Choya - Japanese Green Plum

One of the desserts I missed a lot from Japan is the Japanese green plum dessert - also known as the Auome.  Found in most confectionery or cake shop in Japan - these are just exquisite.  Made from Japanese green plum of course - it’s very tasty and not too sweet nor sourish.

I was actually introduced to these Japanese green plum thru’ these choya drinks and fell in love with it.  If I ever go back to Japan for a vacation - I would buy a dozen of these  to share with people here.

Pink Pepsi

Strawberry and milk flavor - and I would loved to try it - but only in Japan can you find seasonal flavors for everything it seems - from Kit Kat chocolate and now pepsi drink.  Should be a really interesting drink don’t you think?  Launching out today I heard - wonder how it went.  I haven’t tried it - so I won’t be able to tell you the taste - so those heading to Japan right at this moment or soon - make sure you try this pink stuff.

Ice Bar In Tokyo

I’ve not been to the Ice Bar in Tokyo - but there is one - so if you are in Tokyo - don’t forget to give it a try - it’s an experience alright - if it is anything like the one in UK and Stockholm - a 45 mins visit - should keep you really cold and a nice drink after you pay up 3500 yen.  I loved the colorful drinks that they served and if I am not wrong it was - 0 degree down there.  For those who love the novelty - why not eh.

Souvenirs From Starbucks Japan

So the girlfriend who is coming back from Japan - with her new born girl to Canada - sent me a picture of these starbucks cuppie and asked if I wanted any for souvenirs - because she knows I was crazy about Starbucks for the longest time.  Over here in this small town we don’t have Starbucks - unless we go to the city.  And I like the red/orange one but I also liked the pink one with flowers - so I told the girlfriend to get whatever pleases her.  I can’t wait to get my Starbucks souvenir from Japan.

Kyoto Famous Tea House

Famous for its tea since the 1900s - this teahouse called the Kaboku in Ippodo in Kyoto is a must to visit and not as gloomy as it looked from the outside.  Tea making workshop is also available here - but if you want to have a piece of cake and some good tea - here is the place.  It’s bright and modern inside - well not exactly modern - but nice and japanese modern.

Matcha

tea setting

R Burger Roppongi

For the health conscious Japanese and tourist - check out the R Burger in Roppongi - of course - this is a chain burger store and you don’t have to find it in Japan alone - in fact I think they have this in Bangkok and even in Singapore.  Opens daily - from 11am - 11pm  - and if you fancy a chinese bun with an R printed on it - with either tofu, chicken or pork patties in them - go for it.  I liked it  - it was pretty good - reminds me of MOS burger.

Budget Eating In Japan

While there are many authentic Japanese restaurant in Japan - if you are on a budget - try Yoshinoya.  I wasn’t on budget when I first ate in Yoshinoya but I was tired and it was near the hotel I was staying in.  So what’s so great about Yoshinoya?  no fuss and really quick fast food Japanese style.  The beef and chicken cutlet and Japanese curry are pretty awesome!

The food wasn’t bad at all - and cheap and fast - but definitely not something you wanna eat everyday - if you are really in love with Japanese food and in Japan.

Drinking Holes In Japan

There are plenty of drinking holes in Japan  - and during happy hours - one can get your beer and some snacks for as little as 250 Yen.  These drinking holes are usually a very small place in a shopping center and they have a variety of snacks for you to choose from.  Not as cheap when you can eat a lot of snack while chatting with your friends and having a good time - but overall it’s a nice place to be - not too, too noisy.

Interesting snacks right?  it’s pear and some octopus thing if I remember correctly.

Street Food In Japan

Japan is definitely one of the best place to find good food and they don’t have to be expensive - in fact - near all train station - you can find this mobile food van/carts - selling good and cheap food.  They usually only open in the evenings - right up to past midnite.  These carts are only rolled out during operation - and after operation hours - they are cleaned and packed away nicely - not obstructive to pedestrian nor cars.

From soba to Ramen or sweet potatoes, pancakes, gyoza and even pasta  - you can find them on these mobile - also known as Yatai.

Some even have all the pictures of the menu - before you enter into the Yatai - so that you know exactly what you want to order.  After all, space is limited and the turnover needs to be quick eh.  Expect a tight squeeze with other customers while you try and finish your food but one thing you can be sure of - most owners are very polite and will never ask you to leave - till you are ready.

Favorite Summer Dessert In Japan

Yes! my favorite summer dessert - in Japan - but ironically i wasn’t introduced to this when I was living in Japan - it was in Malaysia - in a cafe at Daimaru that I first at this dessert called Azuki Shiratama.  You see - i had some online coupons to this restaurant and anything free or discounted is great right - especially for a student then.  Yes ! i was only 17 years old and had gone there with a friend to try this summer dessert.  Never did I think that 10 yrs later - i would be sitting in Osaka having the same dessert in a small little cafe - I hear it’s a favorite summer dessert for a lot of Japanese as well.  Consisting of red beans, green tea ice cream, glutinous rice, jelly at the bottom, fruits and lots of brown sugar syrup.  Glad that there were the online coupons for me to go try this wonderful dessert.