王小鈞's Reviews Page 8/25

Takenoko no Sato

Takenoko no Sato is one of the signature products of Meiji Co., Ltd. (hereafter, Meiji). Following the huge success of its sister product Kinoko no Yama, it was developed as the second product in the series with a completely different concept. Since its launch in 1979, it has remained a long-selling favorite with a history of more than 45 years.

• Snacks

Every time I go to a supermarket in Japan, I can almost never resist tossing this into my basket. It looks like a little bamboo shoot, but it’s packed with chocolate temptation!
The outside is crispy and crunchy cookie, paired with rich chocolate. With one bite, the buttery cookie aroma and sweet chocolate come together perfectly, making it hard to stop eating.
Japanese snacks really know how to take cuteness to the next level. Even cookies can be shaped into adorable little bamboo shoots.
You don’t have to wait for a trip. Just opening a pack gives you that little happiness of feeling like you’re back browsing a supermarket in Japan.
I buy it every time I visit Japan. It’s great as a gift or just for yourself!

Shiroi Koibito

Everyone in Japan knows Hokkaido’s sweets, “Shiroi Koibito.” Ishiya Co., Ltd.was an ordinary candy maker to begin with, but utilizing quality ingredients in Hokkaido changed them into the producer of the classic dessert. More than 40 years passed since its beginning, but it is still the beloved souvenir of Hokkaido to this day.

• Hokkaido
• Snacks

Every time I go to Japan, I tell myself, “This time, I’m not buying Shiroi Koibito.”
But once I see it at the airport, my hands honestly just grab a box anyway...
I’ve had it countless times, but the crisp cookies with white chocolate are just impossible to stop eating. It makes a great gift and is comforting to enjoy yourself too. No wonder it’s been one of Japan’s top souvenirs for so many years.

GINZA BOUL'MICH Tokyo Skytree® Caramel Waffles

Founded in 1973, GINZA BOUL'MICH is a celebrated French-style pâtisserie based in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district. Known for creating delightful surprises through taste, presentation, and engaging customer interaction, their sweets leave lasting impressions on visitors. Exclusively available at Tokyo Solamachi, these Caramel Waffles are gaining popularity as the latest trendy Tokyo souvenir.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Snacks

I originally just planned to walk around Tokyo Skytree, but somehow I quietly ended up carrying a box back to the hotel.
BOUL'MICH's Tokyo Skytree® Caramel Waffles are exclusive to this location. They're crispy on the outside and fragrant inside, with caramel cream that's just the right amount of sweet. Before I knew it, I had eaten half the box.
The word “limited” really does make it easy to lose all self-control!

Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwich

Since its establishment in 1933, the long-established confectionery maker Rokkatei has been dedicated to creating snack sweets that can be enjoyed every day with pocket money. A long-seller since its launch in 1977, their products have been a staple Hokkaido souvenir, cherished for their never-tiring taste.

• Hokkaido
• Snacks

Every time I go to Hokkaido, I make sure to leave space in my suitcase for these.
They look understated, but they’re seriously impressive! The cookies are crisp, the butter cream is rich but not heavy, and each bite has that lovely aroma of rum raisins. They’re so easy to keep eating that a whole box can quietly disappear.
No wonder they’ve been popular for over 50 years and are still a Hokkaido favorite. If you haven’t tried them, can you even say you’ve been to Hokkaido? This is one of those treats you can buy without a second thought. Great as a gift, and even better to enjoy yourself!

Ryukakusan

The throat medicine “Ryukakusan” has been used for over 200 years in Japan to treat coughs and sore throats.

• Medicine

Whenever I go to Japan, older relatives always tell me, “Don’t forget to buy Ryukakusan for me!”

I used to think it was just a must-buy for tourists, but once I got to Japan, I realized that a lot of Japanese people carry a pack around with them too. Ryukakusan has been around since the Edo period and has over 200 years of history. It’s a classic throat-soothing and cough medicine that many households keep on hand.

When my throat feels dry or I’ve been talking too much, taking a packet really helps. No wonder friends and family always ask me to bring some back. These days, if I go to Japan and don’t bring a few boxes of Ryukakusan back to Taiwan, it feels like I missed one of my shopping missions!

