Being a foodie in Japan has been astounding. Its been a fun exploration by taste that hasn’t overwhelmed me- yet.
A couple of notes…
- French Bakeries are everywhere! Cream puffs are very popular and sold refrigerated to keep the cream filling very cold. Tiramisu is another popular dessert flavor. It fits in very well with the easily found parfait style dessert.
- In a land of many food stores and bakeries lining the streets- I have yet to see anyone eat outside of a restaurant. Food is simply not eaten out in public! I’ve been marveling at this all along, but yesterday’s gazing out at the crowds of Kyoto’s train station was simply stunning in that no one was drinking or eating. Were this America, every teenager would have a Big Gulp glasped in their hand, and all the Christina Agularia looking fashionistas would be clutching mochas or some other Starbucks type whipped drink.
- Take home convenience meals are very notable in the grocery stores. Lots of prepped food items, from pre-chopped stir fries, and meats already threaded on a skewer, to breaded items that just need deep frying.
- Chocolate is gaining ground in popularity. Apparently word got out that cocoa can be good for you, now single varietals with cocoa percentages listed is the rage. We even see 99% cocoa bars sold along side candy bars here! In a moment I can only attribute to jet lag, I bought one to try… yep, its just baking chocolate… eeeuuuch! For all its gaining popularity, chocolate is still very much an accessory flavor. The bakeries for example, don’t carry chocolate-items per se. They do have chocolate filled crossaints, but I have not seen a chocolate cookie or brownie. I think a brownie would blow their minds.
- Japanese desserts are a nice mellow level of sweetness- much more muted and subtle to my previous aesthetic. Maybe its the heat- but I find myself not being able to stand anything that is too sweet.
- Hot dogs and sausages are popular. Corn dogs are noted asAmerican style hot dogs. Our night out for sushi revealed even cute weiner nigiri! A finger sized sausage on a pillow of rice, strapped down with a nori belt and drizzled with mayo.
- With such the influx of buttery pasteries and other non-Japanese style treats, I can’t help but speculate on Japan’s changing health statistics…
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I wondered what the go was with the 99% cacao bars (though I think I saw one in Ottawa too). I actually know what i’m talking about when i say my local newspaper tastes better than 99% chocolate.
Speaking of chocolates, while you’re there in Japan, if you haven’t yet, it’s supposed to be a must to try Royce’s chocolates. Some critics consider it the best chocolate in the world now. They’re also well-known for their chocolate-covered potato chips.
I am SO JEALOUS! All of these finds are so cool. I was also surprised at the number of French bakeries. Have a great time. I can’t wait to keep reading about your trip.
By the way, how are you managing to post? Have you found good access to public computers or did you bring your own? I\’m glad we\’re able to read as you are there.
Hi Kelli,
- Our homebase is at our friend Chris\’s house in Tokushima. I\’ve been posting from his place when we have a chance. Not so many chances right now… hopefully soon though!
Using Picasa to download and crop images in combination with flickr has worked well for this trip. In fact, this trip convinced me to buy a pro flickr account to organize the photos and share them with family. Its working well in combination with my travel journel.
We just came back from a three day visit at Chiiori (much to write on this!!). One more night here for the festival Awa Odori and then to Osaka before we depart.
Thanks for checking in on the visit. I look forward to catching up on my favorite blogs and finding out how your Fancy Foods experience went!
– McAuliflower
“Strapped down with a belt of nori…” EXCELLENT image, I love it!
Sounds like you are having a great trip!
I’m loving the stories- and sharing them with my Japanese exchange student. She and I have been loving the flick’r site, also.
