Whenever I get wind of news that my friends are heading to Japan, I don’t hesitate to shamelessly tompang just to get my hands on all the glorious grub. Think mochi, ramen and matcha green tea – you name it, I want it.
If you’re not as shameless as me and would prefer not to be a total burden to your friends, here are some of the amazing treats you can actually find right here in Singapore – straight from the Land of the Rising Sun:
Originating from Otaru, LeTAO has been serving up sweet treats since 1998. Since it’s arrival in Singapore, it has become the new hotspot for cake-lovers in town and the Double Fromage Cheesecake ($28 for 12cm cake) is its star attraction.
With a non-baked cheesecake stacked onto the crumbly pastry below, expect a harmonious combination of textures which will tantalize your tastebuds. Enjoy the rich creamy flavour in every mouthful that you devour.
Where to get this: 2 Orchard Turn, #B1-K7 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 8799 3551
Website
Fruit juices and teas are always a refreshing treat, and now you can get the best of both worlds.
Instead of the usual apple juice or Earl Grey tea, opt for MARIGOLD UJI CHA Momo Green Tea. The soothing blend of green tea and sweet momo (Japanese white peach) puree will rejuvenate your weary soul without fail.
Alternatively, give the MARIGOLD UJI CHA Yuzu Green Tea a shot. Sip on the harmonious combination of green tea and yuzu juice as you calm your overworked mind.
All ingredients are sourced from Japan so you’re guaranteed an authentic Japanese tea experience!
Where to get this: Any FairPrice, Giant, Cold Storage, Sheng Siong or Prime supermarket near you!
Website
Once you start digging into Potato Farm’s Jaga Pokkuru, you won’t be able to stop. You might recognise these packets of goodness as the ones flying off the shelves at Japanese airports. These addictive munchies are perfectly salted and will instantly sate your craving for a savoury snack.
Where to get this: Burlington Square, 175 Bencoolen Street #01-14, Singapore 189649
Opening hours: 12PM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 8168 6935
Website
It seems like every amazing KitKat flavour has come from Japan. These include the matcha and sakura (cherry blossom) flavoured ones that we never fail to hanker after.
If you’ve taken a fancy to wasabi and you love chocolate, the Wasabi KitKat is the next big thing to lay your hands on. Besides this unconventional flavour, also keep an eye out for the Strawberry Cheesecake and Azuki (red bean) KitKat in this ShiokJapan outlet tucked away in Burlington Square.
Where to get this: Burlington Square 175 Bencoolen Street #01-14, Singapore 189649
Opening hours: 12PM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 8168 6935
Website
Also check out our list of Japanese supermarkets in Singapore for more Jap treats!
Jack ‘n’ Jill is not a foreign brand to most of us – we’ve probably tried their BBQ or Sour Cream & Onion chips before, but how about their Salmon Sashimi Potato Chips? This strange snack may put you off initially, but try some and you just might be fishing for more.
In fact, there are other unconventional chip flavours such as Takoyaki which are on the market, so scour through their online store to be the one who snags them all.
Mentaiko (pollock roe) is almost essential in many Japanese dishes. It’s not a commodity for Singaporeans, but the tides have turned with this Mentai Style Toast Spread ($8.90).
Use it to switch up your mundane breakfast routine for something a little more special, or when you’re whipping up an impressive Japanese-style lunch for bae.
Where to get this: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road #B2-17/18, Singapore 238839
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 9168 1817
Website
For those with a sweet tooth, Lotte’s Yukimi Daifuku Mochi Ice Cream is bound to delight your senses. The chewy mochi encasing the milky ice cream is a match made in heaven.
Choose from a plethora of flavours including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. They’re also available in mini bite-sized versions which are great for parties. These gems can be found at several J-Mart and Fish Mart Sakuraya outlets around the island so do keep a look out for them!
Where to get this:
Find the list of J-Mart stores here.
Find the list of Fish Mart Sakuraya stores here.
Asahi Mitsuya Cider Candy ($4.20) is an upgraded version of the usual popping candy that we see around. Originating from Mitsuya cider itself, it manages to retain the sweet and fizzy flavour of the soda. Pop a few of these little jewels in your bag and you won’t be falling asleep in the next hour-long lecture you get stuck in.
Where to get this: Clarke Quay Central #B1-28B, 6 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059817
Opening hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6534 9518
Website
Here’s another snack for your next movie marathon at home. Calbee Jagariko comes in various flavours such as butter, cheese and even salad if you’re trying to negate your guilt for all the unhealthy snacking.
These little tubs of mouthwatering goodness are bound to get you hooked after the first potato stick. You won’t be able to stop even if you’re plagued with guilt, but trust me – it’ll be worth it.
Where to get this: Clarke Quay Central #B1-28B, 6 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059817
Opening hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6534 9518
Website
Just like KitKats, the coolest Pocky flavours originate from Japan. Pocky biscuits are neither new nor novel, but their kickass flavours sure are. Skip the usual ones such as chocolate, strawberry and even matcha. Instead, make a beeline for the more elusive ones coated with Azuki, Orange Peel or Chocolate Almond ($6.50 each).
Where to get this: Clarke Quay Central #B1-28B, 6 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059817
Opening hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6534 9518
Website
Savour this unbaked cheesecake imported from Hokkaido Source
When Singaporeans put “Japan” and “cheese” together, we can’t help recall the BAKE cheese tarts that attracted 3-hour long queues. But that’s not the only noteworthy cheesy product that hails from Japan.
One look at this photo of the Hokushin Rare Cheese Cake and you can almost imagine the silky, pudding-like cake melting in your mouth. This famous dessert flown in from Hokkaido is a must-try for all cheesecake lovers out there. Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, this rich creation is bound to give you a run for your money.
Where to get this: Liang Court #B1-31, 177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
It’s not a rarity for us to overlook the insane variety of grub actually available in our little red dot. Scout out the more obscure and hidden places to lay your hands on treats you never knew you could find in Singapore.
UJI CHA uses only top-notch green tea from Uji, Kyoto.
At the end of your binging session, wash everything down with MARIGOLD’s new green tea creations and you’ll be going to bed with a happy belly.
MARIGOLD UJI CHA Momo Green Tea infuses green tea with momo (Japanese white peach) puree from the Yamanashi Prefecture. The sweetness of the fruit complements the tea base well, creating an aromatic and invigorating tea drinking experience.
For a more citrusy twist, go for the MARIGOLD UJI CHA Yuzu Green Tea. This sweet-sour combination boasts freshly squeezed yuzu juice from Kochi Prefecture and is bound to give you that little extra kick.
These thirst quenchers will be a refreshing change from the usual teas or juices you’ve been downing daily. What’s even better is that both concoctions are made with natural ingredients sourced from Japan and high in Vitamin C, so you can safely put the fitspo in you at ease.
This post was brought to you by MARIGOLD.
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