Japanese snacks stand out for their diversity, unique flavors and creativity. Whether sweet or savory, crunchy or melt-in-the-mouth, they offer an original taste experience that appeals to gourmets and the curious alike. Increasingly popular in France, they are now easily accessible on irasshai.co
Perfect for a gourmet break or to give as a gift, these snacks will delight amateurs and novices alike. Discover our selection of 10 must -try snacks!
Table of contents
- Salty Japanese snacks
- Sweet Japanese snacks
Salty Japanese snacks
1- Wasabi potato chips with nori seaweed
These crispy chips combine the spicy flavor of wasabi with the umami richness of nori seaweed. Made with carefully selected potatoes, they offer the perfect balance between spiciness and indulgence.
Why try them? If you like intense flavors and original snacks, these chips are for you! The wasabi adds a touch of spiciness that blends perfectly with the slightly salty sweetness of the nori. A must-have for an aperitif with a Japanese accent.
Why are they so popular in Japan? Japan loves bold combinations, and the wasabi-nori combination is a benchmark in flavor. Present in many snacks and traditional dishes, it seduces with its spiciness and umami, typical of Japanese cuisine.
Potato chips with wasabi and nori seaweed - €2.25
2- Spicy senbei rice crackers
Himemaru are crispy puffed rice crackers coated in a tasty soy sauce. Their light, airy texture contrasts with the intense, slightly salty-sweet taste typical of Japanese senbei.
Why try them? Perfect for a savory break, this snack combines crunch and umami in every bite. Ideal as an accompaniment to green tea or as an aperitif, it will appeal to fans of authentic Japanese flavors.
Why are they popular in Japan? Rice crackers have been a traditional Japanese snack for centuries. Himemaru, with their unique texture and tasty coating, are particularly appreciated for their addictive taste and practicality, making them a staple of Japanese snacks.
Spicy senbei rice crackers - €3.50
3- Assorted rice crackers
This okaki assortment features a variety of puffed rice crackers, each offering a crisp texture and authentic flavors. Coated with soy sauce, embellished with nori seaweed or subtly spiced, these savory snacks are a classic Japanese snack.
Why try it? Ideal for discovering the diversity of senbei and okaki, this assortment lets you savor different textures and seasonings. Perfect for a Japanese aperitif or a gourmet break, it will appeal to umami lovers.
Why is it popular in Japan? Okaki are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often eaten with tea or during festivities. Their rich, crunchy taste makes them a traditional snack staple, appreciated by young and old alike.
Assortment of rice crackers - 6.40€ (6.40€)
4- Wavy Karamucho potato chips
Karamucho chips are thin slices of crispy potato, coated with a blend of spicy spices. Their intense, piquant taste, inspired by chili and spicy flavors, makes them a must-have snack for thrill-seekers.
Why try them? If you like potato chips with character, Karamucho are for you! Their spicy, addictive flavor goes perfectly with a cold drink and adds a spicy touch to your aperitifs.
Why are they so popular in Japan? The Japanese love spicy, savory snacks, and Karamucho is one of the country's most iconic brands of spicy potato chips. Introduced in the 1980s, they have won over palates with their perfect balance of spiciness and umami.
Karamucho spicy potato chips - €2.50
5- Crispy peas with wasabi
These peas, coated in a thin, crispy layer, are spiced up with wasabi for an explosion of flavor. Their crunchy texture and subtle spiciness make them an irresistible snack for thrill-seekers.
Why try them? This snack is perfect for those who like bold flavors. The wasabi adds an intense but brief heat, balanced by the mild, slightly sweet taste of the peas. Ideal as an aperitif or snack at any time of day.
Why are they popular in Japan? The combination of wasabi and crunchy snacks is very popular in Japan, where spicy and umami flavors are sought after. These crunchy peas are a classic Japanese aperitif, often served with a cold beer.
Crispy peas with wasabi - €3.80
Sweet Japanese snacks
6- Matcha tea pocky
These crunchy cookie sticks are coated in matcha green tea chocolate, offering a perfect harmony between the slight bitterness of matcha and the sweetness of chocolate. A refined balance for a gourmet break with authentic Japanese flavors.
Why try it? Ideal for matcha lovers, this snack combines crunchy and melt-in-the-mouth goodness in one tasty bite. Its subtle taste is the perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee, and its practical format means it can be enjoyed at any time.
Why is it popular in Japan? Matcha is an emblematic ingredient of Japanese culture, appreciated for its vegetal notes and umami. Combined with the famous Pocky, a cult Vendor since the 1960s, it has become a modern, refined snack, prized by young people and lovers of traditional flavors alike.
7- Dorayaki with red azuki beans
Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese pastry consisting of two fluffy pancakes with a generous filling of sweetened red bean paste (anko). Hiyoshi's version offers a soft texture and a delicately sweet taste, perfect for a gourmet break.
Why try it? This dorayaki is the perfect way to discover one of Japan's most popular desserts. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture and mild flavor make it a comforting snack to enjoy with green tea or coffee.
Why is it so popular in Japan? A true classic of Japanese confectionery, dorayaki is a staple of tea parties and tea rooms. It's particularly famous thanks to the character Doraemon, who's crazy about it. Its simple yet delicious combination of pancakes and red bean paste makes it a timeless sweet appreciated by all.
Dorayaki with red azuki beans - € 8.30
8- Sonomanma chewing gum, energy drink flavor
This Japanese chewing gum hides a melt-in-the-mouth center that releases an explosion of flavors from the very first bite. Both chewy and intense in flavor, it offers a unique experience for lovers of original treats.
Why try it? Its surprising liquid core and powerful aroma make it a chewy candy like no other. Ideal for a sweet break full of surprises, it will delight those who love intense textures and flavors.
Why is it popular in Japan? Japan is renowned for its innovative confectionery, and chewing gum with a melting center is one of the most popular sweets. Their playfulness and explosion of flavor make them a popular choice, especially among young people and fans of original sweets.
Sonomanma chewing gum - € 1.20
9- Intense matcha kitkat
KitKat Matcha is a Japanese version of the famous chocolate, coated in a delicious white chocolate infused with matcha green tea. Its delicately sweet and slightly bitter taste offers a unique experience, combining crunchiness and softness.
Why try it? This KitKat is perfect for lovers of matcha and original chocolates. Its subtle balance between the sweetness of chocolate and the bitterness of green tea makes it a refined treat, ideal for a sweet break.
Why is it popular in Japan? KitKat is one of Japan's most emblematic sweets, with many regional flavor variations. The matcha version is particularly popular, as it features this emblematic ingredient of Japanese culture, appreciated for its umami and antioxidant benefits.
Intense matcha kitkat - € 7.90
10- Candied yuzu
This candied yuzu is a refined sweet that combines the natural acidity of Japanese citrus with a touch of sugar, for a perfect balance between freshness and indulgence. Its soft texture and intense aroma make it a uniquely fragrant treat.
Why try it? Its subtle, slightly tangy taste adds a refined, exotic touch. It can be eaten as a snack or used to enhance desserts, teas and pastries. A real treat for lovers of complex, fruity flavors.
Why is it popular in Japan? Yuzu is an emblematic citrus fruit of Japanese cuisine, appreciated for its intense fragrance and versatility. When candied, it becomes a traditional delicacy, often enjoyed in winter or accompanied by green tea for a moment of sweetness.
