Harusame vs. Shirataki Konnyaku Noodles
As you may know, Harusame (春雨) is the Japanese take on Chinese fěntiáo, known as glass or potato noodles in English-speaking countries. The Asian food is healthy and similar to Shirataki (白滝), but its...
Category: Foods
Bekkoame: Ame Hard Candy, like Bekko or Tortoiseshell
The other day, I found a hard candy or Ame (飴) in a supermarket that we Japanese are familiar with but that I rarely see sold at stores. The treat called Bekkoame (べっこう飴) is...
Umeshiba: KariKari Ume Pickled Plum from Muraoka
Muraoka Foods (村岡食品) is a Gunma, Maebashi-based food company known for its pickle snacks. The maker produces and sells unique treats, unlike any other, which include Chorogi, Gonjiri, and this Umeshiba (梅しば). Umeshiba (梅しば)...
Another Sakuma Drops from Sakuma Seika (サクマ製菓)
Sad news hit Japanese candy fans recently; Sakuma Seika (佐久間製菓: Sakumaseika), headquartered in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, announced that the company will shut down operations on January 20, 2023. It’s a shame, but their Sakuma Drops (correctly Sakuma’s...
Dagashi: Donguri Gum Candy Filled with Chewing Gum
When it comes to Dagashi chewing gum, Marukawa Marble Gum is legendary. But this Donguri Gum candy from Pine also has a history, long loved by Japanese children. Pine Donguri Gum Candy Donguri Gum (どんぐりガム)...
Nihon-Ichi Kibi Dango: A Dagashi Candy from Hokkaido
Yesterday, I found a rare Dagashi candy by chance in a supermarket where I rarely shop. The name of the treat is Nihon-Ichi Kibi Dango (日本一 きびだんご), which is from Japan’s northernmost prefecture Hokkaido....
Shirako vs. Tarako: Japanese Food Delicacies
I rarely see it in Oden (like Chikuwabu). But Shirako is a food at its best in the winter (around January to February), often used in soup dishes, including Nabemono (鍋物: hot pot). But...
Chikuwabu vs. Chikuwa: What’s the Difference?
The colder the weather is in the autumn and winter, the more I want Oden (おでん) at convenience stores. As you know, Chikuwa (ちくわ/竹輪) is a popular ingredient in the stew dish, but have...
