Posted on 03/14/2015 10:09:28 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Japan is the de facto world capital of odd flavors for popular American snacks. From 'salty watermelon' to 'clam chowder' here are 12 flavors of Pepsi, Doritos, and more too wacky to dream up if you tried.
Wasabi Kit Kats? Tuna Mayonnaise Doritos? Cucumber Pepsi? No, these aren't the results of manatee idea balls (we think). These Franken-snacks actually exist (or have existed) for public consumption in Japan. Although other countries in Asia, like Taiwan, have their own interpretations of Western-style snack foods, the de facto world capital of odd flavors is considered to be the Land of the Rising Sun.
But what's the deal with Japan's fascination with novelty, especially when it comes to food? As TIME explains, the Japanese economy is fueled by innovation — something that's apparent in its contributions to technology. On the other hand, Japanese tastes are very fickle, which leads to companies testing the limits when it comes to introducing new and unusual treats to the market. Sometimes, these odd flavors stick around or become an annual tradition; often, they vanish, only to live on in the "craziest snack food" lists that populate the Internet. (Hey...just like this one!)
Below, we've rounded up an assortment of familiar Western-style foods with a Japanese twist. They'll either have you scratching your head in bemusement or wondering how you can procure these goodies for yourself. (Unfortunately, several of these items may have been discontinued.)
Kit Kats are a popular treat among the Japanese, mainly because the name of the snack translates to a variation of "good luck" in their native tongue. Unlike here in the States, the choice of Kit Kat flavors extends well beyond plain ol' chocolate. Behold some of Japan's more unorthodox Kit Kat offerings:
What is it? Wasabi Kit Kat
(Excerpt) Read more at csmonitor.com ...
I have had dried salted octopus before. It was pretty good. Like seafood jerky.
The anchovy flavored oatmeal in Japan is the worst flavor of anything I’ve ever had
Would you eat them with oyster crackers?
Do you have to get up early to milk the strawberries?
‘salty watermelon’
The Welsh side of my family has always put salt on watermelon. It’s a great taste! I also like Mr. Squid and dried Jellyfish.
For those still Jonsing for Japanese food, if you do not live in a big city, you can buy it on eBay. Often.
The best thing to put on watermelon is feta cheese.
Wow, that’s challenging. I love feta and watermelon, but together sounds scary. I would try the clam chowder doritos however.
You can get items on Amazon. Green Tea Kit Kats and Strawberry can be purchased in the 5- 6.50 range with free shipping.
There are a lot of rave reviews about Tempo Facial Tissue. I have ordered some just to see what the fuss is about.
Amazon and Ebay are a great place to try new things.
I am a member of Prime. Based on what I have seen with the way they ship things..I can see why they don’t turn a profit. Often things get shipped overnight because they didn’t get their act together to ship on a two day delivery schedule - even when ordered on a Friday and they had all weekend to get the package togather.
Uh oh, what is Tempo Facial Tissue?
Salt on cantaloupe. Heaven!!
And feta on watermelon is so good.
I’d try a lot of things, including Japanese snack foods, but I draw the line at raw horse meat ice cream.
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