Wagashi (和菓子) vs. Okashi (お菓子) vs. Dagashi (駄菓子)
Have you ever heard that there are three words in the Japanese language for confectionery? They are Wagashi (和菓子), Okashi (お菓子), and Dagashi (駄菓子). You may have heard of these terms. But do you...
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Kombu Ame: Classic Japanese Kelp Seaweed Candy
Kombu, also known as kelp, is an edible seaweed commonly used to make soup stock or dashi in Japan, which makes up an indispensable part of Japanese cuisine. Not only do we prepare kombu...
Ware Senbei: Classic Japanese “Broken” Rice Crackers
“Senbei (せんべい)”, together with “Okaki (おかき)” and “Arare (あられ)”, is one of the traditional Japanese rice crackers. Senbei generally has a larger size than Okaki and Arare and typically comes in a round shape....
Chocolate-Coated Kaki no Tane Rice Crackers
Kaki no Tane, also known as Kakipi or Kameda Crisps, is a Japanese rice cracker associated with the persimmon seed because of its orange color and the name meaning “persimmon seed”. It is a...
Meiji Yoguretto: Classic Ramune-Like Yogurt Candy Tablets
When it comes to classic Japanese candy, “Ramune (ラムネ)” is especially famous and widely enjoyed in Japan. Made basically with dextrose, citric acid, and Katakuriko potato starch, Ramune is a simple sugar candy with...
Amazake Milk: A Healthy Nutritious Beverage for Summer
When it comes to summer drinks, many adults will bring to mind icy chilled beer. But when you think of beverages ideal for the hot summertime, what comes to mind? As for me, that’s “Amazake...
4 Traditional Mochigashi Sweets that Don’t Use Rice
“Mochi (餅)” is a plain glutinous rice cake known as traditional Japanese food, often used in Japanese winter dishes, and steamed or baked mochi is characterized by its strong stickiness and chewiness. Actually, not...
Ika no Sugata Fry: A Classic Japanese Squid Cracker
Summer is nearly upon us. It’s the perfect season for icy chilled beer, and when drinking it, we Japanese often prepare Otsumami (おつまみ). Otsumami is a Japanese word for snack foods eaten with alcoholic...