King-emon Main Store

Located in the Fukaebashi area along the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, this ramen shop offers a unique twist on the local Takaida-style ramen known as soy sauce-based ramen or chuka soba. Among the many options available in East Osaka, "Kanekurouemon Main Store" stands out for its innovative approach to ramen.

• Osaka
• Ramen

The thick noodles have a firm, satisfying texture. Paired with thick-cut chashu and menma, every bite feels really fulfilling. If you like lighter-style ramen, you might fall in love with its unique soy sauce flavor.

When you’re in Osaka, don’t just go for tonkotsu ramen. Don’t miss this bowl from King-emon, packed with local Osaka flavor. It’s simple, but memorable—delicious and worth coming back for.

Takoyaki TAMAYA Main Store

This renowned shop has elevated the universally loved Osaka snack "takoyaki" to a level where it's recognized in prestigious international gourmet guidebooks.

• Osaka
• Japanese Cuisine

How can you come to Osaka and miss takoyaki?!

Tamaya’s takoyaki is a little different from what you might usually expect. The outside is lightly crisp, while the inside is soft, tender, and almost bursting. The best part is that the batter itself is full of umami, and the more you chew, the more flavorful it gets.

I heard their secret weapon is a broth simmered for hours, with lobster soup added for extra depth. No wonder there’s a subtle seafood aroma from the very first bite.

It’s not just loved by locals—it’s even featured in gourmet guides. Totally worth waiting in line for.

Ajinoya Honten

"Okonomiyaki," made by mixing cabbage with flour and eggs and then grilling it, is one of Osaka's iconic soul foods. It is typically topped with sauce and mayonnaise and enjoyed hot. Osaka boasts over 1,000 specialty okonomiyaki restaurants, each offering its unique twist on this beloved dish. Among these, "Ajinoya Honten" stands out as a consistently busy and popular spot, always attracting long lines.

• Osaka
• Japanese Cuisine

Osaka has so much great food, but Ajinoya Honten is still a famous okonomiyaki spot that’s worth waiting in line for!

Their okonomiyaki is made with lots of cabbage, so it’s generous, hearty, and has a nice crisp sweetness. Sure enough, the entrance was packed during mealtime. The wait wasn’t short, but the moment I got to eat it piping hot with that rich, savory sauce, it felt totally worth it!

The flavors are on the stronger side, but that really fits Osaka’s bold style. Delicious and satisfying. Don’t miss this when you’re in Osaka!

Osaka Shinsekai Original Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store

Founded in 1929, just off Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka's landmark. The main store of "Kushikatsu Daruma", which operates mainly in Osaka city.Kushikatsu is fried in Daruma's special original cooking oil making it light and easy to eat and does not cause stomach upsets like many heavy deep fried dishes can.

• Osaka
• Japanese Cuisine

When you come to Osaka’s Shinsekai, you’ve got to make a pilgrimage to this famous kushikatsu spot! The coating is fried golden and crispy, and every bite is full of aroma. It goes so well with both meat and seafood.

It did start to feel a little oily toward the end, but the restaurant thoughtfully offers free cabbage. Eating it together instantly makes everything feel lighter and helps cut through the richness.

If you want to try authentic kushikatsu in Osaka, this place is definitely worth checking out!

Uncle Rikuro’s Freshly Baked Cheesecake

Uncle Rikurou's freshly baked cheesecake" has been famous in the local market since 1984 for its fluffy texture and delicious taste. Since then, its reputation has spread nationwide, and it is now known as Osaka's famous confectionery.

• Osaka
• Snacks

One of the must-buy desserts in Osaka, and it truly lives up to the hype! Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake smells incredibly tempting when it’s fresh out of the oven. The texture is soft, fluffy, and delicate, melting in your mouth. The cheese flavor is rich without being overly sweet. It tastes great warm or chilled, each with a different vibe. No wonder it’s such a popular spot in Osaka with lines out the door. Definitely worth picking one up to try when traveling in Japan!