Asian snacks were the epitome of my childhood. While my American classmates were growing up with Sunny D and Go-Gurt, I was spending my afternoons at my grandma's house, watching dramas on TVB in a language that I didn't understand and eating snacks that I didn't know how to name. (Can any of my Asian friends relate?)
Even now, if I have one of these Asian snacks, it brings back memories of a childhood where everything was so simple and adulthood was a far-off thing.
And now, I'm sharing them with you.
Enjoy!
1. VitaSoy
It's a sweeter, thinner version of soy milk (I've tried the American version of soy milk, and let me tell you -- it's just not sweet enough). Where American soy milk is thick and a little gloopy, a VitaSoy drink is more like milk, with a thin, clear taste that still tastes like soy. (It's surprisingly hard to describe.)
Apparently the new version has less sugar (YAY!), so go try some, okay?
Note: VitaSoy also produces drinks like lemon tea, chrysanthemum tea, or guava tea. You can find them in almost any Chinese supermarket (99 Ranch, Hong Kong Supermarket, etc.).
2. Haw flakes
These candies always seemed to be around during special occasions, like Chinese New Year. The unique taste and texture comes from the Chinese hawthorn fruit (which I've personally never seen). Like a roll of candy coins, they are tangy and easy to eat -- just place one in your mouth and bite!
3. Lychee jelly
These are easy to eat on-the-go. They're like little jello pudding cups filled with real lychee!
Just pick one up, peel off the wrapper without letting the sweet sticky juice inside spill over (a surprisingly tricky process), and sink your teeth in! (You have my permission to make undignified slurping noises.)
Note: If lychee isn't your thing, fret not. Jellies come in many different flavors, so just choose your favorite!
4. Anything green-tea flavored
Green-tea Kit-Kat. Green-tea Pocky. Green-tea Oreos. Need I say more?
5. Mochi (the real kind, not the ice cream ones)
Real mochi is chewy, sticky, and not nearly as sweet. They can also be filled with a variety of things, like red bean!
Note: It's also possible to make your own mochi -- I've made butter mochi myself, and blueberry mochi in particular tastes amazing! All you need is a box of mochiko that you can get from any Asian supermarket.
6. Taiyaki
It's a waffle filled with red bean (and occasionally ice cream) that's shaped like a fish. What's not to love?
Note: In Japan, there are some beliefs associated with whether you eat the head or the tail first. My go-to is whichever side looks tastier!
7. Yakult
It's basically a yogurt drink that tastes incredible. I've heard that it's good for when you're having stomach problems because it's filled with good bacteria and what-not, but whatever the case, this stuff is amazing and addicting... and it's probably not harmful to your health if you drink this often (which you will, trust me).
8. Rice crackers
Salty and a little sweet, these rice crackers are the perfect snack. They're so tasty that you'll want to eat more than one pack!
9. White Rabbit candies
Like a... Tootsie roll, but INFINITELY BETTER. It melts on your tongue in a mouthful of creamy sweetness. (They seem harder to find these days, so if you see any, BUY IT IMMEDIATELY. And share.)
Note: Yes, the candy (once the wrapper's off) is wrapped in rice paper. And yes, it's edible.
10. Shrimp chips
Like all chips, these can be unhealthy if you eat too many too often, but unlike other chips, shrimp chips seem to be even more addicting. They're crunchy, tasty, and salty, and -- next to snapea crisps -- are one of my favorite go-to snacks. One Ziploc bag of these in my backpack and I'm good to go for the day, snack-wise.
Note: Yes, they taste like shrimp. No, the flavor's not too strong. (Just try them, 'kay?)
If you want to try any of these Asian junk food delicacies, check out stores like these: Mitsuwa, Tokyo Central, Hong Kong Supermarket, DAISO, 99 Ranch, 168 Asian Mart, etc.
Click here for Ten More Asian Snacks That You Need To Try
