To many in America, Asia is a strange place and think most everything is odd. I personally think this is because they’ve never experienced any kind of Asian culture, because we’re all basically the same. What may seem different is food choices, things most Americans think of as odd food choices in Japan are perfectly normal, and vice versa. One polarizing food is the humble Kit-Kat. In America we only have chocolate, but in Japan there are tons of vanities of this classic candy. Here are just a few entries that may be a bit odd for American tastes.
Hokkaido Melon and Cheese
When you think sweet snack, you may not think of this combination, but the cheese is actually cream cheese, so it’s not that bad. I personally am not a fan of most melons, but the taste isn’t that bad. It’s got an interesting fruity flavor that’s softened a bit by the addition of cream cheese… almost ice cream like. If you’d like to give them a try, get them here when they’re back in stock.
Roasted Corn
Yeah you read it right, roasted corn. “What kind of cruel trick have the candy gods played upon us?” you ask with an expression sadder than a child who doesn’t get to pet a puppy. Stop being such a baby. In many cultures corn is made into many desserts, even Ice cream.
I’ve had corn in dessert settings, and it’s not my favorite, but I understand why people like it. It pairs well with something like ice cream, especially sweet corn. This particular flavor is extremely hard to find, but if I ever got my hands on some, I think I’d give them a try.
Cough Drops
Thankfully this is only a limited time offer to coincide with this year’s FIFA World cup matches and sport soccer commentator Yasutaro Matsuki. According to Nestle, each Kit Kat has a dose of 2.1 % throat lozenge mixed in with the chocolate. The power is supposed to taste fresh and invigorating. Not sure most people want either in their chocolate, but who knows.
Potato
I had these a long time ago and I was not a fan. It was very much like instant mashed potatoes mixed with a zebra Hershey’s Kiss. I’m certain there’s a market for them, but I have no idea who that would be.
Sake
These are not for kids. These have actual sake (rice wine) inside them. Like most alcoholic sweets a little goes a long way as evident by this YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L62VP7Y5bPo
Courtsey Youtube
They also make a sake that is Kit Kat Flavored, so if you’re feeling adventurous, go pick the candy up here.
If you want to cut out the middle man and go straight to the alcohol you can find it here.
There are plenty more examples of good ones such as cherry, mystery ones such as Exotic Tokyo, and some downright horrible ones such as European Cheese. The point is, go outside your comfort zone and try something new, you might surprise yourself. If you’re interested in trying new Kit Kat flavors, look for them right here.