Head to any kissaten (old-style coffee shop) in Japan, and chances are you’ll spot kohii zerii (coffee jelly) on the menu. A staple of Japanese coffee shops since the 1960s, Japanese coffee jelly has become so popular over the years that you can even spot it readymade in the chilled section in convenience stores.

Arare is a tiny type of Japanese snack, known and loved for its crunchy texture. Arare is made of glutinous rice or beans and comes in all shapes and sizes. In fact, based on the type, it can be called a Japanese candy or a snack.

Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it aged in a wooden cask, some like it in a cocktail. However you like it, Japanese sake (rice wine) is sure to be a winner.

While lacking the centuries-old history of wagashi, Japanese chocolate has risen to world fame in a relatively short amount of time.

Perhaps one of the most polarizing styles of ramen to ever emerge from Japan, Yokohama ramen, known as Yokohama iekei (family-style) ramen, has one of two reputations.

In Japan, New Year is way more important than Christmas and is seen as one of, if not the most important times of the year. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1st started in 1873, but Japanese New Year food has been around for way longer.

In recent years, bubble (or tapioca) milk tea has become a rage among the younger Japanese community. If you are also a fan of milk tea, a famous milk tea specialty from Japan that you surely have to try once is Hokkaido milk tea. 

In a prefecture as cold as Hokkaido, it seems as if ramen (Chinese-style wheat noodles) was destined to be a stronghold of flavor that fortifies the people of the land. Historically, Hokkaido ramen has revolved around the big three: Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Hakodate ramen.

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the Japanese archipelago, is known for its vast expanses of farmland and sumptuous local foods and produce, making Hokkaido food famous around Japan. It is said that the best way to experience a culture is through its food, and boy, does Hokkaido have a lot of it!

Another year is about to end, and we know that it is the season for cozy family gatherings, warm clothes, and heart-warming food – for sure! Nabe, or hotpot, is definitely a must-try dish that is undoubtedly delicious yet easy to make at home for a cold evening.

Kyushu is made up of nine prefectures, and in a Japanese culture which is obsessed with meibutsu (regional foods), the island region has a lot to offer in the form of Kyushu local food. In fact, it is said that Kyushu has the second largest number of restaurants per person in the whole of Japan.

Kyushu, a southern island of Japan, boasts unique food, culture & history as it was culturally separate from mainland Honshu for centuries.