favorites Oyatsu Karupas and Umaibo, which I will introduce today.
Oyatsu Karupasu (おやつカルパス)
First off, Oyatsu Karupasu (Calpas) is a popular Dagashi beef jerky snack available for only 10 yen in many supermarkets, drugstore chains, and convenience stores.
To be precise, the treat is a semi-dry sausage. It has become a favorite among children, and even adults can enjoy the snack with alcoholic drinks like beer.
The Dagashi sausage is tender and not spicy at all. Even though its price is just 10 yen, the snack tastes pretty good.
Umaibo (うまい棒)
Umaibo, the Dagshi that some people call “The King”, is a crispy corn puff stick that almost every child in Japan has probably eaten once.
Introduced in 1979, it comes in many unique flavors, including Nori Shio, Mentai, Teriyaki Burger, Takoyaki, and Tonkatsu Sauce.
Despite the price of 10 yen (12 yen from April 2022), Umaibo is quite filling, and its savory taste captivates children and adults alike.
