snacks – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

Japan Snacks: Toppogi Chips!

Susan Spann Blog February 4, 2022January 29, 2022Japanese chips, Japanese snacks, Korean chips, snacks, toppogi

I love toppogi. I cook them at home, and order them as a main dish or a side just about every time I go to Korean restaurants. So when I saw these “spicy toppogi” chips in the market, it was a no-brainer to bring them home.

The Joy of Tokyo’s Festival Foods

Susan Spann Blog December 21, 2017December 21, 2017festival, food, Japan, matsuri, Sensoji, snacks, Tokyo

Last weekend, I went to the hagoita-ichi matsuri (festival) at Sensōji, in Tokyo. I love shrine and temple festivals for many reasons – and festival food is high on the list. On normal days, the wide pathways in Japanese shrine and temple yards offer visitors plenty of space to walk and meditate. At festivals, vendors line the paths. selling a wide assortment of treats.

You Always Win at Lotteria

Susan Spann Blog June 7, 2017November 8, 2017fast food, hamburgers, Japan, Lotteria, snacks

If you’re looking for the best fast-food burger experience in Japan, bypass the golden arches in favor of Japan’s own Lotteria.

Kyoto’s Best Cream Puffs

Susan Spann Blog March 8, 2017November 8, 2017cream puffs, food, Japan, Kyoto, snacks, travel

While visiting the preserved historical streets of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka in Kyoto’s Eastern Higashiyama ward, I noticed a line of Japanese people snaking out the entrance of a tiny shop. The line extended almost 30 feet into the street, which made me curious, so I headed over for a closer look. The sign outside the shop featured a rabbit and the words “Yatsuhashi Cream Puff” – and since I’m never one to pass up a pastry, especially when the evidence suggests it’s a good one, I joined the queue. Like many snack shop lines in Japan, this one moved quickly.

Welcome Tea in Japanese Temples & Ryokan

Susan Spann Blog January 31, 2017November 8, 2017Japan, ryokan, snacks, tea, temples, travel

When staying in Japanese temples or ryokan (traditional inns), guests are customarily served tea and a snack (often a regional specialty like a cookie or cake) upon arrival.