As you now, a conbini, short for convenience store, is a ubiquitous part of daily life in Japan. These stores are known for their convenience, long operating hours, and a wide variety of products, including a tempting selection of Japanese sweets. Let's explore some of the most popular Japanese sweets you can find in a conbini store, ensuring a delicious, if not always healthy, treat at any time of the day.
1. Pocky: Pocky is an iconic Japanese snack loved by people of all ages. It consists of thin biscuit sticks coated with various flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, matcha, or cookies and cream. Pocky is a delightful combination of crunchy biscuit and sweet coating, making it a convenient and addictive snack.
2. Kit Kat: While Kit Kat is an internationally recognized brand, Japan takes it to another level with an extensive range of unique flavors available exclusively in the country. From matcha and strawberry to wasabi and sake, you can find an assortment of Kit Kat flavors in conbini stores. These make for great souvenirs or a tasty snack to enjoy on the go.
3. Taiyaki Ice Cream: A fusion of traditional and modern flavors, conbini stores often offer taiyaki ice cream. It combines the classic fish-shaped taiyaki pancake with a filling of creamy soft-serve ice cream. This delightful treat comes in various flavors, including vanilla, matcha, chocolate, and even seasonal flavors like sakura (cherry blossom) during springtime.
4. Anpan: Anpan is a popular Japanese sweet bread that consists of a soft bun filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). It is a convenient and satisfying snack available in conbini stores. Some variations may include other fillings such as cream, matcha, or even seasonal fruits. With yeast, flour, sugar, butter, salt and an egg, you can easily make the sweet rolls yourself. You also need tsubushian, a paste made from red beans. The so-called adzuki bean paste or anko can also be made by cooking red beans.
5. Custard-filled Pastries: Conbini stores offer an array of custard-filled pastries, known as "kemukemu pan" or "cream pan." These pastries have a light, fluffy texture and are filled with a rich and creamy custard. They are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat throughout the day. What a nice way to start your day with a cream puff!
6. Daifuku: Daifuku is a popular traditional Japanese sweet that can be found in conbini stores. It consists of a soft mochi outer layer filled with sweet red bean paste (anko), and sometimes supplemented with other ingredients such as strawberries or matcha-flavored cream. Daifuku provides a delightful combination of chewy and sweet flavors. You should try it!
7. Warabi Mochi: Warabi mochi is a jelly-like sweet made from bracken starch and covered with kinako (roasted soybean flour) or brown sugar syrup. It has a unique texture and a subtly sweet taste. Packaged warabi mochi can often be found in conbini stores, providing a refreshing and light dessert option.
These are just a few examples of the many popular Japanese sweets you can find in a conbini store. From familiar treats with unique Japanese twists to traditional delights, these sweets offer a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the flavors of Japan while on the go. So, next time you visit a conbini store, don't forget to indulge in these delightful Japanese sweets.
MYCONBINI tip: Some treats can only be found in Japan, but you can buy a wide range of sweets in our shop!